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Natural Resources
November 1, 2011

Mining Week to Promote Benefits in Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Mining Week is underway in Newfoundland and Labrador with a focus to promote the economic and employment benefits associated with the minerals industry. Events are scheduled to begin today (Tuesday, November 1) and will run until Saturday, November 5.

“The mining and minerals sector plays an important role in strengthening the provincial economy and securing employment for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Natural Resources. “Provincial Mining Week is an opportunity for our government to come together with industry partners to discuss the many benefits derived from mining, and I look forward to working together with industry to further strengthen these business partnerships.”

Events in support of Mining Week will include a career expo, women in mining forum, public lecture, educators’ workshops, and Mineral Resources Review, the premiere event of the week and Eastern Canada’s largest mineral industry conference and trade show.

“Mining Week represents an opportunity to showcase one of the most important sectors of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy,” said George Ogilvie, Honourary Chair of Provincial Mining Week. “The mining industry in our province continues to expand with new mines coming into production, expansion at existing operations, and new discoveries being made. This trend is expected to continue into 2012 with the continued demand for mineral products that are abundant in our province.”

The provincial mining industry is experiencing solid growth as a result of improved commodity prices, and increased international demand and mineral production. The gross value of mineral shipments for the year is forecast to be $4.7 billion, the highest on record for Newfoundland and Labrador. Exploration expenditures have risen to $155 million with provincial employment at a 35 year high due to increased employment by most mining operations in the province.

“The theme of this year’s Mineral Resources Review, Newfoundland and Labrador – Resource Rich and Mining Friendly speaks to the province’s thriving industry and mineral wealth,” said Minister Kennedy. “Approximately 800 delegates are expected to attend the conference and trade show to explore potential business opportunities for further growth and development.”

The Provincial Government is committed to the long-term development of the mining industry, and continues to support responsible and sustainable exploration and production in Newfoundland and Labrador. Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador included increased funding in the minerals sector to encourage exploration and investment attraction, and continued work on the province’s Minerals Strategy.

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Media contacts:

Heather Maclean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
George Ogilvie
President and Chief Executive Officer
Rambler Metals and Mining Canada Limited
709-532-5716
georgeogilvie@ramblermines.com

BACKGROUNDER
Calendar of Events for Mining Week 2011

Public Events

Career Expo 2011
Tuesday, November 1
School Groups: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
General Public: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre, Harbourview Room
120 New Gower Street

Women in Mining Forum
Wednesday, November 2
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre, Harbourview Room
120 New Gower Street

The Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Annual Lecture
Thursday, November 3
7:30 p.m.
Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre, Salon B
120 New Gower Street

Educator Event

PDAC Mining Matters Teacher Workshops
Friday, November 4
Discovering Diamonds Workshop: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Deeper and Deeper Workshop: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre, Brownsdale Room
120 New Gower Street

Industry Event

Mineral Resources Review
Thursday, November 3, to Saturday, November 5
Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre
120 New Gower Street

For additional information, visit www.gov.nl.ca/NR/mines/mining.html

2011 11 01                          9:50 a.m.

 
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