Staff and services (January 01, 2002)

The Ontario Mining Association (OMA), founded in 1920, represents companies engaged in the environmentally responsible exploration, production and processing of minerals in the province. While most mining activities are located in Northern Ontario, companies mining salt and industrial minerals in Southern Ontario are also members of the Association. In addition, there is a class of associate members.

On behalf of its members, the OMA has a broad range of responsibilities. Its three main functions are government relations, education and public relations. In this regard, the OMA:

informs government of industry problems and the implications of government policy for the industry;

notifies member companies of legislative, policy and regulatory matters affecting the industry;

provides training and educational services to its members;

promotes the mining industry to governments and the public; and

creates forums for members to exchange information on matters of common interest and concern.

For more information on Ontario’s mining industry or membership in the OMA, please contact the office at Atrium-on-Bay, 40 Dundas Street West, Suite 320, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C2; Tel: (416) 364-9301, Fax: (416) 364-5986; or at our web site www.oma.on.ca.

Committees

The Association has a number of active committees–Energy, Environmental, Financial Assurance, Taxation, Hoist Plant, Mine Rehabilitation, Mining Rules, Safety & Training and Workers’ Compensation & Occupational Health. These groups of volunteers from member companies, generally with an OMA staff person in the role of secretary, support the Association in its government relations, safety, training and communications functions.

There is a wide variety of committees, reflecting the diverse nature of the Association’s work and the large number of ministries it deals with on various issues. Sub-committees, or task forces, are often established to handle one particular issue that may be beyond the scope or resources of a standing committee.

As well as having these internal committees, the OMA participates in several broader coalitions or groups, supporting particular concepts and goals. These multi-sectoral groups address environmental, energy, general business, taxation, labour relations and workers’ compensation issues. The OMA participates in efforts such as the Employers’ Council of Ontario, the Stakeholders Alliance in Electricity for Competition and Customer Choice, the Employers Alliance for Fair Taxation, the Mining Matters education program of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, Mining Works for Canada, and the John T. Ryan National Safety Trophies competition. Also, the OMA maintains a broad level of support and co-operation with other mining-related associations and organizations in Ontario and across Canada.

Staff Organization

Ontario Mining Association President Patrick Reid is assisted by John Blogg, Secretary and Manager of Industrial Relations; Peter McBride, Manager of Communications with responsibility for energy issues; Barbara Mossop, Manager of Environmental and Engineering Services; Paulette Washer, Office Manager; and Dawn K. Inks, Senior Secretary. Jena Michellutti is on contract working on special environmental projects.

Contact us through the internet

The Ontario Mining Association’s web site can be found at www.oma.on.ca. This electronic location contains news about the Association and its activities along with general industry information and links with member companies and related organizations. OMA staff members can be reached at the following e-mail addresses: