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NLIS 2
September 12, 2000
(Mines and Energy)


Government geoscientist awarded national medal

Sean O�Brien, a geoscientist with the provincial Department of Mines and Energy, has been awarded the 2000 Provincial Geologists Medal.

The announcement was made today by Mines and Energy Minister Paul Dicks.

It is the second consecutive year that a geoscientist with the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador (a division within the Department of Mines and Energy) has been honoured with the prestigious award. Last year�s winner was Bruce Ryan.

Mr. O�Brien received the award in recognition of his scientific achievements over more than 20 years of geological and mineral-deposit research in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The medal was presented to Mr. O�Brien by Tim Hudak, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines, at the 57th annual Energy and Mines Ministers� Conference in Toronto.

The Provincial Geologists Medal was created to recognize outstanding work by a geoscientist in one of Canada�s provincial or territorial geological surveys.

Mr. Dicks said that Mr. O�Brien was the unanimous choice from a Canada-wide field of candidates with outstanding credentials and he has every reason to be proud of his significant accomplishment.

"Mr. O�Brien is one of the pre-eminent experts on that part of the Appalachian Mountain Belt represented by rocks of southern and eastern Newfoundland," said Mr. Dicks. "His expertise is recognized in Canada, Europe and the United States and by several mineral-exploration companies who have sought his advice and knowledge on the mineralizing environments in the region. His published maps, reports and papers are of exceptional clarity and a fundamental starting point for any exploration program in eastern Newfoundland."

Media contact: Gary Callahan (709) 729-4890.

 Backgrounder

Sean O�Brien

Sean O�Brien was born in St. John�s and spent many childhood summers exploring the rocky beaches of the Southern Shore of Newfoundland. His fondness for rocks and the outdoors has evolved into a lifelong passion for geological field work. After completing his bachelor�s and master�s degrees in geoscience at Memorial University, he joined the Department of Mines and Energy in 1977 as a geoscientist in the Geological Survey Division. Over the past two decades, Mr. O�Brien has pursued the science and art of geological surveying along the province�s south coast, the Burin Peninsula and the Avalon Peninsula. During that time, he has shown himself to be a meticulous mapper, a prodigious researcher and a proficient communicator.

Sean O�Brien has also been a strong supporter of Newfoundland�s growing prospecting community and junior exploration industry. He has proven to be a most patient mentor to eager learners, and inspires a passion for mineral exploration in the novice and veteran alike. Several prospectors and geologists who have benefitted from Mr. O�Brien�s tutelage have made important mineral discoveries, some resulting in joint ventures with other companies to further exploration on their mineral properties.

To view a photo of Mr. O'Brien Click on link below

Photo:

2000 09 12 11:15 a.m.


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