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Essentially, there has been no major human interference in the area. Hydroelectric dams have been erected to provide electricity in nearby settlements, but due to the large number of waterways the fish have been able to migrate nonetheless. Two of Canada's three largest hydro developments are found in the ecozone. Although some logging has taking place, it has not been enough to seriously damage the environment. The government has regulated hunting and trapping, and the only fishing that takes place is sustenance. Although it has been discovered that the land is rich in minerals, it would be too costly to construct a large-scale operation because of the harsh environment. In 1991 diamonds were discovered in the Slave Geological Province in the Northwest Territories. Uranium mining is conducted in northern Saskatchewan, gold is extracted near Yellowknife, and iron is mined in Quebec and Labrador.
Aside from necessary immigraton such as for work, virtually no one moves into the Taiga Shield. It does not have the luxuries or even some of the necessities that other regions have to offer, nor is it near any of these regions.
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