Dr. Gendron talks mining in History seminar series

Nipissing University’s department of History seminar series features Dr. Robin Gendron, associate professor of History, speaking on the topic of Canada's International Mining Industry: the Evolution of an ‘Imperialist' Industry, 1950-2000, on Friday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in room A252.

This talk explores the evolution of Canada’s international mining industry – especially the nickel industry – after the mid-20th century in order to assess the ways that it contributes to our understanding of an industry increasingly accused of contributing to a host of problems abroad.

Here’s an abstract on the lecture:

By many estimates, Canada plays an outsized role in the global mining industry. Canada is home to up to 75 per cent of the world's mining companies and a world-renowned mine management and service industry, as well as arguably being the destination of choice for companies seeking financing for new mining ventures. It is also a very controversial industry, with scholars and activists accusing Canadian mining companies - and the industry as a whole - of a host of problems including racism, human rights abuses, societal and environmental degradation, and/or political violence and repression in Africa, Latin America, and elsewhere. Recent criticism has also focused on the Canadian government’s financial, legal, and diplomatic support for Canadian mining companies abroad.

This talk explores the evolution of Canada’s international mining industry – especially the nickel industry – after the mid-20th century in order to assess the ways that it contributes to our understanding of Canada’s ‘new international history’ throughout this period.’