Canada’s Need for New Infrastructure

On an average, public infrastructure in Canada is about 15 years old. That’s old enough to require improvements and upgrades. If Canada wants to remain competitive and wants to attract the best talent from across the globe, if the country wants to make its cities sustainable and one of the best places to live in, its core public infrastructure needs upgrading, enhancement and modernization. Roads, public transit, and other community facilities must be improved and/or expanded to make it happen.

 

Thankfully, the federal government has put public infrastructure spending at the core of its development budget. Infrastructure spending will centre on the Building Canada plan. The scheme, which will begin in 2014-2015, will have an annual budget of $4.7 billion to be spent on various  infrastructural development projects. According to the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada (ACEC), this will be the largest and longest federal investment on infrastructure in Canadian history. A total of $53 billion will be spent for building roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail and other public infrastructure under the Building Canada plan. The federal government will work together with provinces, territories, and municipalities to implement the project successfully.

 

The Building Canada plan will see $32.2 billion going to a Community Improvement Fund. This consists of an indexed Gas Tax Fund and the incremental Goods and Services Tax Rebate so that municipalities can build various types of infrastructure. Another $14 billion is allocated for projects that hold a special significance nationally or locally.  The plan also includes improvement of the infrastructure of First Nations. The plan has allocated $7 billion for the purpose. Federal assets, like bridges, harbours, and military bases will also be improved under the plan, with the government setting aside $10 billion for it.

 

With such a large-scale investment, Canadians can hope for livelier, reinvigorated, and economically-improved cities and communities.

US re-shoring will lead to innovation in Canadian manufacturing

Countries like Mexico and China have traditionally been the preferred locations for US companies to set up their offshore manufacturing operations to reduce cost. The latest data released by Alix Partners, a consulting company, may change that . The Alix Partners report says that the United States has already reached cost parity with Mexico and would soon be reaching similar parity with China – by 2015 – which would mean that the cost of the production for the American firms would remain the same whether the product is manufactured in USA, Mexico or China. These countries that had built a niche because of their low manufacturing cost have either lost that advantage or are losing it fast. 

This shrink in the cost parity was not gradual, it happened very rapidly and between 2010 to 2012, leading US companies have brought 50,000 jobs back to USA in the manufacturing sector. More firms are considering the possibility of following suit and bringing at least part of their operations back to US. It must be noted that though re shoring has brought back the jobs, it is not the same jobs that went away with the introduction of global supply chains. There is a major shift from assembly line production work to more specialized highly valuable set of skills. The jobs that are being brought back are specialized and require a different level of skill in the fields of research, engineering, design, and development. Bringing the jobs back to USA is allowing the manufacturers to test and utilize more technologically advanced practices – something which was a tad difficult to attempt in off shore manufacturing units. 

The situation in Canada  is quite different. As Canada did not ship out most of it’s jobs when the trend of relying on global supply chain started, re-shoring is less of an issues for most Canadian firms. However, re shoring in US would affect Canadian companies in an unexpected way. While  US companies are upping the ante with introduction of better design and development and more technologically advanced processes, the Canadian counterparts are lagging behind. They still house low skill manufacturing jobs in the continent and cut costs to keep those jobs at home as they do not have the resources  to finance cutting edge innovation in their fields. 

One way that Canada can be part of the innovative and modern manufacturing methods is by collaborating with multinational corporations and becoming part of the global supply chains. Some of the Canadian firms are following this trend but they are not in the manufacturing industry.  Only time will tell how Canadian companies will compete with global players with rising manufacturing costs and lesser money to be spent on innovation and design. 

Suncor Energy Inc Confirms It Will Proceed with Fort Hills Oil Sands Mine Project

After being shelved for years, Suncor Energy Inc announced in October that they will push through with plans to develop the Fort Hills oil sands mine. The project was placed on the backburner since the financial crisis in 2008 . The project will now move forward with ownership by Suncor Energy and its partners Total E&P Canada and Teck Resources Ltd at a cost of $13.5 billion.

 

Fort Hills was originally the joint venture formed by the alliance of three companies, namely UTS Energy, Petro-Canada and Teck Resources. In 2009, Suncor bought Petro-Canada and in 2010, French oil firm Total acquired UTS Energy.

 

Suncor said they expect Fort Hills to begin producing oil after four years at the earliest. When production starts, Suncor said it intends to produce 180,000 barrels a day within a year’s time. This is the mine’s full capacity. The production is set to comprise an estimated 15% of the oil firm’s average capital budget on an annual basis.

 

Located 90 kilometers north of Fort McMurray in Alberta, Fort Hills is estimated to contain 3.3 billion barrels of bitumen which can last for the next five decades. Suncor Chief Executive Officer Steve Williams said the project is set to give substantial economic benefits not only for the company but for the province of Alberta and Canada as a whole. The quality and size of the resource found in Fort Hills will ensure that the project will provide Suncor with long-term cash flow. At the same time the company’s shareholders will receive robust returns from their investment.

 

 

NovaCopper Inc Caught in Catch 22 Over Alaska Copper Mining Project

Which comes first-  the road or the mine? Vancouver-based NovaCopper Inc and Alaskan officials are seemingly caught in a Catch 22 for the planned commercial copper mine in the Ambler Mining District. Located in the Northwestern part of Alaska. For the Canadian mining company, a road must be constructed that would link the proposed mining site to the highway system in Alaska. On the other side of the spectrum, Alaska officials think building a 220-mile road which was estimated to cost $2 million a mile will be pointless unless it leads to an existing mine.

Although both parties had already inked a memorandum of understanding to prepare for both the mine and the road, they were not committed to build either one. Should the road be constructed, however, NovaCopper could stand to earn substantially from Ambler's rich deposit of copper and other metals.

Although NovaCopper and Alaska officials have yet to decide on which to build first, some critics have already expressed opposition to the construction of the district road. John Gaedeke, a critic of the road has founded a group called the Brooks Range Council which campaigned against the road. In an interview with the Alaska Dispatch, Gaedeke cited that Alaska has netted royalties of as little as three percent from mining and no more than a seven percent tax rate of the net profits.

Other's complain that the district road would affect tourism and the movement of caribou in the area. The road also raises environmental concerns, such as the risk of the mine development letting loose acid-rock drainage. However, those who supported the road construction insisted that a road would be advantageous in terms of cutting down the energy costs in the region. 

