Natural Resources minister corrects misleading information

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, clarified today misleading information that is being presented by the Leader of the Opposition regarding the Call for Proposals which was issued regarding mineral development on Bell Island.

"When I announced on August 20 that the Department of Natural Resources is issuing a Call for Proposals regarding Bell Island I clearly indicated that the issuance of the call was in line with the province�s Mineral Act," said Minister Byrne. "The area in question on Bell Island had been designated Exempt Mineral Land in 1977. In order for us to get involved in any discussions with any interested party for exploration on this exempt land, we have to issue a Call for Proposals as laid out in the Mineral Act.

"This has nothing to do with any kind of a double standard," continued Minister Byrne. "This is about my department following the legislation under which mineral exploration takes place in this province. As a former mines minister, I would think the Opposition leader would be aware of that requirement."

Minister Byrne also stated that the unsolicited proposal the department received regarding Bell Island was not a business proposal but a proposal to carry out advanced exploration in an area designated as exempt mineral land.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282

2004 08 25                                      2:20 p.m.