The Department of Natural Resources launched today an expanded summer field program that will see nine geological mapping projects proceed this summer as part of a three-year, $3-million initiative announced in Budget 2008 to improve knowledge of the province�s mineral resource base.

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, announced the details of this year�s field program � four new projects and the expansion of existing ongoing efforts � at a launch ceremony at the Natural Resources Building in St. John�s, the home of the province�s Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Our Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador is now able increase its field activities by our provincial geologists and add new projects, resulting in greater knowledge and information on which companies can base their exploration decisions," said Minister Dunderdale. "This initiative is part of our government�s commitment to improve the province�s competitiveness and attract exploration and development."

Budget 2008 provides an additional $1 million to the program�s base budget this year. In total, $1.5 million will be devoted to field activities this year, $800,000 of which will be invested in the most extensive mapping effort in Labrador in over a decade. The Labrador program includes two major bedrock mapping projects (in the Makkovik and Seal Lake areas), a study of uranium mineralization in the Central Mineral Belt and the conclusion of a 20-year mapping effort in southern Labrador.

The five projects on the island include three full-scale mapping projects (in western Newfoundland, north-east Newfoundland and the Buchans area), a project to study gold mineralization around Grand Falls-Windsor, and a small-scale field project on the Avalon to conduct geochemistry surveys on surface material, or till.

"Mining plays an important role in expanding and diversifying the province�s economy, especially in rural areas," Minister Dunderdale said. "This year�s field program is supported by the summer hire of 21 students, mainly from Memorial University. These future geology professionals will gain valuable insight and experience that will contribute positively to their careers and to the continued growth of this industry."

The province�s mining industry is experiencing record-breaking levels of mineral exploration and shipments. In 2007, companies spent $138 million on exploration in the province and the value of mineral shipments reached $3.9 billion. Budget 2008 focuses on maintaining this momentum through the continuation of the record-level funding of $2.5 million for the Mineral Incentive Program, $500,000 over two years to develop and launch a new online permitting system, and the new geological mapping initiative.

Seal Lake Group, Labrador � This is a new two-person, two-month field project mapping the rocks of the Seal Lake Group in central Labrador. Known to host copper mineralization, these rocks have never been mapped systematically. This is the first year of a multi-year project and it will concentrate on mapping the better exposed and more accessible areas in preparation for more extensive work next year.

Makkovik, Labrador � This is a five-person, two-month project to conduct field mapping in the Makkovik area by helicopter. The area is adjacent to known major uranium deposits and a better understanding of the geology of this area will assist in exploration for uranium, and also explore the possibility of other mineral deposits in the area.

Eastern Labrador � This one-person, two-week field project along the route of the Trans-Labrador Highway west of Cartwright will examine new exposures of rock along the newly constructed southern Labrador highway. This new information will be incorporated in the production of the regional geological compilation map of southern Labrador, based on over 20 years of field work.

Northeast Newfoundland � This is a new two-person, two-and-a-half-month mapping effort in the Catchers Pond Group and adjacent formations in northeast Newfoundland. The field base will be Kings Point. Mapping will study the distribution of various rock types and recognition of those types that have potential for base metals.

Western Newfoundland � This three-month field program will support exploration for west coast oil and gas by mapping carbonate-hosted base-metal deposits and marble in the area south from Corner Brook to Stephenville, and the Lomond area, northwest of Deer Lake.

Northeast Newfoundland � This new multi-year project will examine gold mineralization in northeast Newfoundland. Some recent gold prospects will be examined to better understand the rock types and geological environments in which gold deposits might be found.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador � This is the continuation of a project to understand how uranium deposits in Labrador are formed and distributed. The two-person field team will spend two-and-a-half months in the area and will be based out of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Southern Avalon � This is a four- to six-week, two-person field project to continue geochemical surveys of till in eastern Newfoundland. An analysis of the chemistry of this surface material, deposited in the last Ice Age, may indicate the possible presence of mineralization in the area and direct exploration activities.