British Columbia Intent on Moving LNG Industry Forward

The province of British Columbia has recently expressed interest in the development of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. The minister for natural gas and deputy premier Rich Coleman have traveled to South Korea, China and Malaysia to talk with Korea's Kogas; China's CNOOC Ltd, PetroChina and the Sinopec Group and Malaysia's Petronas in order to discuss the construction of plants to process the LNG and ship it to Asia.

To date, there are ten proposed developments planned for the north coast of the province. So far, the National Energy Board has given export licenses to three of these projects. British Columbia has estimated that if five of the proposed projects would proceed, this could result in over 100,000 new jobs and new revenue sources for the provincial government. In fact, the benefit in terms of the cumulative gross domestic product could translate to $1 trillion by the year 2046. This does not include the royalties that the province would gain from the production of natural gas and business and income taxes. The proceeds would allow BC to create a Prosperity Fund like that of the Heritage Fund in Alberta.

However the price may be an issue. While customers in Asia want lower prices compared to what they are paying in their local markets, LNG backers in Canada want to push up the prices. Canada would have to spend billions on pipelines and related facilities and thus would want to charge high prices to reflect this cost. Coleman, however, said the proponents of the project expressed optimism that they would be able to agree on the price.

Although no final investment decisions have been made by the companies on their LNG proposals in BC, companies have expressed their eagerness to pursue their projects in the province. BC Premier Christy Clark will continue to make trips to Asia this month to improve the province's LNG prospects.
 

Ontario Power Generation courts nonprofits to support nuclear waste disposal site

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has asked for the support of nonprofit organizations on their plan to build a nuclear waste disposal site in Bruce County. According to a report from The Globe and Mail, OPG had asked 19 organizations to endorse their proposal to bury low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste in a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) near Lake Huron.

OPG plans to construct the DGR 680 meters underground in rock. Construction of the storage facility will take anywhere from five to seven years at a cost of $1 billion. At present, there is an estimated 200,000 cubic meters of nuclear waste that will be buried in the DGR if the plan is approved.

Opposition to OPG's plan has grown from various sectors. One of the main concerns is the proposed site of the DGR. Critics argued that putting a nuclear waste storage facility just 1.2 kilometers from Lake Huron endangered the source of drinking water for about 40 million people.

OPG, however, has assuaged fears of a possible nuclear waste leak contaminating the water. The company stated the DGR would be constructed in a 450 million-year-old rock which would keep the waste isolated. OPG would also create multiple barriers around the facility to further ensure DGR would remain safe.

OPG's plan to build the DGR is still under review by a federally-appointed joint panel. After evaluating the project, they will then give their recommendations to the federal environment minister who will give the recommendation to the cabinet for a final decision.

The Fruits of Potash in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan and potash production are synonymous with each other.  For 60 years Saskatchewan has continued to successfully mine the commodity. Its ten operational mines now lead production  in supplying potash to the entire country and around the world. The province supplies more than thirty percent of global potash and even at this rate of production, the province still has enough product reserve to last for hundreds of years.

This has translated to economic benefits for Saskatchewan. Last year, potash sales from Canada reached almost $7 billion. Of this, an estimated $6.2 billion came from Saskatchewan. The entire potash industry has not only contributed to the gross domestic product of the provincial economy, it has also provided employment to thousands of residents.

The potash industry also gives support to the communities where their mines operate. They have funneled millions of dollars to further education. For example, they have developed educational resources and have conducted workshops to enhance potash industry knowledge for students. These initiatives not only provide information about the career opportunities in the sector but they also allow future generations to understand how vital the market is to their well-being.

The potash industry in Saskatchewan will remain a backbone of the economy in the province. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the potash industry will continue to be responsible, sustainable and community-centered in their operations.

Ontario shelves plans to acquire new nuclear reactors

Industry sources have confirmed to the Globe and Mail that Premier Kathleen Wynne is not pursuing former Premier Dalton McGuinty’s plan to purchase two new nuclear reactors. The Liberals have decided to shelve over $10 billion in  investments for nuclear power projects. The move was said to be part of the long-term energy plan of Wynne’s government which is set to be introduced in the next two months. 

 

Ontario relies heavily on nuclear power. Last year, 56 percent of the province’s energy supply was derived from nuclear sources. However, the support for nuclear power has significantly fallen after concerns about safety resurfaced after the Fukushima plant disasters in Japan two years back. The nuclear industry also faces stiff competition from companies that distribute cheap natural gas.

 

On a positive note Wynne has made a commitment to refurbish the nuclear station at Darlington. All four reactors at Darlington are set to be overhauled beginning in 2016. The facility currently supplies an estimated 20 percent of the electricity requirements in the province.

 

A refurbishment comes just in time, too.  Professionals have stressed the need to overhaul Darlington and many of the other nuclear reactors in Ontario.

There is no budget for the planned multi-year refurbishment of Darlington but if history is any indication, it’s bound to be an expensive undertaking. When the Pickering A nuclear station was refurbished about ten years ago, the estimated cost was pegged at $1.3 billion. When the project was completed, the cost ballooned to $2.6 billion, with only two of the four reactors actually overhauled.

Canada Steps Up On Diversity

Recent studies show that a diverse workforce is advantageous for any company. Businesses that hire employees from a wide variety of backgrounds enjoy greater creativity and productivity. However, the number of firms that can claim diversity in their employees is still limited.

One of the reasons for this is the lack of qualified candidates from the diversity pool. This is especially true for employers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) where the scarcity starts as early as college. Children who are interested in STEM at a young age don’t always pursue the field.  This results in a limited diversity pool for firms to choose from later on.

However, bold steps are being undertaken in Canada to recruit talent from a wide array of backgrounds. To encourage companies to hire more women, minorities and disabled candidates, steps have been taken to recognize employers that actually do so. In February, there were 55 winners named in the seventh annual Canada’s Best Diversity Employers competition. By promoting the idea that a more inclusive workplace is a recipe for success, other companies are encouraged to develop similar initiatives in their organizations. 

More companies are also advertising available positions in areas where the success rate for reaching diversity candidates is high. This includes community boards, ethnic and community centers and publications. Some firms are also developing linkages with groups that work with these diverse groups. These strategies allow organizations to widen their reach and promote employment where diversity candidates regularly search.

