Natural Resources
February 9, 2011
Public Consultations Announced
for
Development of Provincial Minerals Strategy
To support responsible, sustainable development in the mining industry, the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a series of public consultations to provide opportunity for industry, Aboriginal groups, and other interested individuals or organizations to provide input into the development of a Provincial Minerals Strategy. Consultations are scheduled to begin in Baie Verte on February 14.
“The drafting and implementation of a Provincial Minerals Strategy will help ensure our mineral resources are developed in an environmentally-responsible manner, while supporting exploration and development opportunities,” said Minister Skinner. “The strategy will allow our government to capitalize on the economic and employment opportunities associated with the forecasted growth of the sector, and ensure the mining industry in the province is competitively positioned to attract continued investment and exploration.”
The mining industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is a major contributor to the provincial economy representing approximately nine per cent of Gross Domestic Product. The forecasted gross value of mineral shipments for 2011 is $4.7 billion and exploration expenditures for this year are expected to be $122 million. The industry employs over 5,000 women and men, many in rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Public consultation sessions will be held in the following communities: Baie Verte; Clarenville; Corner Brook; Gander; Grand Falls-Windsor; Happy Valley-Goose Bay; Labrador City; Long Harbour; Nain; Port Hope Simpson; St. Anthony; Stephenville; Marystown; and St. John’s.
The initial consultation sessions have been scheduled as follows, with information on the remainder of the sessions to be announced at a later date.|
Date / Time |
Location |
Venue |
|
Monday,
February 14 |
Baie Verte |
Baie Vista Hotel |
|
Tuesday,
February 15 |
Corner Brook |
Pepsi Centre |
|
Wednesday,
February 16 |
Stephenville |
Holiday Inn |
A discussion paper has been developed to assist in the consultation process and is available online at www.gov.nl.ca/nr/. Individuals or groups wishing to participate in the sessions or make a presentation are asked to pre-register by email at mineralstrategy@gov.nl.ca or by calling 709-729-2762.
Written and electronic comments are invited and will be accepted until April 14. Comments can be sent by e-mail to mineralstrategy@gov.nl.ca, or submissions forwarded to:
Department of
Natural Resources
Mines Branch (Minerals Strategy)
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL A1B 2J6
Attention: Gord Button
“Public consultations will help identify areas of interest, and issues of concern for the Provincial Government to consider as we begin work on drafting the Minerals Strategy,” said Minister Skinner. “I look forward to productive dialogue and ideas which will result from these sessions, and encourage residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in this important process which will support the long-term viability of the minerals industry in the province.”
Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future included a $235,000 investment for the development of a Provincial Minerals Strategy. The Department of Natural Resources’ Mines Branch will oversee the development of the strategy and the consultation process.- 30 -
Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
2011 02 09 11:00 a.m.