Newfoundland and Labrador Celebrates Provincial Mining Week

Newfoundland and Labrador is showcasing its mineral industry and the economic benefits of this sector to the province during Provincial Mining Week. The week, which runs from November 1 to November 7, will feature many activities and events exploring the industry, and will include the annual gathering of industry participants and partners for Mineral Resources Review 2009, entitiled The Newfoundland and Labrador Mineral Industry: Meeting the Global Economic Challenge.

�This year the mining sector has planned a packed week that celebrates the successes in the industry and the importance of the sector to the province,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. �It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the valuable role the industry has in strengthening the provincial economy and to appreciate its contribution to the many rural areas of the province. We hope these events and activities will help increase public awareness of the exciting opportunities within this growing and highly technical sector.�

Provincial Mining Week starts Sunday with a three-day Mining in Society Show at the Johnson GEO CENTRE. The show allows students, teachers and the public to learn about the phases of the mining cycle and explore potential careers. A forum Monday evening, Women in Mining, will feature a panel discussion with female employees from various mining companies.

The highlight of the week is the annual Mineral Resources Review being held Thursday through Saturday, November 5 to 7, at the Delta Hotel and Convention Centre. The largest mining conference and trade show in Atlantic Canada, this year�s review is a joint initiative between the Mines Branch of the Department of Natural Resources and the provincial branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM).

The conference includes technical presentations, sector overviews, poster exhibits by the Mines Branch and a gold-panning workshop. Bruce Ryan, project geologist with the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, will also present a public lecture, Buried Treasure: Prospecting, Exploration and Mining in Pre-Confederation Newfoundland, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

�This conference has grown with the industry,� said Gerry O�Connell, Executive Director with the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources. �It is the main venue for networking and business development among all sectors of the mining industry in the province.�

Newfoundland and Labrador produces sixteen mineral commodities, including iron, nickel, copper, zinc, antimony, gold, slate and barite. The forecasted gross value of mineral shipments for 2009 is $2.2 billion. This is the fourth highest value on record for the province.

The Provincial Government is committed to ensuring the long-term growth and success of the mining industry. Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation included an additional $620,000 in funding for exploration incentives, investment attraction and mineral promotion.

For more information on Provincial Mining Week and a detailed listing of events, please visit www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/miningweek09/. 

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BACKGROUNDER
Calendar of Events

Public Events

Mining in Society Show � Free Admission
Johnson GEO CENTRE, Signal Hill Road
Sunday, November 1 � 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday, November 2 � 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3 � 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Women in Mining Forum � Free Admission
Johnson GEO CENTRE, Signal Hill Road
Monday, November 2
7:00 p.m.

Public Lecture - Buried Treasure: Prospecting, Exploration and Mining in Pre-Confederation Newfoundland - Free Admission
Delta St. John�s Hotel and Convention Centre, New Gower Street
Salon B
Thursday, November 5
7:30 p.m.

Event for Educators

Mining Matters Workshop for Educators
Johnson GEO CENTRE, Signal Hill Road
Sunday, November 1
1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
To register, visit www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/miningweek09/ 

Premiere Industry Event

Mineral Resources Review 2009
Delta St. John�s Hotel and Convention Centre, New Gower Street
Thursday, November 5, to Saturday, November 7
To register, visit www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/mrreview09/ 

2009 10 30                                                  10:10 a.m.