Mineral exploration and mineral processing are needed for all materials used in society.SUPPLIED
Every day, Canadians rely on minerals without even thinking about it. Your phone, your clothing, your transportation, your medical care, your shelter and even your clean water all depend on materials that come from the earth. Minerals make modern life possible, yet the people who find them usually work far from public view.
Geologists and prospectors have a long-standing relationship with the land. Their work blends science, exploration and patience. They spend long hours outdoors, moving through forests, tundra, muskeg, deserts and mountain slopes, and working along rivers and lakes in all seasons. They study rocks, landforms, plants, water and wildlife to understand how the planet formed and where valuable minerals might be found. Many may gather insight from Indigenous knowledge keepers who share insights about landscapes and sustainable practices. These explorers develop a strong respect for nature because their work depends on reading the land with care.
Bruce Downing, Geoscientist Consultant at the University of SaskatchewanSUPPLIED
Their discoveries shape the world we live in. Without mineral exploration and mineral processing, we would not have technology, medicine or infrastructure that supports modern society. Much of what we consider basic essentials begins with minerals and rocks that someone had the skill and curiosity to recognize. Now, think about the essentials you rely on every day. Clean water, clothing, electricity, phones and computers all come from minerals. Even hospitals and medical care depend on them. If you use any of these, then you already benefit from resource extraction (mining). Whether we think about it or not, minerals support our quality of life. If we want to maintain that standard, responsible resource development must continue, supported by informed decisions that balance environmental care, cultural values, long-term sustainability and economic needs.
This leads to important discussions. Who owns the minerals beneath the ground? Do minerals have a right to be developed when they can benefit society? Some communities around the world have begun to give legal status to certain rivers and ecosystems. This raises a new question for the future: could major mineral deposits also be given some form of legal recognition once they are fully defined. These conversations invite society to think differently about resources and stewardship.
Donna Beneteau, Associate Professor in Geological Engineering at the University of SaskatchewanSUPPLIED
To help spark these discussions, we created a simple sticker that asks: What have you done today that did not involve a mineral? We have shared it with students and colleagues in Saskatchewan and handed it out at the RoundUp conference in Vancouver.
No matter where it appears, the message starts conversations. It works as a friendly way to engage the public, students, policymakers and anyone curious about how minerals shape their daily life. The sticker is free for anyone to use. There are no trademarks or restrictions.
It can be downloaded at www.beyondgeology.com under the blog section, and a companion video is available under resources. Companies can include the design in presentations, education materials or outreach campaigns – and individuals can give it away at events or social gatherings.
Minerals and rocks belong to everyone. They are part of Earth’s deep history and a foundation for our shared future. As people learn more about where everyday materials come from, it may be time to recognize this connection on a global scale. One idea is the creation of a World Mineral Day, which would celebrate the importance of minerals in society and encourage thoughtful conversations about how they are used. We welcome your ideas and your participation as we explore this possibility. After all, life literally rocks.
Bruce Downing, a geoscientist based in Langley, B.C., combines research, education, geochemistry and industry expertise. Donna Beneteau, an associate professor in geological engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, combines academic insight with industry experience in mining.
Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications with the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.