Growth in the Canadian mining industry is stimulated by finding new mineral deposits, exploring them and developing new mines. Mining companies are always looking for new lands to explore. The reserve lands in Canada are an untapped resource.

An inventory of on-reserve mineral potential prepared by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) in 1990 recorded 3,276 "mineral occurrences" on the 2,267 First Nation reserves in Canada. Of these, 770 reserves were identified with precious and base metal potential. A meaningful number of reserves, 184, were classed as "of significant interest," in other words, warranting further examination.

Such activity suggests that it is worthwhile for First Nations to look at the possibility of metallic mineral development on reserve land.

This booklet examines one group of minerals, called metallic minerals, which are usually defined as minerals with a high specific gravity (weight) and a metallic shine or lustre in their appearance.

Metallic minerals are subdivided into two main groups:

• precious metals _ _ the relatively scarce and valuable metals such as gold, silver and platinum; and
• base metals _ _ any non-precious metals, such as copper, zinc, nickel, lead, etc.

For the purposes of this booklet, all naturally occurring minerals and rock, which may contain metallic minerals, are included as possibilities for exploration and development.

DIAND developed this booklet as one in a series, entitled Building a Future: An Overview of Resource Development on Reserves, in response to requests by First Nations for information on developing natural resources on reserves. Designed as information booklets rather than textbooks, each looks at the development of 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? Metallic Mineral Exploration and Development on Reserves, the first booklet in the series, provides an overview of issues associated with mineral rights, exploration, development, environmental concerns, benefits and costs of developing metallic mineral resources. It also discusses the development of policy relating to the mineral industry.

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