The Minerals and Metals Sector (MMS) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is the federal government's main source of minerals- and metals-related economic and scientific knowledge, including statistics, sustainable development, commodities, technological expertise, and policy advice. MMS works with other federal departments and agencies to ensure that federal policies and strategies that have an impact on the minerals and metals industry are consistent with sustainable minerals development and use in Canada and around the world.

How We Are Organized

The Minerals and Metals Sector is led by Anil Arora, Assistant Deputy Minister, and comprises five branches:

• CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory
  
• CANMET Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories
  
• Explosives Safety and Security Branch
  
• Minerals, Metals and Materials Knowledge Branch
  
• Minerals, Metals and Materials Policy Branch
  

Sector Organization Chart (PDF)

The responsibilities of each of these branches are outlined below.

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CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory
(CANMET-MTL)

568 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0G1

Jennifer Jackman, Director General
Tel.: 613-944-5135, Fax: 613-992-8735
E-mail: jennifer.jackman@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

In collaboration with industry, CANMET–MTL develops and deploys technologies to improve all aspects of producing and using value-added products from minerals and metals. Specifically, CANMET–MTL focuses on research related to metal casting, forming, and joining, and maintains in-depth competencies for materials performance assessment, microstructural characterization, corrosion prevention, physical and mechanical testing, prototype fabrication, and advanced materials development to:

• achieve higher performance from metal alloys and metal- or mineral-based materials for a wide range of end-use applications;
• develop advanced structural materials for next-generation vehicles;
• improve the reliability of Canada’s energy infrastructure, such as oil and gas pipelines and clean electric power generation systems;
• develop specialized materials for industrial systems to help Canadian companies use energy efficiently and reduce air emissions and waste;
• provide sound technical input to standards and codes development;
• promote innovation and enhance the competitiveness of Canada’s natural resources and related products industries; and
• assist Canadian firms to use more efficient production techniques, resulting in energy and cost savings.

For information on how CANMET–MTL can benefit your organization, contact:

Alexander (Sandy) Davidson
Business Development Manager
CANMET–MTL
Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
568 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0G1

Tel.: 613-995-8814, Fax: 613-992-8735
E-mail: alexander.davidson@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

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CANMET Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories (CANMET-MMSL)

555 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0G1

Dr. Magdi Habib, Director General
Tel.: 613-995-4776, Fax: 613-992-8928
E-mail: magdi.habib@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

CANMET-MMSL focuses on research and development in the following main areas of mining, processing, and related environmental issues:

• ground control;
• mine mechanization/automation;
• underground mine environment;
• metallurgical processing;
• mineralogy;
• mining effluents;
• tailings and waste rock; and
• metals in the environment.

CANMET-MMSL's international reputation for technical excellence in conventional mineral processing is augmented by recognized leadership in developing technological solutions to reduce the environmental liabilities facing the minerals industry, as well as innovation in relation to mining extraction technologies.

Wherever possible, CANMET-MMSL works in partnership with industry, provincial/territorial governments, universities, and other research institutes. Current activities focus on three principal strategic directions:

• promoting sustainable development by finding technically sound solutions to environmental problems;
• improving industry competitiveness through enhanced productivity; and
• improving health and safety in the underground mining environment.

For additional information on how CANMET-MMSL can benefit your company, contact:

Business Affairs
CANMET-MMSL
Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
555 Booth Street, Room 226
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0G1

Tel.: 613-992-7392, Fax: 613-947-0983
E-mail: canmet-mmsl@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

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Explosives Safety and Security Branch (ESSB)

1431 Merivale Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0G1

Kiran Hanspal, Director General
Tel.: 613-948-5181, Fax: 613-948-5195
E-mail: kiran.hanspal@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

The Explosives Safety and Security Branch (ESSB) is responsible for administering the Explosives Act and regulations, and pursuing the advancement of explosives safety and security technology. ESSB's principal priority is the safety and security of the public and of all workers involved in the explosives industry in Canada.

Through the Explosives Regulatory Division, the Branch provides services and support to the explosives industry, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users of explosives. Recently, an enrolment program for suppliers of explosives precursor chemicals (Restricted Components) was put in place.

The CANMET Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory conducts science and technology related to the safety and security of explosives, including blasting explosives, explosive precursors, fireworks, pyrotechnic articles, propellant powders, and ammunition.

Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD)

Chris Watson, Director and Chief Inspector of Explosives
Tel.: 613-948-5170, Fax: 613-948-5195
E-mail: christopher.watson@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

The Division administers Canada’s Explosives Act and regulations through a system of licences and permits supported by a compliance inspection program. The importation, manufacture, storage, sale, and some aspects of transportation by road of explosives, propellants, fireworks, and other pyrotechnics in Canada are controlled through the headquarters office in Ottawa and regional offices across the country. Key products and services provided are:

• Licences for the manufacture, storage, and sale of explosives;
• Importation permits;
• Product authorization and classification;
• Enrolment for suppliers of explosives precursor chemicals (Restricted Components);
• Fireworks supervisor and pyrotechnician certification;
• Explosives safety- and security-related publications; and
• Family fireworks safety information.

