About Us
Explore • Discover • Educate • Respect
Mining Matters is a national charitable organization dedicated to educating young people to develop knowledge and awareness of Earth sciences, the minerals industry and their roles in society. We provide current information about rocks, minerals, metals, mining and the diverse career opportunities available in the minerals industry. Mining Matters offers exceptional educational resources that meet provincial curriculum expectations, created by educators and Earth science experts.
Mining Matters has reached an estimated 860,000 teachers, students and members of the public since its inception in 1994.
Goals of Mining Matters
- Involve youth in exploring Earth sciences and the minerals industry through meaningful learning activities and innovative STEM education programs.
- Provide engaging hands-on mineral resources programming and practical mining educational opportunities for Indigenous youth.
- Equip teachers with curriculum-linked classroom resources and offer professional development training to effectively teach curricula related to mineral resources, exploration, mining, and Earth science.
- Inform youth about career opportunities in mining and mineral exploration industries.
Programs and Outreach
Indigenous Communities Education and Outreach Programs
We work with community, corporate and government partners to support our Mining Rocks Earth Science Programs and facilitate future employment in the minerals resource sector.
Our in-person programs engage Indigenous youth, educators, and community members in hands-on Earth science activities and field trips, providing the opportunity to develop skills, competencies and knowledge while promoting awareness of careers in the industry.
We develop customized GEMS Resource Kits to engage communities who may lack the connectivity required to participate in online programs. Youth and children are able to enjoy Earth science activities and learn about Geology, Engineering, Mining, and Sustainability. Kits include up to 13 activities and are fully equipped with supplies and pre-recorded instructions.
Teacher Training and School Programs
We work with teachers and students at all levels, promoting the importance of rocks, metals, minerals, and mining and Canada’s geology.
Students experience STEM activities and hands-on learning, investigate Earth science careers, and engage with industry experts and partners from mineral exploration and mining industries through our virtual and in-person school programs.
Teachers receive Earth science resources developed by teachers for teachers that meet provincial curricula guidelines and the training to successfully implement the classroom activities.
Outreach Programs
We develop awareness and knowledge with the public and promote careers at gem and mineral shows, industry trade shows, educational events, and career fairs across Canada.
At the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show, and Investors Exchange, we showcase our achievements.
Partnership Programs
We build partnerships with museums, universities, libraries, and STEM organizations to reach people in all regions of the country.
Partners are provided with tools and resources to facilitate Earth science-themed activities in camps and classrooms.
We collaborate with groups and organizations to deliver virtual and in-person workshops about rocks, minerals, metals, and mining.
Mining Matters Far and Wide
Our History
Mining Matters was established based on the model developed by MineralsEd, formerly known as the Mineral Resources Education Program of British Columbia. In 1990, the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) was confronted by industry surveys showing that the public perception of the mineral industry was extremely negative or that there was no perception at all. At the same time, the province’s teachers were telling MABC officials that most of the information on the province’s mining sector was 20-30 years out of date. In 1991, these problems sparked a formal partnership between MABC, the Ministry of Education, and the B.C. Teachers' Federation. The result was the formation of the Mineral Resources Education Program of British Columbia. The innovative partnership allowed teachers to produce mining-related classroom resources aligned with curriculum requirements. Industry representatives, government officials, and environmental groups were all consulted. In addition, a vital component of the program focused on teacher workshops which provided in-depth instruction on how to use these resources in the classroom.
In 1994, the Chair of the Education Committee of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada established a goal of providing children with balanced information on mining to enable them to make informed decisions in the future regarding the minerals industry.
It was noted that the success of the MABC education initiative was due to development of resources by active classroom teachers with technical input from the industry.
“Mining Matters” was conceived on this model – by teachers for teachers.
Over that summer, three teachers were hired to design a bilingual unit for Ontario schools. Between 1994 and 1996, over 2,000 resource kits were assembled and distributed though teacher workshops focused on the urban areas of Toronto and Ottawa.
In 1997, Mining Matters registered as an independent charitable organization; one that is driven by a dedicated volunteer board of directors and a passionate team. In recognition of the important roles of Indigenous people in the industry, we introduced programs for Indigenous youth in partnership with communities in 2001. Expansion across Canada was enabled with the implementation of a robust fund development strategy in 2005.
Since its inception, Mining Matters has brought balanced and accurate information to classrooms, camps, and communities all over Canada, reaching an estimated 860,000 students, teachers and members of the public to date.
Our long-standing collaborative educational partnership with the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada has been critical to our success. We are grateful for the ongoing confidence they have placed in our mission to raise young people’s awareness of Earth science, the Canadian mineral exploration and mining industries, and the role they play in our lives.