Although there is a limited pool to choose from when it comes to qualified diversity candidates in Canada, it seems an increased number of Canadian companies are creating more inclusive work places.

Canada Still World’s Top Mining Destination

Despite the projected labour shortage in mining and related industries in the coming years, Canada remains as the top mining destination all over the world. The Facts and Figures 2012 report revealed that as far as exploration spending goes, Canada trumps all other nations, getting an 18 percent share of the global investment. Australia, U.S., and Mexico only got 13 percent, 8 percent, and 6 percent, respectively, of the world’s mining money. Canada is also a prolific producer of minerals and metals like aluminum, copper, gold, potash, and coal which it exports to various parts of the world. 

That mining has buoyed Canada’s economy, especially in the North, is no secret. Federal, provincial, and state coffers benefit through government royalties and taxes as mining workers get paid substantially higher wages than those of other industries like forestry and manufacturing. As workers flock to Canada’s mines, businesses provide goods and services which in turn contribute to the growth of the local economy.

What makes Canada the most attractive place on earth for companies to bury their dollars in? There are a host of reasons for this but let’s start with how Canada has become such a focal point in world mining financing. The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the TSX Venture Exchange conducted 90 percent of global mining equity financing, making it the largest mining exchange around the world. Moreover, Canada is the undisputed leader when it comes to TSX and TSX-V mining projects. With more than 5,000 mining projects, Canada has 53 percent of the world’s projects by location compared to only Mexico and Central/South America that only has 1,651 projects or 17 percent; United States with 1,275 projects or 13 percent; Africa with 684 projects or 7 percent; China and Asia at 375 projects at 4 percent; Australia at 280 projects at 3 percent; and UK and Europe with only 315 projects at 3 percent.

Canada has proven and probable reserves of various minerals. Saskatchewan is a significant producer of the world’s potash and currently has undeveloped deposits of uranium in the Cigar Lake project. The diamond, gold, iron ore, and rare earths sectors hold a lot of promise as well.

Well-paid industry workers are another reason why Canada remains a world mining destination. One in every 54 Canadian jobs is in the mining industry. It has not left out Aboriginal Canadians, as the industry is the largest employer in the private sector. The industry also provides the highest wages and salaries compared to other sectors.

This isn’t to say that Canada does not have its own challenges to overcome. And all mining stakeholders—governments and companies—are aware of it. They are taking action to ensure that these issues are addressed so that Canada remains the top mining destination in the world in the years to come.    

The (Real) Reason behind Cheap Canadian Oil

Canadian crude oil is amongst the cheapest in the world that top government officials are claiming that the so-called “double discount” of Alberta’s bitumen is costing the country billions of dollars in revenues. According to estimates, the losses amount to as much as $19 billion annually as Canadian crude is priced as much as $40 per barrel lower than the Brent and West Texas Intermediate prices, the benchmarks in international oil pricing. That Canadian oil is landlocked is one of the most common reasons cited for the inability of our crude to be priced at par with the major world players.

But is this really the reason why our bitumen is cheap? And for that matter, why does Canada continue to make cheap oil?

To be able to understand the dynamics behind Canada’s cheap crude, it’s important to understand that Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate are considered the benchmarks in European and American oil prices because they are the standards in terms of quality. These oils are infinitely more refined and as such normally command higher prices than other fuels. Canada’s bitumen, meanwhile, has the lowest quality among heavy crudes. Since it still needs to undergo more upgrading, refinery owners won’t pay premium dollars for it and is one of the main reasons why Canada’s oil has to be sold much cheaper compared to world benchmarks. Refineries also have to spend their own money to improve the quality of the bitumen sold to them and this becomes a major consideration in trading Canada’s crude at a discount.

This brings us to the second question: If more refined, upgraded and sweeter oil can help Canada earn more by allowing it to trade at a much more competitive price then why does it continue to make only cheap crude? The long and short of it is that refining is not as profitable as it was back in the seventies when there were around 40 refineries in Canada. Now, the number has significantly decreased to 19.

Alberta, the leading producer of Canada’s crude, is one striking example of how very few now dare to enter the oil refining business. Last year, refining comprised an almost-insignificant 0.3 percent of the province’s gross domestic product. Worldwide, the competition in the refining industry is also stiff. As it is, the refineries in the United States are operating under capacity as demand slows while Asia continues to rein supreme with their mega refineries.

For now, money lies in the production of cheap crude, not in refining. And unless there is a business case for Canada to start shipping out sweeter oil by beefing up its refining industry, it will continue to produce crude sold at a discount compared to international benchmarks. 

Can Tougher Safety Measures Allay Pipeline Fears

The recent flooding in Alberta caused 750 barrels of oil sands to spill near Fort McMurray north of Calgary, causing Enbridge Energy to close down major segments of its pipeline system. The leak has also prompted more concerns about the safety of pipelines. British Columbia has already opposed the Northern Gateway Pipeline on the grounds of the company’s inability to address the province’s environmental concerns. As far as the Keystone XL project is concerned, U.S. President Barack Obama has already declared that the “net effects of the pipeline’s impact on our climate will be absolutely critical to determining whether this project is allowed to go forward.” Indeed the issue of possible oil spills and the impact that this will have on the environment is a deciding factor in Canada’s quest to increase its share to find new markets for its crude.

Just recently, the Harper Government announced a new set of measures to strengthen the country’s pipeline system. The stricter measures include requiring pipeline operators to be financially prepared to respond to incidents to prevent further damage. Major crude oil companies, for instance, need to have a $1 billion financial capability at the minimum to meet these regulations. Fines and penalties that range from $25,000 to $100,000 are also set for violators depending on the infractions. The Harper Government also intends to enforce the principle that the “polluter pays” by putting it into law. Today, this principle is merely implied but not enshrined legally. 

Moreover, the Canadian government also calls on pipeline companies to make their emergency and environmental plans available to the public. They are also required to have a senior officer whose main task is to ensure that the company complies with all the policies. Increased inspections as well as double audits of oil and gas pipelines are also part of the government’s comprehensive plan to enhance the safety of Canada’s pipeline system.

The ultimate question is: Can these measures allay fears of the integrity of Canada’s pipelines which is now suffering a major setback in light of the recent developments? It certainly can. But various conditions have to be met.

