NLIS 4
November 2, 2005
(Natural Resources)
 

Minister announces annual review of mineral activities

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced that the 29th Annual Review of Activities for the Mines Branch of the Department of Natural Resources will take place Thursday, November 3, at the Delta St. John�s Hotel and Conference Centre. This year�s event is being held in conjunction with the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the Newfoundland Branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) � Mineral Resources Review 2005.

Minister Byrne said the 2005 Annual Review provides an overview of the current field, research and related activities of the department�s mines branch. The review of activities will include a number of presentations, as well as a poster display session.

�Our mineral resource-based industries are a significant economic driver for our province,� said Minister Byrne. �Government is forecasting the value of mineral shipments will reach $1.4 billion this year, while the exploration sector will contribute an additional $350 million to the economy. Collectively, the mineral sector generates approximately 3,100 annual person-years of direct employment in many rural communities across our province.�

Minister Byrne encourages the general public to attend the review of activities to learn first-hand what is happening in this very important sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

�This event provides the public with an excellent opportunity to review the current state of our industry and to hear from key industry personnel who are growing this sector,� said Minister Byrne.

2005 Annual Review of Activities Schedule of Events

Presentations - Thursday, November 3, 2005 (Salon B):

  • 9:05 a.m. - Geological Survey Review
  • 9:50 a.m. - Mineral Exploration Update
  • 10:55 a.m. - Mineral Development Update
  • 11:30 a.m. - Review � Centre for Earth Resources Research, MUN

The poster session will take place from 2:00-4:30 p.m. on Thursday. This year, the posters will address current projects, the geological survey, geochemistry/geophysics and terrain sciences, mineral deposits, regional mapping, geoscience publications and information, and mineral development and mineral lands. The posters will remain on display until 3 p.m. Friday in Salon A of the Delta St. John�s Hotel.

A highlight of this year�s review is the public lecture at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, in Salon B, by Dr. Harold Williams of the Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, entitled Newfoundland: Where Continents Collided.

�We have witnessed significant growth in the minerals sector through investments in existing mines, the development of new operations, as well as the increase in exploration activity,� said Minister Byrne. �We anticipate this trend will continue into the future.�

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

2005 11 02                                         2:20 p.m.


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