Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing to the House of Assembly a Bill to Amend the Mineral Act. There are several components to the Bill, some of a house keeping nature.

The key aspect of this Bill will amend Section 31 and add Section 31.1 which sets out the conditions under which a mining lease is granted, and the requirements for further processing of mineral resources in our province.

Mr. Speaker, our intentions and our policy regarding the requirement for further processing of mineral resources in our province, have been clearly and consistently communicated. When it is appropriate for the orderly production of mineral resources and it is in the best interest of the province, the further processing must take place here.

This policy was first reflected in the 1995 Amendments to the Mineral Act, which required "primary production", meaning the smelting, processing and refining of a mineral or mineral ore, to take place in the province as a condition of a mining lease, if it was economically feasible to do so.

Mr. Speaker, Government has concluded that the 1995 legislation may be unclear and may be subject to conflicting interpretations. This potential for conflict or lack of certainty is a problem for industry, for Government, and for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. While the current wording of the legislation may be ambiguous, the intent of our policy is clear. The Bill which I am introducing today proposes new language which will create certainty, and clearly lay out our policy with respect to further processing of minerals in our province.

Mr. Speaker, our policy is simple. If it is economically viable for primary production of minerals to take place in our province, then it should take place in our province. The Bill which I am introducing today does not change that policy. It does however, clarify the policy and reaffirms the right of government to order further processing of minerals granted under a mining lease issued by government.

Developers of our resources and investors in our Province are essential to the further development of our Province's potential. If they are to invest in our Province, they must be sure that they understand our requirements, and they must be sure that they can earn a reasonable return. This Bill provides that certainty by establishing a clear and unambiguous public policy framework for the mining industry.

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador, the owners of our mineral resources, also require maximum benefits from the development of their resources. It is Government's obligation to provide them with that certainty. This Bill fulfills that obligation.

Mr. Speaker, the other aspects of the Bill are also important and will modernize important aspects of the province's regime governing competitive claim staking, the issuance of exploration licences and the mineral exploration process leading to the issuance of a mining lease.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the debate on this important legislation.