Investment Opportunities Explored at International Mining Conference

More than 60 delegates, representing 21 mineral exploration companies exploring in Newfoundland and Labrador, are in Vancouver this week attending the 2011 Mineral Exploration Roundup. They are joined by officials from the Department of Natural Resources and the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources. Mineral Exploration Roundup is a major international conference held annually with close to 7,000 participants in attendance.

“Conferences such as Mineral Exploration Roundup enable the promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral resource potential and attract exploration investment into our province,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources. “This will help to maintain the long-term health of the industry, sustain economic growth and create employment, particularly in the province’s rural communities where the majority of mining and exploration activities are based.”

The Department of Natural Resources’ Mines Branch will showcase the results of the many strategic investments the Provincial Government has made to enable and encourage exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador. Officials will provide delegates with expert advice and technical information on the geology and mineral potential of the province, along with the opportunities for mineral resource investment and development.

In addition, the Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources to provide support for local prospectors attending the conference. Delegates attend the conference to build relationships, seek new opportunities and secure investment for emerging and potential exploration projects. While in Vancouver, delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in the Cambridge House International’s Resource Investment Conference, which coincides with the Mineral Exploration Roundup.

“Vancouver is a major center for global mineral exploration and mine financing,” said Gerry O’Connell, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources. “It is important that the province and industry take advantage of events such as Roundup to promote our province’s potential and promising exploration projects.”

The Provincial Government is committed to ensuring the long-term growth and success of the mining industry. Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future supports the mineral sector with $5.7 million invested in geoscience and $2.9 million allocated to the Mineral Incentive Program.

“Further exploration and investment is critical if we want to ensure a continuous supply of viable projects in the mining pipeline,” added Minister Skinner. “Mineral Exploration Roundup is a wonderful opportunity for our companies and prospectors, especially our junior exploration companies, to establish important contacts and secure business opportunities that will prove to be invaluable to our provincial mining industry.”

The theme of 2011 Mineral Exploration Roundup is Exploring Today for Tomorrow’s Resources. Discussions will focus on the latest Canadian and global discoveries, commodity trends, occupational health and safety issues, sustainability, geosciences and project permitting. Mineral Exploration Roundup starts today and concludes Thursday, January 27. For more information, visit //www.amebc.ca/Home.aspx.

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BACKGROUNDER
Exploration Companies with Newfoundland and Labrador Projects Attending 2011 Mineral Exploration Roundup

Alderon Resource Corporation
Altius Minerals Corporation
Benton Resources Corporation
Buchans Minerals Corporation
Castillian Resources Corporation
Champion Minerals Incorporated
Commander Resources Limited
Cornerstone Capital Resources Incorporated
Freeport Resources Incorporated
Golden Dory Resources Corporation
JNR Resources Incorporated
Manson Creek Resources Limited
Marathon Gold Corporation
Metals Creek Resources Corporation
Northern Abitibi Mining Corporation
Playfair Mining Limited
Rambler Metals and Mining
Rare Earth Metals Incorporated
Silver Spruce Resources Incorporated
Spruce Ridge Resources Limited
UCore Rare Metals

2011 01 24                                                                              1:50 p.m.