Miners optimistic at dawn of 1950

The first months of 1950 were ones of optimism. Production and dividends from Canadian mines were up, as was exploration diamond drilling. Claim-staking in Ontario, Quebec and the Northwest Territories was at record highs. Gold and base metals prices all rose in the final few months of 1949. The value of minerals produced in Canada rose to a record $890.2 million. In addition, uranium has become a sought-after commodity. In all, 12 mines opened in the previous year.