For instance, the government must lay out clear safety rules and implementing guidelines to ensure that the companies fully understand what is required of them. It’s equally important to give them sufficient time to prepare for the more stringent policies. Understandably, there will be debates—staunch opposition even—for some of the measures and the government should expect this and be prepared to respond. They should also have the political will to enforce these measures no matter how important the crude player is to the industry.

A balancing act is needed to assure the safety of the public and ensure the protection of the environment while reaping the benefits of revenues and jobs created by the construction and operation of oil pipelines. For now, these safety measures can certainly help curb people’s fears. But ultimately, the Canadian government will be judged on how successfully it will implement these new policies.   

Deep Sea Mining: Balancing the Environmental Costs with Economic Gains

Canada is almost ready to stake its claim on an expansive undersea territory in the frigid Arctic region. After years of mapping and more than a hundred million dollars spent on the project, geologist Jacob Verhoef and his team are already finalizing the report for Canada’s claim for new offshore territory which will have to be submitted to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by the set deadline in December this year. The UNCLOS will be the final arbiter on how much of the Lomonosov Ridge and its 2000 kilometer–long extension, the Alpha Ridge which are vast tracts of unexplored wilderness, can be considered extensions of Canada, the United States, Russia, Denmark, and Norway who are also claiming the territory as their own. 

The seemingly maddening rush to own the deep sea prompts the obvious question: Why? Apparently, it holds treasures that the polar nations can’t ignore. Natural hydrothermal vents apparently contain precious metals and minerals like gold, copper, and zinc which, when mined, will yield substantial revenues for the government who can prove ownership to the UNCLOS. It is also said to be rich in oil deposits—a first guess estimate given in 2008 puts the figure at 90 billion barrels.

A larger territory is an obvious advantage for any country. But mining its vast and rich underwater resources is another matter altogether. For starters, deep sea mining is still in its infancy. While it might be easy in theory to map out a plan to harvest the treasures of the deep, the reality is that little is known about actually working in vast underwater territories with geysers spewing out boiling hot liquid laced with minerals, where pressure is infinitely greater than that found on land, and where temperature shifts can vary wildly without any warning. Extensive and very expensive studies have to be carried out to determine just how feasible and profitable the endeavor may be. 

There’s the environmental aspect to consider, too. The Arctic is considered as the world’s final frontier and explorations undertaken to commercialize this unspoiled wilderness is bound to have an effect not only on the flora and fauna that live there but on the rest of the world’s ecological systems as a whole. That life abounds in these undersea habitats is already known. Of far greater concern is how the processes to extract the metals, minerals, and oil in its depths could alter or worse, endanger these communities and the species that call it home. At present, little is known about these creatures of the deep, the role they play in balancing the world’s delicate ecology, and the potential benefits they can give to mankind. Disrupting this ecology without knowing fully the advantages they bring to us may have irreversible consequences that can be detrimental to the human species as a whole.

Any effort to commercialize Canada’s prospective undersea geology—provided the UNCLOS approves its claim—will have to seriously weigh the environmental costs with any potential gains. That’s granting of course that the challenges of mining the sea can be overcome.

Policy On Removing The 'Canadian Experience' Barrier

Job prospects could improve for foreign-trained engineers seeking
opportunities in Ontario due to a potential policy which would deem Canadian
experience requirements discriminatory.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission issued a new "Policy on removing the
'Canadian experience' barrier" last month which could change the way
employers hire foreign trained engineers in the province. The policy deems
it discriminatory for anyone to apply a strict requirement for "Canadian
experience" when hiring an employee.

The policy applies not just to companies, but also to regulatory bodies such
as professional licensing organizations including the PEO (Professional
Engineers of Ontario). Currently the Professional Engineers of Ontario
requires potential professionals to have four years of experience, one of
which must be obtained in Canada.

This policy will address the long term issue highly-skilled immigrants are
finding as they are unable to gain employment in their field when
immigrating to Canada. Most cannot land a job without Canadian experience
and they can't gain that necessary one year experience without having a job.

Some common screening methods will be considered unacceptable under the
policy  such as asking for local references only, including a requirement
for prior Canadian work experience in the job posting or ad and requiring
applicants to disclose their country of origin or the location of their work
experience on the job application form.

For more information on this Policy please see
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/policy-removing-%E2%80%9Ccanadian-experience%E2%80%

It’s All Systems Go for Pickering Airport

After more than 40 years on the shelf, the Federal Government finally announced the resurrection of the Pickering Airport Project. The proposed international airport is set to serve the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) which is now experiencing rapid population growth. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has revealed that plans to build the airport will begin right away with the project slated to be completed in 2027.

It can be remembered that the Federal Government acquired about 7,500 hectares of farmland in Pickering, Markham and Uxbridge in 1972 with the plan of turning it into an international airport. However, due to strong environmental and community opposition, the project was put on hold. When the Government of Ontario said that it would not build the necessary infrastructure like roads and sewers for the site, the plan was shelved although the Federal Government retained the lands.

With the population in the GTA expected to rise to 8.2 million by 2030, the demand for a new airport has become apparent. Toronto Pearson International Airport will not be able to handle increased commercial air traffic while the Hamilton John C. Munro International Airport is not a feasible alternative because of its distance from the city center. Toronto’s two other airports are also unsuitable. The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport caters only to propeller planes while the Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport is scheduled to close in 2015.

In the revived plan, the Pickering Airport will occupy one-third of the area. The remaining areas will be used to expand the Rouge National Urban Park while the rest will be allocated for  economic development.

Improving Canada’s Smart Grid Infrastructure: Is it Worth It?

As the world advances into the digital age, electricity delivery systems are harnessing the power of technologies developed in the telecommunications industry to improve the delivery of electricity to its end-users. A Smart Grid, as it is called, networks with all system stakeholders—from generators to grid operators to consumers—to ensure efficiency and better performance. Based on The Canadian Smart Grid Standards Roadmap: A strategic planning document released in October 2012, the Government of Canada’s policy for the Smart Grid centers on three objectives: 1) reliability with security, 2) adequacy, and 3) environmental performance.

To be able to meet these goals, Canada’s Smart Grid should have the capability to monitor the system  constantly to prevent unplanned power outages. In the event that unscheduled blackouts do occur, real time knowledge of the things happening in the system will facilitate faster response times. Advanced infrastructure is also required to be able to meet customer loads and ensure adequacy of the system. Finally, environmental performance can be maximized by giving customers cleaner energy that consequently reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes cost.

Ontario’s Smart Grid initiatives serve as one of the best examples on the various initiatives undertaken by the province to replace aging infrastructure and ultimately replacing coal and oil as electricity sources by 2030. For example, their transmission and rural distribution company is already testing how much intermittent and distribution generation (e.g. solar power) the grid can take safely. With the help of computer technology, the company is able to signal the smart meters in people’s homes to shut off if the distribution generation threatens to overload the grid.

The ultimate goal of another power distribution company in Ontario is that of a fully-automated network grid that has the ability to heal itself. This self-healing grid as it is called is equipped with a Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery system or FDIR that does exactly that. In case equipment fails for whatever reason, the FDIR will pinpoint the problem, isolate it to only the area affected by the power outage, and then send out a team to conduct the necessary repairs. Because the system already determines the problem, power is restored more quickly as the distribution company won’t have to wait for someone to report the problem, dispatch a team to find out what caused the breakdown, and come back with all the necessary tools to conduct the repairs.

Of course, all these require more sophisticated equipment and an upgraded Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. It also involves the creation of faster and more secure communications equipment and networks that can accurately report problems and transmit the information securely.

Improving Canada’s Smart Grid infrastructure is going to take time and money. But if the end goals of reliability, cheaper power, and cleaner energy are going to be met then it is certainly well-worth it.

 

Clean Environment Commission Recommends Issuance of Environmental License for Bipole III

Manitoba’s Clean Environment Commission has recommended the issuance of an environmental license to Manitoba Hydro for the building of the Bipole III Transmission Project. Manitoba Hydro had submitted its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on December 2011 and the results of the public participation process on February 2012 to the Commission which was tasked by the provincial government to conduct reviews and give recommendations.

The Commission has recommended the issuance of an Environment Act licence subject to meeting certain conditions. Environmental conditions like the continued monitoring of wildlife in the area during and after project construction have to be met to ensure that the integrity of caribou, black bear, and timber wolf populations are not compromised. Specific route changes, compensation for agricultural losses, and annual public reports are also some of the other stipulated conditions.

The Commission’s recommendations and the Crown’s consultations with the Aboriginal communities will ultimately determine if the provincial government will issue the needed Class 3 licence for Bipole III. The project became contentious after the NDP government scrapped the original plan to run the line to the east route to protect a proposed UNESCO World Heritage site. The proposed route now traverses the west side of the province and is estimated to cost $3.28 billion. Provided that all the regulatory approvals are met, the Bipole III is expected to be in-service in 2017.  

The Challenges Faced by Deep Platinum Mining

The Sudbury Basin in Central Ontario, northern Quebec, and Manitoba hold Canada’s sources of  platinum group metals. Although 60 percent of the world’s platinum comes from the Merensky Reef in South Africa, Canada together with the United States, Russia, and South America are also large contributors. Platinum is rare and often  found clustered with other metals which makes extracting and processing a tedious and expensive proposition. Platinum is used mainly in vehicle catalytic converters, in fuel cells, jewelry, and other industrial applications such as computer hard disks, pacemakers, and sensors.

 

The environmental impacts and economic cost of mining the mineral are common concerns for stakeholders. The most obvious problem is the high cost of operations due to the remote locations of the mines. Most platinum mines are found in areas where the temperatures are elevated. This entails constant cooling which corresponds to large operating expenses.  The deeper into the earth platinum is mined, the hotter it is going to be, increasing consistency of cooling.

 

The oversupply of platinum in the world market is another challenge for existing players. A study by Deloitte released in 2012 finds that there is a “structural oversupply” of platinum in the years to come which will keep the metal at a modest price of $1450 to $1750 per ounce. This won’t be enough to sustain operations, eventually leading buyers to pull their investments. The recent South African mining crisis is an example of the dire effects of what such a scenario would bring.

NEB Approves Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline Fees

The National Energy Board  has granted the green light to Kinder Morgan’s toll methodology for its planned expansion of its existing 1,150-kilometer pipeline that runs from Strathcona County in Alberta to Burnaby in British Columbia. Trans Mountain’s Westridge Dock in Burnaby is the only access to the Pacific for Canada’s crude products. When the $5.4 billion twinning project is completed, it should  increase the capacity of the system to handle crude shipments to 890,000 barrels per day, three times its present capacity of only 300,000 barrels per day.

Earlier this year, Canada’s largest oil company, Suncor Energy Inc. had filed a complaint with the National Energy Board (NEB) alleging that Kinder Morgan had plans of charging overly-excessive fees to oil sand companies that were interested in using the Trans Mountain pipeline. Suncor also found that the Trans Mountain pipeline would give Kinder Morgan an average projected return of 28.3 percent over a 20-year contract period. In contrast, the Northern Gateway export pipeline, which is a similar venture, is set to give  11 percent returns to its owner Enbridge Inc. However, of the thirteen companies that have signed long-term agreements for Trans Mountain pipeline capacity, only Suncor and Total had expressed objections.

The Trans Mountain pipeline, which is expected to be completed in 2017, is set to open access to potential customers in Asia through Canada’s West Coast.  These markets are set to bring in at least $8 billion in earnings every year.  Construction is set to begin in 2016 and is slated to finish by the end of 2017. The NEB approval is a boost for Canada’s oil sands industry. 

British Columbia Approves Lillooet Hydro Project

Canada’s push for “clean energy” continues to gain ground as the province of British Columbia issued an Environmental Assessment Certificate to the Upper Lillooet Hydro Project developed by Creek Power Inc. In the coming years  Two “run-of-river” hydroelectric facilities or “HEFs” will be constructed on the Upper Lillooet River and Boulder Creek in Pemberton Valley.

From their respective water sources, HEFs will divert parts of the water to turbines that generate power. Afterwards, the same water will be returned to the river or creek where they came from. Meanwhile, transmission lines which are interconnected to the BC Hydro transmission systems deliver electricity to the consumers. This energy source is expected to power an estimated 40,000 homes when it becomes operational in August 2015.

