NLIS 2
May 8, 2000
(Mines and Energy)

The following statement was issued today by Paul Dicks, Minister of Mines and Energy. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Mining Week � May 8 - May 14

I wish to advise the House that the week of May 8 - May 14, 2000 is Mining Week in Canada.

Earlier today it was my pleasure to join the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources in declaring this week as Mining Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The theme for this week�s celebration is: "Mining Makes it Happen."

Mining Week is designed primarily to recognize the important contribution that this sector continues to make to the economy of our province and to give due recognition to all of the people who work and earn their living in the mining industry.

As honouable members are aware, this government approved an additional $250,000 in this year�s budget for the Mineral Exploration Assistance Program. It was one of the key recommendations to government during the Jobs and Growth Mining Forum which was held in the later part of 1999.

In addition to the increased funding of $250,000, government made the decision to extend the program from three years to five years. The Mineral Exploration Program is now a five-year program with new government funding of $2.25 million for 2000/01. This will be matched by industry funding of approximately $2.25 million or more, for a total expenditure of $4.5 million this year. In all, it is now a $22 million, five-year government and industry program.

This incentive program has been warmly received and commended by the mining and mineral exploration industry which fully appreciates the fundamental importance of mineral exploration.

The program continues to have many successes. The Hammerdown gold project near Springdale will commence in the not-to-distant future; Burin Minerals is expected to complete a feasibility study on its St. Lawrence Flurospar property this year and Thundermin Resources Inc., and its joint venture partner Queenston Mining Inc., will complete a feasibility study on its Duck Pond base metal project near Millertown.

Government fully understands that exploration is an essential component in the development of mineral resources. It has been proven that exploration leads to the discovery of new resources and, in turn, results in the generation of new wealth through new investment, employment and business opportunities.

The mining industry employs approximately 2,900 people and the value of mineral shipments this year is expected to increase from $833 million to $1.09 billion.

It is essential for government to support mining. We must ensure that our policies are fair to the private sector. As well, we must never lose sight of the fact that our mineral resources belong to the people and have to be developed in their overall best interests.

In conclusion, I invite everyone to celebrate Mining Week and the contribution of the mining industry to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

2000 05 08                            2:00 p.m.