Minerals are naturally occurring geological formations. Compared to fossil fuels like coal and oil, minerals are inorganic compounds. This means that they are not from any animal or plant matter.
Canada is rich in mineral resources mined in different provinces and territories. We are considered one of the top producers of aluminum, nickel, potash, salt, sulphur, uranium, and more.
To help you understand Canadian mineral resources better, Group 11 Technologies shares this quick guide with you:
Regional Distribution
Canada has vast natural resources and exhibits rich minerals in different regions. For example, the Yukon territory is rich in mineral resources like gold, silver, and uranium. British Columbia is home to the largest uranium-producing mines in North America. It also has high-grade iron ore, copper, and other valuable minerals. The Northwest Territories has long been one of the most sought-after regions for diamond deposits and gold.
In Alberta, the oil reserves are high. This region has produced vast amounts of oil in the past. However, Alberta is also rich in minerals like salt, natural gas, and potash. Quebec has rich deposits of gold, silver, zinc, and copper. Saskatchewan is hailed as the largest potash-producing region of Canada. It is also rich in coal and uranium.
What Is the Canadian Shield?
From 1970 to 1975, the largest ever geological survey was conducted in Canada. This is when the concept of the Canadian Shield was created. The Canadian Shield is a vast region covering more than half of Canada. It is a massive area of igneous and pre-Cambrian rocks. It is a non-marine sedimentary area and comprises three sub-regions: Laurentian Uplands, Hudson Bay Lowlands, and Western Flood Basalt Province.
The Shield is made up of igneous and pre-Cambrian rocks. It stretches from the Labrador Sea on the East Coast to Great Slave Lake in the West. It is also found in the Arctic Islands of Canada and parts of the Northwest Territories. This is the area where most Canadian mineral resources are extracted. The mining companies in Canada depend on this region because it has the biggest share of Canadian mineral resources.
What Is the Interior Platform?
The Interior Platform is a region in western Canada. It is a flat, low-lying landmass that makes up the western-central part of Canada. The region is home to the Canadian Shield and is the second-largest region in Canada.
The Interior Platform is where most mining companies in Canada have their mining sites. This area is rich in minerals, mineral resources, and other valuable rocks like gold, copper, and diamonds. The Interior Platform also has some of the longest sedimentary basins in Canada. In this region, the Athabasca Oil Sands and the Oil Sands Project are located.
The Canadian Shield and the Interior Platform are the two central regions home to most Canadian mineral resources.
Canadian Cordillera
The region is home to six of the seven provinces. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec are all situated in this region. It is also home to some of the largest Canadian cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Fort McMurray, and Toronto.
Canadian Cordillera is rich in minerals. It is home to many gold, silver, and diamond mines. It is also rich in construction materials like limestone and marble. The Canadian Cordillera has many limestone deposits and is rich in many minerals.
Innuitian Orogen
To the west of the Canadian Cordillera extends the Innuitian Orogeny. This area is also rich in minerals and minerals that include gold, diamonds, and other precious gemstones. The Innuitian Orogeny is a mountainous region that has enormous amounts of precious metals and minerals.
Appalachian Orogen
The Appalachian Orogen is another mineral-rich region to the east of the Canadian Cordillera. It has many precious metals and gemstones like gold, platinum, and more. The Appalachian Orogen is a region that extends from the Labrador Sea to the Great Lakes. This area is rich in coal, iron, and other valuable minerals.
Conclusion
Our vast mineral resources are a benefit to us. Canada has rich deposits of different minerals extracted by various sectors. For example, diamonds are used in jewelry and precious gems, while other minerals like salt and phosphate are used for agricultural purposes. From the graphite of pencils to the uranium used in medical treatments, Canada’s mineral resources are a great help to us and Group 11 Technologies ensures that mineral extraction done in the country is environmentally friendly.
Group 11 Technologies offers environmental mining solutions that are preferable to other methods. Contact us today to know about our services!