About Us

The Mining Association of Canada

The Mining Association of Canada is a national organization of the Canadian mining industry.  It comprises companies engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication.  Member companies account for the vast majority of Canada’s output of metals and major industrial minerals.  MAC was recently honoured by the Globe Foundation, winning the 2005 Industry Association Award for Environmental Performance.
 
The Mining Association of Canada was originally incorporated as "Canadian Metal Mining Association" under the Companies Act of Canada with Letters Patent granted on January 16, 1935.

MAC's mission is to promote, through the collective action of members, the growth and development of Canada's mining and mineral-processing industry, for the benefit of all Canadians. The Association's broad functions are to promote the interests of the industry nationally and internationally, to work with governments on policies affecting minerals, to inform the public and to promote cooperation between member firms to solve common problems. MAC works closely with provincial and other industry groups across Canada and in other countries.

The primary role of MAC is the presentation of industry information and views to the federal government. Over the years, ongoing representations have been made to succeeding governments and parliamentary committees.

MAC believes that a constructive business environment in Canada depends on public understanding of Canada's major industries.

In 2004, The Mining Association of Canada launched Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) , a stewardship initiative that aims to sustain the industry’s role as a leading economic player by increasing public trust in its ability to manage the environmental and social issues important to Canadians.  TSM is about earning one’s social license to operate.  It is about improving the mining industry’s reputation by improving performance, and aligning the industry’s actions with the priorities and values of its communities of interest.
 
MAC provides information about the mining industry to the media and to schools, libraries and other publics. Aside from responding to many enquiries, MAC has an extensive publications program.

A major part of the work of the Association is carried out by committees comprising functional experts from the mining industry.

At present, MAC committees are active in the following fields:
  • Customs and Sales Tax 
  • Diamond
  • Environment 
  • Gold 
  • Health 
  • Human Resources and Productivity 
  • Public Relations 
  • Taxation 
  • Trade Policy 
  • Transportation
Membership is open to all firms in mining and related businesses. Most companies with producing mines and plants are members. The Association also encourages small operators and exploration organizations, as well as firms in related businesses, to become members. All membership applications are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

For suppliers and others who support the objectives of MAC, but who are not directly in the mining business, a special category of Associate Member is provided. Associate Members are eligible to participate in MAC activities but are not eligible to become Directors of the Association.

MAC is governed by a Board of Directors. Representatives of all member companies are eligible for nomination to the Board. The Chairman and other officers of the Association are elected by the Board. The elected heads of provincial and territorial mining associations and chambers of mines are invited to serve as Honorary Directors during their terms of office.

The MAC office is located at 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1105, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7S8. The telephone number is (613) 233-9391 and fax number is (613) 233-8897.


The Mining Association of Canada - L'Association miniere du Canada