http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunderbay-mining-day-1.3614244

Thunder Bay declares June 4 Mining Day

Despite recent downturns in the mining industry, celebration aims to remind Thunder Bay of its rich heritage

CBC News Posted: Jun 03, 2016 8:48 AM ET Last Updated: Jun 03, 2016 8:48 AM ET

June 4 was declared Mining Day by the city of Thunder Bay. (www.thunderbayminingday.ca)

June 4 was declared Mining Day by Thunder Bay acting mayor Joe Virdaramo, in an announcement at Prince Arthur's Landing. This is the fourth annual celebration of the city's rich mining heritage.

• Visit the Thunder Bay Mining Day website

Mining Day will include a series of special public events at Prince Arthur's Landing. There will be more than 25 exhibitors with fun and interactive displays and presentations to encourage families to participate and learn about mining, minerals and local geology.

The president of the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association said despite some recent downturns, mining continues to play a key role in the economy of Thunder Bay.

Bob Chataway said the city is home to many of the workers at both Lac des IIes and Musselwhite mines.

He said the city also hosts a number of exploration companies, including Premier Gold.

Acting mayor Joe Virdiramo hopes someone with long range plans and foresight brings the Ring of Fire 'on stream.' (Matt Prokopchuk/CBC)

Chataway said developing the Ring of Fire will only increase the city's importance as a mining mecca.

"[Development of the Ring of Fire] will have an impact on Thunder Bay," Chataway said. "It's well located for that. Eventually it will come on stream. It just takes somebody with some long range plans and some foresight and hopefully it will happen."