Various studies have supported the environmental benefits of hydroelectric energy. Unlike coal and natural gas plants that emit greenhouse gases, hydroelectric energy generation is clean and emissions-free. The best advantage of this energy source is that the water  used to produce electricity is returned to its origin, clean and unchanged.

The company expects to start construction on the Boulder Creek and Upper Lillooet facilities in 2013 and on the North Creek facility in 2014.

Why Oil Pipeline Delays are Detrimental

Oil pipelines transport crude oil from its source to refineries. These pipelines benefit Canada through job creation to government revenues and bring positive economic growth to the country. Unfortunately, the politics associated with the rigorous application and approval process leads to delays which are detrimental to the companies involved as well as the nation’s interests. Canada currently faces this situation as we cautiously wait for the Keystone XL Pipeline approval that would transport oil sand bitumen from western Canada to the northern States, primarily to refineries in the Gulf Coast of Texas.

The rigorous approval process set forth by governments is in place for specific reasons. They seek to ensure that environmental regulations are complied with and the safety of workers and communities where these pipelines are placed stay secure. These steps are necessary in ensuring that the standards set forth are met and all stakeholders are treated fairly.
 

However, political struggle over specifics can be costly. The most obvious issue has to do with the added cost of maintaining the pipelines while awaiting final approval. As in any business, the majority of extra costs are passed on to consumers who would otherwise enjoy lower gas prices if projects were to go ahead as scheduled. To add to this, Jobs created by pipeline construction and maintenance are put to a standstill.  Making matters worse, local businesses that would otherwise provide the much needed goods and services in this period of economic boom will slide back to business as usual and bring in lower profits than expected. 

Certainly, there is no question that environmental and safety considerations are paramount when construction and operation of oil pipeline projects are considered. However, delay is not what the stakeholders want either. Keystone’s fate currently rests with the US’s State Department, which is working on a final environmental assessment of the project. A final decision on the project, which will come after White House review, is expected no earlier than September.
The delay, and President Obama’s decision not to quickly reject the proposal has left those on all sides of the debate waiting with baited breath.

Biorefining Leads the Path to Sustainable Development

Sustainability has now become a great issue for many countries around the world. Most nations are well aware  that the non-renewable energy resources that Mother Nature has provided us with will run out in the near future. This is particularly a concern for Canada as we are engaged in producing and consuming energy to fuel economic growth. Despite the fact that it is the fifth largest energy producer in the world, ranks second to Saudi Arabia in crude oil reserves, and has vast coal and natural gas resources, these are bound to be exhausted unless sustainability measures are implemented.    

Biorefining—the process of converting biomass into bioenergy for fuel, power and/or heat, and other bio-based products—provides one of the answers to the issue of sustainability in Canada. So what makes biorefining so critical for Canada’s sustainable development? Biorefining is not really a radical idea to start with. In fact, the biorefinery facility can be likened to a petroleum refinery in terms of function. However in a petroleum refinery, petroleum is used to produce various fuels and other products, while in a biorefinery, biomass feedstock is the source for all the biofuels and bio-based materials that are produced. This is one of the primary reasons why biorefining leads to a more sustainable Canada.

The biomass feedstock that serves as the raw material for the production of bio-products comes from existing agricultural and forestry resources and even waste materials. Food scraps and animal waste can be biorefined to form nutrient products that are integrated into fertilizer. They can also be converted into biogas. Instead of throwing these away and adding more waste to the  land, these can be sent to a biorefinery facility to be made into a useful product for our crops. Another advantage, especially where animal carcasses are concerned, is the fact that biorefining can make them into useful biofuels while destroying the infectious pathogens that can cause various kinds of diseases in other animals—something that happens if bones and meat are simply left to rot in garbage. Crops like triticale and other perennial crops can also be used as potential biomass feedstock. Due to the demand for these plants as biofuel sources, the agriculture sector also benefits which helps in the quest for sustainable development.

Of course, biorefining is only one way to promote sustainability in Canada. Other methods like utilizing hydropower, solar energy, and wind power should also be used to attain success in this quest. In terms of the appeal of  biorefining, it has the ability to reduce the production of waste and encourage agricultural growth and development. There is no doubt that biorefining should lead the path for a more sustainable Canada.  

Pan American/Parapan American Games 2015: Boon for Toronto

Toronto’s hosting of the Pan American/Parapan American Games to be held in the summer of 2015 has sparked a serious debate among politicians and Torontonians alike. This is due to the vast amount of spending which games of this magnitude require. Roughly $1.4 billion dollars worth of taxpayer’s money is earmarked for the construction and revitalization of infrastructure, housing, and other facilities needed to host such an event.  This leads residents to question if there is any benefit that can be derived from such a sporting extravaganza.

The short answer is yes. The Pan Am/Parapan American Games is going to be an advantage for Toronto, although the breadth and width of the economic success will not be fully measured until after the event. Let’s tackle the most obvious benefit that comes with hosting these games: That of the construction boom. Five new venues for the various games are already being built—the new aquatic centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus; the new football (soccer) stadium; the athletics stadium at York University; the 50-metre pool and gymnasium in Markham; and a new velodrome in Hamilton. In addition, the building of the Pan Am Games Athletes’ Village is also underway in the West Don Lands. There are also 22 venues that will be renovated.

Some ask: What will happen to the permanent structures such as the Athletes’ Village that will  be used temporarily during the games? Well, this building in particular is going to be turned into a living community.  The units will be sold to the public. Understandably, this might take a few years but these structures are not going to turn into white elephants after the event.

To add, with the acquirement of these games also  comes a  plan to restructure transportation efforts around the city. For instance the construction of the Air Rail Link (ARL) connecting Mississauga’s Pearson airport to Union Station is definitely going to give unparalleled convenience to the city’s commuters on a long term scale.

Another benefit from the Pan Am Games is the influx of tourists from various parts of the Americas and all over the world. It is estimated that 250,000 tourists will visit Canada for this event which will certainly stimulate the regional economy. The publicity that surrounds the games will also get more people to come to Canada. The effects of tourism are going to be long-lasting, provided that tourism authorities and tourism-related businesses (e.g. hotels, restaurants, etc.) are going to give visitors great service that will encourage them to come back to Toronto and/or encourage their friends to come as well.

There is no reason to doubt that Toronto’s construction industry  and Torontonians themselves will ultimately turn out as the true winners in the Pan American/Parapan American Games.

