In 1998, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum celebrated its 100th anniversary. Incorporated as the Canadian Mining Institute in 1898, the Institute has evolved into the leading technical society for professionals in Canada's minerals and materials industries. Today, some 12 000 members belong to the various societies, divisions and branches that form the CIM.

To commemorate the Centennial, John Udd, Principal Scientist with Natural Resources Canada's Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories, wrote a series of articles on the development of Canada's minerals industry. Appearing first in the CIM Bulletin, these articles, and the chronology of events that follows, were subsequently published as a book entitled A Century of Achievement - The Development of Canada's Minerals Industries (CIM Special Volume 52, 2000, ISBN 0-919086-99-3). With chapters focused on each of the decades, the book chronicles the events that took place both internationally and nationally and the effects that these had on the development of our minerals industry. Some of that material, updated and with small revisions, appears here.

The chronology that follows, and which was published in the book as the Appendix, contains listings of the key discoveries of minerals and important events that drove the evolution of this sector of our economy. The openings and closings (including production suspensions) of mines and collieries, mills, smelters and petroleum fields are included. These have been compiled from references in the literature, including books, reports, articles, and other lists.

The information in this chronology is believed to be reliable and has been updated several times since it was first published. Nonetheless, if information that should have been included does not appear here, or if correction is required, you are invited to bring your comments and suggestions to the attention of the author.

• Introduction (PDF)
• Chronology (PDF)

Other Reference: History of Mining and Mineral Exploration In Canada