Prospectors graduate from training course in Labrador

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale today announced the graduation of 19 prospecting students from the first Prospecting Training Course offered through the Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus of the College of the North Atlantic.

The 13-day course was offered in response to the significant interest in prospecting and exploration in Labrador. The course is normally offered at the Stephenville campus and is administered by the department�s Mineral Development Division and the college.

�The tremendous increase in mineral exploration is creating employment opportunities for prospectors with mineral exploration companies operating in Labrador,� Minister Dunderdale said. �Offering the course at this time in Labrador reduced the travel costs for students who were interested in prospecting from that region. We recognize that a well-trained prospecting workforce is fundamental for the future of mineral development in the province.�

The Prospecting Training Course at the Stephenville campus is open to all residents of the province. It is an intensive, field-oriented course consisting of practical instruction in basic prospecting methods from a diverse group of exploration professionals. Graduates are eligible for designation as genuine prospectors under the province�s Mineral Regulations.

�Developing the mineral industry is all about exploration. Exploration drives discoveries, discoveries drive developments,� Minister Dunderdale said. �We know that to grow the industry, we need to invest in expertise and exploration and making this course available to interested students is part of that strategic approach.�

Mining exploration in the province has increased over 30 per cent since 2004. This year�s budget includes a $3-million investment strategy to attract new business to the sector, including $2.5 million for the Mineral Incentive Program � the largest contribution in the history of the program. The Mineral Incentive Program allows companies and individuals to leverage additional investment from the private sector for prospecting and exploration activity. Every dollar invested by government generates a further $1.41 of private capital for grass-roots exploration.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-5282 or 690-1703

2006 07 17                       11:00 a.m.