Acting Premier Expresses Condolences to Family of Long-time Prospecting Pioneer

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Acting Premier and Minister of Natural Resources, today expressed deepest condolences on behalf of the Provincial Government to the Keats-Stares family of Benton in central Newfoundland on the passing of its patriarch Ted Keats. Mr. Keats' involvement in the province's mining industry helped to establish a long-term legacy of prospecting and mineral exploration across several generations. He passed away on Thursday, February 4, at 90 years of age.

"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the members of the Keats-Stares family during this difficult time," said Acting Premier Dunderdale. "I want to recognize the outstanding contributions of this family over the past 40 years to the mining industry, starting with Mr. Keats. Their hard work and commitment have led to numerous mineral discoveries in our province, including the Duck Pond copper-zinc mine, the Beaver Brook antimony mine and the Point Leamington copper-zinc deposit, all of which have generated significant industry growth."

The Keats-Stares family was the recipient of the 2006 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year Award. This award recognizes individual contributions to the growth of prospecting and mineral exploration across the country.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca