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Canada exports roughly 90 per cent of its metals and minerals, with 70 per cent going to the U. S. Gordon Peeling, president and CEO of Ottawa-based Mining Association of Canada, says future growth will come from China, India and Southeast Asia. Here's a partial snapshot of some of the metals and minerals that Canada sells to the world.

Gold: Most of us recognize this bright shiny metal in jewellery or other ornamentation. While 85 per cent of all gold is used in these forms, it also used in electronics, dentistry and aerospace. Canada is one of the world's top producers, with Ontario and Quebec leading production.

Potash: Canada has the largest potash deposit in the world and is the world's largest producer. (Potash is used largely as a fertilizer, although it has other uses.) There are huge reserves, largely in Saskatchewan, but also in New Brunswick.

Uranium: Uranium has emerged as a star mineral commodity, with expenditures of $354 million in 2007, up from $48 million in 2004. Canada is the world's largest supplier of uranium, with the majority of it coming from Saskatchewan, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nunavut.

Diamonds: Canada's diamond industry is now estimated to be worth between $1.5 and $2.0 billion, making it the third biggest market in terms of value. Canadian diamond production in 2007 was about 17.0 million carats, compared to 13.2 million carats in 2006. The diamond industry alone employs about 2,650 people in mine operations, plus more than 1,500 on-site workers through contracts in support industries.

Source: Natural Resources Canada