For information on specific items, call the general enquiries line at 613-948-5200 or visit ERD’s web site.

CANMET Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory (CANMET–CERL)

Phil Lightfoot, Director
Tel.: 613-947-7534, Fax: 613-995-1230
E-mail: phil.lightfoot@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

CANMET-CERL is Canada's national centre for the advancement of technology related to the safety and security of explosives. It is the only Canadian facility of its kind for testing equipment for use in hazardous locations. CANMET-CERL is accredited as a testing laboratory under ISO/IEC Guide 17025.

CANMET-CERL provides a variety of services to clients including:

• blast vulnerability assessments and advice on blast mitigation;
• testing and certification of equipment for use in hazardous locations (explosive atmospheres);
• testing of explosives, fireworks, pyrotechnics and other energetic materials for classification and authorization by the Explosives Regulatory Division under the Explosives Act;
• assessment of the hazards associated with energetic materials to improve process safety;
• research into the properties of energetic materials;
• development and testing of explosives-related applications; and
• analysis and identification of explosives.

For information on how CANMET-CERL can benefit your company, contact:

Brian Beard
Business Coordination
CANMET Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory
Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
555 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0G1

Tel.: 613-995-8917, Fax: 613-995-1230
E-mail: brian.beard@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

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Minerals, Metals and Materials Knowledge Branch (MMMKB)

580 Booth Street, 10th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0E4

Christiane Villemure, Director General
Tel.: 613-996-5330, Fax: 613-943-8453
E-mail: christiane.villemure@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

MMMKB is the leading source of knowledge on minerals, metals, and materials. It contributes to NRCan’s strategic outcomes by:

• delivering on federal legislative and regulatory obligations;
  
• providing expert knowledge, policy advice, and support on economic, fiscal, statistical, trade, environment, and market access issues; and
  
• contributing to the development and implementation of Canadian standards and policies.

The core functions of MMMKB are to collect and publish statistics and to deliver national policies and programs related to the materials life cycle and the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry. MMMKB generates, analyzes, and disseminates knowledge on the minerals, metals, and materials value chain (including exploration, production, and recycling) and delivers on the department’s mandated commitments under the Income Tax Act, the Excise Act, the Department of Natural Resources Act, and the Resources and Technical Surveys Act, providing tax rulings and opinions and delivering the national statistics program for minerals and mining. MMMKB also administers Canada’s Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act and Regulations.

Industry and Commodity Analysis Division
Pierre Ricard-Desjardins, Director
Tel.: 613-943-6993, Fax: 613-943-8450
E-mail: pierre.ricard-desjardins@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Industry Economics and Taxation Division
James Lauer, Director
Tel.: 613-995-5301, Fax: 613-943-8453
E-mail: james.lauer@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Minerals and Mining Statistics Division
Gabrielle FitzGerald, Acting Director
Tel.: 613-947-2406, Fax: 613-992-5565
E-mail: gabrielle.fitzgerald@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

S&T Publications and Knowledge Dissemination Division
Jacinthe Bercier, Chief
Tel.: 613-943-8236, Fax: 613-996-5471
E-mail: jacinthe.bercier@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

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Minerals, Metals and Materials Policy Branch (MMMPB)

580 Booth Street, 10th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0E4

Ginny Flood, Director General
Tel.: 613-996-5309, Fax: 613-952-7501
E-mail: ginny.flood@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

The Minerals, Metals and Materials Policy Branch plays a multi-faceted strategic, horizontal, and integrating role in the advancement of policies, science, regulations, and knowledge that increase the contribution of the minerals, metals, and materials industries to Canada by:

• providing policy and strategic advice;
  
• providing leadership and direction in the conceptualization, implementation, monitoring, and creation of interdepartmental, interjurisdictional, and international linkages and responses to strategic policy priorities;
  
• promoting the development and monitoring of strategic linkages with key stakeholders; and
  
• providing leadership in the alignment of MMS with government and departmental priorities, goals and objectives, including implementing integrated business planning and reporting.

Special Advisor to the Director General
Leonard Surges
Tel.: 613-947-0130, Fax: 613-952-7501
E-mail: leonard.surges@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Sectoral Coordination and Planning Division
David McNabb, Director
Tel.: 613-996-3286, Fax: 613-952-7501
E-mail: david.mcnabb@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Strategic Outreach and Partnerships Division
Patrick Chevalier, Director
Tel.: 613-992-4401, Fax: 613-943-8450
E-mail: patrick.chevalier@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Sustainable Mining and Materials Policy Division
John Walsh, Director
Tel.: 613-992-3258, Fax: 613-952-7501
E-mail: john.walsh@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca