Thompson was started by the discovery of an economic nickel deposit. All mines have life expectancies and the mining industry itself experiences business cycles. From mineral exploration leading to a discovery of a mine, through its development, operations and eventually ending with mine closure; mines are not sustainable in the sense of indefinitely satisfying the next generation’s needs for metals and minerals. Further, mines close for different reasons, and some closed mines re-open depending upon prevailing economics and/or other factors.

Thompson Unlimited (TU) was purposely created in 2003 through a special 10 year provision for payment of a special annual grant from Vale Inco for the purpose of setting up and operating an economic development and marketing office to promote economic development and diversification of the City of Thompson. Diversifying the local economy is TU’s fundamental function.