Non-Ferrous Metals - Eastern Canada

Contained within the 3rd Edition (1957) of the Atlas of Canada is a map that shows four condensed maps of non-ferrous metal mines, including refineries, smelters and reduction works that were in production or coming into production in Eastern Canada circa 1955. As production figures for individual mines were not available, an attempt was made to convey their relative importance by showing the ore mill capacities. The metallurgical industries associated with non-ferrous metal mining convert most of the ore produced into metal in Canada but there were some exceptions. No lithium metal was produced in Canada, while the product of the lithium mine in Quebec was shipped as spodumene concentrates; similarly, the product of the molybdenum mine in Quebec was shipped as molybdenum concentrates. Some titanium metal was produced, largely on an experimental basis but most of the titanium, in the form of titanium dioxide, was exported for use in the pigment industry. The national map entitled Labour Force Engaged in Mining and Quarrying includes the foremen; labourers; millmen; timber men; and other persons engaged in the mining of metals, industrial minerals and coal, the recovery of crude petroleum and natural gas, stone quarrying, the recovery of sand and gravel and processing for minerals, gas and petroleum. The inset map of the Sudbury Basin was chosen for inclusion here because it was one of the most famous mineralized formations in the world and was for may years the chief source for nickel for the world. These maps are accompanied by a set of pie charts showing the percentage production of non-ferrous metals by province and territory circa 1955.