Sand and gravel are vital components of Canada's mining industry, with 250 million metric tonnes produced in 1990. These resources are used extensively on our roads in asphalt and as a road base, as well as by our building and housing industry as components of concrete.

Sand and gravel resources represent an opportunity for economic development for First Nations.

Of the 2,267 First Nations reserves in Canada, 854 have the potential for sand and gravel development, according to an inventory compiled in 1991 by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND).

The fact that hundreds of reserves are developing these natural resources underscores the economic opportunities they offer.

This booklet is for First Nations band councils and community members interested in considering sand and gravel developments. It will also be of interest to consultants working with First Nations and to developers, whether they are First Nations themselves, or private sand and gravel companies. An overview rather than a textbook on development, this booklet focuses on the components and activities associated with all aspects of sand and gravel developments.

This series of booklets, entitled Building a Future - An Overview of Resource Development, has been developed by DIAND in response to requests by First Nations for information on developing natural resources on reserves. Each booklet looks at a different resource from the point of view of a First Nations community.

Is development a choice? If so, what is the best way to plan and benefit from that development? Sand and Gravel Exploration and Development On Reserve provides information on exploration, development, permits, production, environmental concerns, benefits and costs of developing sand and gravel resources, and the development of policy relating to the industry.

Back