Mining
Mining is a Crucial Industry for Manitoba
Mining is a Crucial Industry for Manitoba
Presented by: Mining Association of Manitoba
Mining in Manitoba had humble beginnings. Settlers of the province needed non-metallic raw materials, and began to extract salt from brine springs and stone locally for building materials.
However, the mining industry has changed dramatically since those days. Communities such as Thompson, Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids, Bissett, and Lac du Bonnet were built on great mining deposits.
Today the mining industry is one of the most important sources of wealth in the province, consisting of 6% of the Gross Provincial Product. $1.3 billion of minerals were produced in 2013, and the workforce is approximately 3,200 people.
In terms of size, mining is the fourth largest primary industry in the province behind agriculture, hydro, and oil production.
Mining provides some of the safest and highest paying jobs in Manitoba. In terms of safety (lost time accidents) mining has dramatically improved over the years. In fact, mining boasted fewer cases of time loss injuries compared to other industry sectors such as agriculture, transportation, construction, manufacturing, and trade.
Salaries are also very high in mining compared to other industrial sectors. For example, the average salary in mining in Manitoba is $90,000, while other sectors took home between $55,000 and $60,000 on average.
In 2014, Manitoba produced 11.8% of Canada’s nickel, 5.5% of Canada’s copper, 2.4% of Canada’s gold, 5.7% of Canada’s silver, and 23.6% of Canada’s zinc.
Yet, only 1.4% of the country’s mineral exploration expenditures are in the province.
Markets
An Investor’s Guide to Copper in 3 Charts
Explore three key insights into the future of the copper market, from soaring demand to potential supply constraints.

An Investor’s Guide to Copper
Copper is the world’s third-most utilized industrial metal and the linchpin of many clean energy technologies. It forms the vital connections in our electricity networks, grid storage systems, and electric vehicles.
In this graphic, sponsored by iShares, we dig into the forces that are set to shape the future of the copper landscape.
How Much Copper Do We Need?
Copper is poised to experience a remarkable 54% surge in demand from 2022 to 2050.
Here’s a breakdown of the expected demand for copper across clean energy technologies.
Technology | 2022 (kt) | 2050P (kt) |
---|---|---|
Electricity networks | 4364 | 8862 |
Other low emissions power generation | 93.7 | 142.2 |
Solar PV | 756.8 | 1879.8 |
Grid battery storage | 24.6 | 665.2 |
Wind | 453.5 | 1303.3 |
Hydrogen technologies | - | 0.22 |
Electric vehicles | 370 | 3582.9 |
Other uses | 19766 | 22382 |
Copper is vital in renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle batteries because of its high electrical conductivity and durability.
It ensures the effective transmission of electricity and heat, enhancing the overall performance and sustainability of these technologies.
The rising demand for copper in the clean energy sector underscores its critical role in the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
When Will Copper Demand Exceed Supply?
The burgeoning demand for copper has set the stage for looming supply challenges with a 22% gap predicted by 2031.
Given this metal’s pivotal role in clean energy and technological advancements, innovative mining and processing technologies could hold the key to boosting copper production and meeting the needs of a net-zero future.
Investing in Copper for a Prosperous Future
Investors looking for copper exposure may want to consider an ETF that tracks an index that offers access to companies focused on the exploration and mining of copper.

-
Markets5 days ago
Recession Risk: Which Sectors are Least Vulnerable?
We show the sectors with the lowest exposure to recession risk—and the factors that drive their performance.
-
GDP6 days ago
Visualizing U.S. GDP by Industry in 2023
Services-producing industries account for the majority of U.S. GDP in 2023, followed by other private industries and the government.
-
Markets6 days ago
Charted: The Industries Where Asian Companies are the Strongest
We look at the share of Asian companies in the top 3,000 global firms—measured by market capitalization in 2020—broken down by industry.
-
Globalization1 week ago
The Top 50 Largest Importers in the World
The value of global imports hit $25.6 trillion in 2022. Here are the world’s largest import countries, and their share of the global total.
-
Markets1 week ago
Ranked: The Biggest Retailers in the U.S. by Revenue
From Best Buy to Costco: we list out the biggest retailers in the U.S., and how much they earned from their stores in 2022.
-
Markets2 weeks ago
Visualizing 30 Years of Imports from U.S. Trading Partners
Nearly 60% of U.S. imports came from just four trade entities in 2023. We rank the top U.S. trading partners and show their growth over time.
-
Markets6 days ago
Charted: The Industries Where Asian Companies are the Strongest
-
Retail2 weeks ago
Ranked: Average Black Friday Discounts for Major Retailers
-
Brands2 weeks ago
Ranked: Fast Food Brands with the Most U.S. Locations
-
Markets2 weeks ago
Visualizing 30 Years of Imports from U.S. Trading Partners
-
Markets1 week ago
Ranked: The Biggest Retailers in the U.S. by Revenue
-
Globalization1 week ago
The Top 50 Largest Importers in the World
-
Maps1 week ago
Mapped: Which Countries Recognize Israel or Palestine, or Both?
-
Misc1 week ago
Ranked: America’s Best Universities