Minister�s Advisory Committee on Mineral Matters appointed

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, announced today the establishment and appointment of the Minister�s Advisory Committee on Mineral Matters during an address at the annual Resource Investors Forum. The forum was sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources and held at the Humber Valley Resort.

�The Advisory Committee will provide me with advice on government-related mineral policies as I believe it is very important to engage industry in this process,� said Minister Byrne. �The committee will assist government develop forward-looking mineral strategies that provide sustainable development benefits for the provincial economy, the industry and the environment.�

Minister Byrne indicated the advisory committee is not intended to deal with individual company issues which may arise in the normal course of doing business. The minister added that any issues related to exploration approval, permitting, and grant applications will continue to be addressed through the normal government and department processes.

Minister Byrne said in selecting the members he ensured that various sectors of the mineral industry were represented as well considering geographical representation. The members of the advisory committee include:

• Brian Dalton, St. John�s, of Altius Minerals will represent junior exploration companies and will chair committee.
• Chris Verbiski of St. John�s will represent prospectors
• Allan Cramm, Baie Verte, of Richmont Mines � junior mining companies
• Joe Shirley, St. John�s, of VBNC � senior mining companies
• Roy Barker, Baie Verte, of Barker Construction � quarry operators
• Victor French, Bay Roberts, of VA French Geological Consultants Inc. � service sector including drilling, consultants, and laboratories
• Larry Pilgrim, King�s Point, of Richmont Mines, representing regional prospectors.

Minister Byrne indicated that other committee members could be appointed for specific expertise should the need arise.

�My plan is to meet with this group three to four times a year to review the state of the industry in the province, discuss current and proposed government policies and their impact on the industry and to generate ideas as to how industry and government can work together to advance this industry�s development in the province,� said Minister Byrne. �I look forward to working closely with these individuals so that together we can ensure we are optimizing the potential the mineral industry presents to the province and industry.�

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 685-4624

2005 09 16                                 9:35 a.m.