Minister Noel updates major project activities in the province

Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel today updated the latest activities taking place on the major resource development projects currently underway in the province.

"Employment figures at our major resource development projects continue to rise," said Minister Noel. "There are currently over 1,150 people employed on all aspects of the White Rose project in this province, and over 500 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians working on the Voisey�s Bay project.  This is in addition to the more than 1,600 people employed with Hibernia and Terra Nova.

"These numbers are very encouraging and demonstrate the level of employment benefits accruing to the people of the province.  As White Rose and Voisey�s Bay continue to move forward, more benefits will be realized by our citizens.  This was our commitment in negotiating these projects and employment estimates are being fulfilled.

"In addition to these direct employment opportunities, thousands of indirect jobs are being created through service and supply companies who work in the mining and petroleum sectors of our economy. As our major projects continue to mature, I am confident that many more jobs will be created.

"Work activities at Voisey�s Bay and White Rose continue to progress forward. At Voisey�s Bay activities include the excavation of the mill site, construction of additional roads, the building of a permanent airstrip and settling ponds, and installation of the concentrator building foundation, while the fabrication of several modules for the White Rose Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel are also moving forward on schedule at Marystown and Bull Arm.

"This year�s activities are very encouraging, and we look forward to the employment numbers and work activities increasing even further next year.  We expect significant construction activity to begin at Argentia on the hydromet demonstration facility and work to ramp up at the Voisey�s Bay site in Labrador.  We also expect to witness the arrival of the White Rose FPSO for hook-up and commissioning work at Marystown.

"Government will continue to monitor our developing projects to ensure that maximum benefits accrue to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Media contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709) 729-5777

2003 08 13                                       10:00 a.m.