Geologists, mineral exploration companies and mine operators are converging on St. John�s this week for the biggest event in the province�s mining calendar, Mineral Resources Review 2007.

This year�s event, entitled The Newfoundland and Labrador Mineral Industry: Competing for Global Investment, is expected to be one of the best-attended and most exciting in the event�s long and distinguished history.

"The Mineral Resources Review is the best opportunity of the year to meet all the key players in the province�s mining industry and get the latest information on what is happening in the industry," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "This industry is employing people throughout the province, especially in rural areas, and it is providing important business opportunities for the many small businesses on the supply and service side."

Mineral Resources Review 2007 is a joint initiative of the Newfoundland Branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and the Mines Branch of the Department of Natural Resources. The event will feature presentations from mineral exploration and mining companies. The Mines Branch will also present the latest results from this year�s field research.

"The Mineral Resources Review is a great forum for prospectors, geologists and other industry experts to share their ideas and make contacts for new projects," said John Fleming, president of the Newfoundland Branch of the CIM. "This show is also geared towards the general public. Anyone with a passing interest in rocks, minerals, drilling and mineral processing will get a lot out of this event. It�s very accessible."

Mineral exploration expenditures in this province are forecast to reach a record high $160 million this year. That�s nearly $60 million more than last year. The gross value of mineral shipments is expected to reach $3.9 billion, which is 470 per cent higher than 2004.

"The mining industry is booming right now and we recognize that we have to continue making strategic long-term investments to continue the momentum we have established," said Minister Dunderdale. "Our investments in the Mineral Incentive Program, geological mapping and our award-winning online services are just some of the ways we are working with industry to continue attracting global investment."

The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 1, and runs until Saturday, November 3, at the Delta Hotel in St. John�s. A highlight of the conference is the annual Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador Public Lecture. It begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, in Salon B. Dr. Charles Gower will present this year�s lecture, From Outcrop to Continent � a Geological Odyssey through Eastern Labrador. The lecture is free and everyone is welcome.

For more information, please visit www.cim.org/Newfoundland or www.nr.gov.nl.ca/mines&en/geosurvey/

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