Hydrometallurgy: The Superior Technology

For years the nickel industry has relied on pyrometallurgy to extract market-quality metals. Due to the length of time it has been used in this business, it is known as a proven technology for processing plants not only in Canada but also around the world. Hydrometallurgy, on the other hand, is a newcomer in the field and  has already proven its ability over pyrometallurgy due to its many advantages.

Hydrometallurgy or hydromet, for short, provides many economic, environmental, and labor benefits. By using only one facility as opposed to the two needed in pyromet makes hydro economically sound. Pyrometallurgy  is a two-step process wherein the concentrates from nickel, copper, and cobalt sulphide ores have to be smelted in a smelter first. The second step involves refining the matte in order to produce market-ready metals—a step which is done in a refinery. Hydromet, meanwhile, simply dissolves the metals in an aqueous chemical solution at lower temperatures, processes, purifies, and recovers them in a single facility. Essentially  mining plants could reap huge savings being derived from constructing only one facility instead of two.

There is also a reduction in cost in the daily operations that is associated with only having one processing plant. Energy consumption is significantly reduced when there is only one facility to maintain and where room temperature is needed to extract the metals. Both these factors contribute to the efficiency of the process. This is definitely not the case with pyrometallurgy where up to 1200 degrees Celsius of energy is needed to bring about the extraction of metals.

Also Pyrometallurgy, cannot compare with the environmental benefits of hydromet.  Unlike pyromet, hydromet does not produce emissions of strong and noxious gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and dioxins that are hazardous to earth and humans. The hazardous gases produced in hydromet cannot escape into the air but are treated chemically. Take sulfur as an example. In hydromet, it remains in its stable form and is not released in the air as toxic sulfur dioxide the way it would be with the use of pyrometallurgy. As far as the final residue is concerned, hydromet produces only solid waste components like mixed plastics which can be reused or recycled. This is not the case with pyromet where the recovery potential is very low for the slag, dusts, and metals that result from its process.

The labor force also benefits. Workers using Pyrometallurgy are manning the furnaces to high temperatures and hard conditions. Hydromet, meanwhile, does away with the smelting part of the procedure and thus produces a worker-friendly workplace that’s cleaner and cooler. Hydromet is also the runaway winner when job creation is concerned. The processes it employs are labor-intensive and will thus require the hiring of more workers from construction to operation.

Cronos Supports Literacy for Women in Nepal

For many women in Nepal and other developing nations, working long and laborious hours is commonplace. These women face many challenges. Backbreaking manual labour is a day to day reality, from washing laundry in the river to hours spent in the jungles searching for and cutting down firewood, to feeding livestock and maintaining crops – many do so while carrying children on their backs. Many of these women can face discrimination, familial bullying and domestic abuse which many do not believe they can combat. With education, women learn that they are not powerless and that they too have rights to own property and report abuse.

Here at TeamCronos, we know that literacy and education can positively impact the lives of women, their families and their communities. For 10 years, TeamCronos has supported WELNepal, an organization that provides classes and facilities to the women of Nepal to improve their literacy. These women have learned to read and write for the first time in their lives! These skills increase self esteem and a brighter hope for a successful future.

This month, 25 more women from the village of Lothar (just outside of Piple) will learn to read and write in an 8 month basic course. They will also have access to many books at the Piple library. Over the years, TeamCronos has graduated 10 basic and advanced literacy classes resulting in over 300 women embracing the joys of reading and passing that joy onto their children. The women who have finished the basic course go onto a further 6 month’s of advanced study. WELNepal also provides a three day health training seminar.

Check out these spectacular women below! The women in the first picture are the recent graduating class and the women in the second are the upcoming class for this year.

For Further Information on WELNepal, Please Visit http://www.welnepal.org/index.html

To Frack or not to Frack?

Fracking is the popular term for a controversial process of retrieving natural gas. Technically known as hydraulic fracturing, this is the industrial practice of breaking apart sedimentary rocks thousands of meters underground to extract natural gas. This is done by using a pressurized mix of water and chemicals.

There is a lot of debate surrounding this technology and often this debate is limited to two extreme viewpoints. One side consists of those who think that fracking operations should be discontinued due to the potential threats posed to the environment and people’s health. The other viewpoint lies with the companies themselves using the process and its supporters (e.g. provincial governments). Their argument is that fracking spurs economic growth and creates jobs.

Both sides present valid and strong arguments. Chemicals pumped deep into the ground to extract natural gas generates risks. Especially when the recaptured frack fluid which contains not only fracking chemicals and salt but heavy metals and radioactive elements leached from shale rock, is brought to the surface. Any accidental spill can contaminate drinking water which becomes an emergency public health hazard.

Proponents of the process argue—and rightly so—that natural gas is cheap. It benefits consumers as a whole. The drilling and extraction process also provides employment opportunities which in turn translates to a livelier economy.

The problem with the current debate is that the right questions are not being addressed. Both sides seem to focus on this issue alone: Should we or should we not frack? There is no doubt that hydraulic fracturing enables us to extract gas from places that conventional technology has failed to in the past. When production has completed full scale, the economic benefits are bound to be tremendous. Not only in terms of cheaper natural gas for the country  and the economic growth that will inevitably occur but also in ensuring that we have our own supply, helping to secure our energy needs well into the future.

The real crux of the matter is this: Are we fracking correctly? Is the hydraulic fracturing process being conducted in a manner that is safe and environmentally sound? As a new and unproven technology, the risk of contaminating drinking water from spills or leaks in improperly managed wells is a real threat.  This threat  is not fully addressed by the current processes used by major practicing companies.

Furthermore, key players have not taken into consideration how fracking operations will compete with the water needs of Canadian communities. Most of the time, the main water sources for hydraulic fracturing are the very same rivers and lakes used for food gathering and travel.
Finally, there is the issue of transparency. Monitoring regulations have not been developed to a point where the public are fully informed of the activities of these companies and how these will affect their health and water supply.

The true debate is not the existence of fracking, but instead how the process can make both sides feel safe and happy.  We must address how to frack in a way that is safe, environmentally sound, and sustainable.

Boom Times for Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2013

If you’re looking for economic boom in 2013, you want to go west—to Saskatchewan and Alberta, that is. Canada’s Prairies are expected to exhibit a strong showing this year and will lead the rest of the country in economic growth.

