Thunder Bay becoming mining and exploration service hub

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission is taking steps to brand the city as a mining supply and services hub by unveiling its new on-line goods and services directory.

The directory lists everything drilling companies to grocery stores. There are also government and First Nation links. The website was unveiled at the annual Northwestern Ontario Mines and Minerals Symposium in Thunder Bay, April 7.

Economic development officer Richard Pohler said it's an information tool, not only for miners and exploration companies to find out what Thunder Bay has to offer, but it's also to build awareness among local companies to take advantage of these opportunities.

"There are lots of companies that used to deal with the forest products industry that have said that market is changing and we need to find new markets to diversify.

"If you're a metal fabricator and you're making a widget you can make a gidget. It's just designed a bit differently, but the expertise level is there."

The mining sector has a huge impact in northwestern Ontario and the Far North.

Operating mines at Red Lake, Musselwhite, Lac des Iles, Hemlo and Victor have a production value of between $1 billion and $1.5 billion annually and put more than 2,000 people to work. About half that workforce is based in Thunder Bay.

There are 158 junior miners working more than 300 exploration projects in the northwest. Twenty of those companies, including Canada Chrome and Premier Gold, have their headquarters or have set up field offices in the city.

Though the city's mining supply sector is still in its infancy, an estimated between 300 to 400 Thunder Bay jobs cater to the industry.

Helicopter traffic in and out of Thunder Bay International Airport have increased 15 per cent in last five years including 4,394 movements in 2009.

A 2007 client survey conducted by the airport indicated 68 of 402 respondents were travelling through the airport on mining-related business.