Increased demand for potash and uranium in Saskatchewan from overseas customers will help revive mining activity in the province and will put the  economy in an upswing. The province of Saskatchewan  is going to be fueled primarily by population growth resulting in more consumer spending and a higher demand for housing. Already, the positive effects of growth are apparent: In February, the unemployment rate dropped by 0.3 percentage points compared to that of the previous month. In more tangible terms, this is reflected in the increase of 900 people who were employed compared to January this year. Statistics also reveal that compared to last February’s employment figures, the increase in the number of people employed is significant—there were 24, 400 more workers in the province this February.

Alberta, meanwhile, will continue to drive growth in Canada due to its strong energy sector. The development of Alberta’s oilsands will also be a major contributor to its GDP which is pegged at 3 percent this year. With these sectors robust, the construction boom in Alberta is also going to continue, further strengthening the economy. The economic growth is also strengthening the local population’s unemployment rates.  Like Saskatchewan, it has the lowest ratio of unemployed individuals for every job vacancy posted. At the national level, the ratio of unemployed people for a job vacancy was 5.7 in 2012 but in Alberta, the ratio is a meager 1.9 unemployed people for one job opportunity.

For those looking for greener pastures, Alberta and Saskatchewan  certainly have the platform to become  ideal destinations. However workers are bound to benefit more from the boom in Canada’s western provinces if they come prepared. Authorities note that the problem—and one of the barriers to Saskatchewan’s even stronger growth— lie in the shortage of skilled workers. If one’s goal is to not only gain employment in the prairies but to also be highly compensated for the work, then obtaining training and education beforehand will be essential.  Some sectors to focus on include agriculture, mining, and construction. Possessing these desired skills are certainly going to work in your favor should you be considering a permanent move to the Prairies.

The Attraction of the Duvernay

Exxon Mobil Corp. completed the purchase of Celtic Exploration Ltd. last month for a total transaction cost of CAD$ 3.1 billion including debt considerations. This transaction took place February 2013 after the Canadian government approved the deal. Experts suspect there are clues as to why the Celtic sale was so profitable. The sale includes the shale formations of the Duvernay –previously owned by Celtic- which holds an estimated 443 trillion cubic feet of total gas, 11.3 billion barrels of natural gas liquids and 61.7 billion barrels of oil. When combined together with the Montney and Muskwa shale formations, they potentially harbor 3,324 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, 58.6 billion barrels of gas liquids and 423.6 billion barrels of oil.

Unlike the Montney formation, experts say it will still take about five to six years for the Duvernay to become fully developed.  However on a positive note, the 446 land leases sold in 2011 for both areas are indications of the Duvernay’s vast potential. The largest acreages belong to Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. and Encana Corp. which already sold 49.9 percent interest to a subsidiary of PetroChina called Phoenix Duvernay Gas; and Talisman Energy, Inc. Other companies with a stake in the Duvernay include Bonavista Energy Corp.; Chevron Corp.; Athabasca Oil Corp.; Sinopec Daylight Energy, Ltd.; and Petrobakken Energy Ltd.

The amount of gas reserves that can be extracted from the Duvernay are said to be comparable to those shale formations in Texas and the northeastern portions of the United States. In these locations production is already in full swing—and surging. Operating and drilling costs are more expensive in Alberta’s most promising shale compared to that of already established operations in Texas. For instance, between the Montney and Duvernay, the former is still the winner as far as economics go. It produces $2.50 per mcf of natural gas while the latter is breaking even at $3.20 based on estimates. Due to the Duvernay  being rich in liquids, the value of the resources that are produced could easily double once it becomes fully-developed.

The prospects are bright for the Duvernay. However there are still engineering, geological, economic, social, and environmental difficulties to over come. Whether or not the above companies will be able to get past these obstacles and harness the full potential of one of Alberta’s promising shale and gain profits still remains to be seen.   

The Commercialization of Space: Asteroid Mining

Asteroids are certainly  making a presence this 2013. First, a meteor collided with a Russian city of Chelyabinsk early in February that injured more than a thousand people. Then, there was the passing of Asteroid 2012 DA14, which measured 46 meters in diameter missing the Earth by just 27,520 kilometers. While NASA’s scientists are concerned about the damage that asteroids can cause upon impact with the earth, companies like Deep Space Industries and Planetary Resources are instead focusing on a highly-controversial idea—that of asteroid mining.

The infographic created by 911 Metallurgist became the center of debate on the feasibility and practicability of mining the sky. Entitled “How Asteroids Can Save Mankind” the infographic claims that with the depletion of earth’s resources, mining the sky could save humanity. Near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) which can be broken into three categories—C-type, S-type, and M-type asteroids— can supply the earth with such resources as water, methane (natural gas), nitrogen, iron, nickel, Platinum Group Metals, magnesium, and titanium, among others.  For example a single asteroid could supply the earth with enough metal for the production of our  electronics and jewelry.

 The commercialization of space is currently a two-way race between Planetary Resources Inc. and Deep Space Industries. Planetary Resources, which is backed by billionaire investors such as Google’s Larry Page and Eric Schmidt, aims to send robotic landers to space with the aim of identifying Near-Earth Asteroids and returning them back to earth. The company also intends to find a way of converting ice found in these asteroids to rocket fuel in order to reduce the cost of going to space.

Meanwhile, Deep Space Industries plans to launch small satellites which they call “Fireflies” by 2015 to prospect for resources. These “Fireflies,” which would weigh around 55 pounds, would hitch rides in larger satellites. Larger crafts which they call “Dragonflies” will be sent to bring back samples. These samples will identify the type of resources  we would be able to harvest from the asteroids. “Dragonflies” are scheduled to start their two- to four- year missions in 2017 and retrieve 60 to 150 pounds of material from these asteroids.

The challenges that space miners face are extraordinary. For starters, the question of cost-effectiveness is paramount. Scientists who are highly skeptical of the idea say that a NASA mission to retrieve two ounces of material from an asteroid would cost a billion dollars. There will also be technical and technological difficulties that space miners will undoubtedly encounter when the time comes to actually mine the asteroid.    Although we are still miles away from obtaining the worlds resources from space, these small steps to development are certainly intriguing to read about.

For more information visit:
 

http://www.mining.com/infographic-why-asteroid-mining-is-necessary-88718/