Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
December 22, 2014

Provincial Government Continues Support of Skilled Workforce

$110,000 Invested in Anaconda Mining Inc. to Support Skills Enhancements

Anaconda Mining Inc. will be better positioned to increase production as a result of almost $110,000 in funding from the Provincial Government's Workplace Skills Enhancement program. Anaconda Mining Inc. has received funding to assist with staff training in the milling area of the operation which will support the company's plan to increase production over the next five years.

"Having employees with the correct skill-set is critical to business success and growth, as well as to a company's ability to capitalize on emerging development opportunities. Training and skill development reduces inefficiencies, better prepares businesses and ultimately leads to increased profitability. I am confident that this Provincial Government investment of $109,835 will strengthen Anaconda Mining's ability to attract strong business partnerships and will provide greater opportunities for the people of the Baie Verte Peninsula region."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Through efforts with College of the North Atlantic, Anaconda Mining Inc. has identified the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) as the preferred company to provide training to its employees. NORCAT is a leading non-profit organization that empowers businesses and community partners to drive a culture of productivity, innovation, and lifelong learning. NORCAT has nearly 20 years of mine training experience and advances industry best practices and government regulations to ensure that all training delivered meets the highest quality standards.

"I am pleased the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development is able to contribute almost $110,000 under the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program to Anaconda Mines. I am confident this assistance willprovide Anaconda's workforce with the necessary skills to increase mine production and add to the longevity of their operation. This is another example of this government's commitment to help diversify and enhance the economy of rural Newfoundland and Labrador."
- Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte - Springdale

The Workplace Skills Enhancement program provides non-repayable contributions for skills development of existing employees for up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to an average of $10,000 per employee and includes advanced skills training, technical skill development, on-the-job training, workplace-specific skills upgrading or industry-recognized certification.

"The Pine Cove Mine is the only operating gold mine east of Quebec and the company is currently engaged in a multi-million dollar exploration program to find additional resources. This means that Anaconda's Pine Cove Mill requires uniquely trained individuals to achieve desired recoveries and efficiencies. The plant continues to serve as a comprehensive classroom for practical training that allows employees to improve their current operating skills, while also learning new skills that they will use throughout their career. This current training complements many in-house training exercises that the company has provided in the past. Anaconda wishes to thank the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development for its support and looks forward to many years of contributing to the economy of this region and that of the entire province."
- Allan Cramm, General Manager, Anaconda Mining Inc.

Anaconda staff will participate in a 16-week customized program with training in standard operating procedures that will reflect best mill recoveries for the company's present day operations and allow for the addition of new technologies for improved recoveries in the future.

QUICK FACTS

• In an effort to improve workplace skills and ultimately improve productivity and production capacity, Anaconda Mining Inc. has received $109,835 through the Workplace Skills Enhancement program.
• The Workplace Skills Enhancement program provides non-repayable contributions for skills development of existing employees for up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to an average of $10,000 per employee.
• Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development offers a wide range of services and assistance to established and potential business owners. Additional information can be found at: www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/programs/WSEP.html.

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca	Patrick Jim Constituency Assistant to Kevin Pollard MHA for Baie Verte - Springdale 709-532-2243 patrick.jim@gov.nl.ca
Allan Cramm General Manager Anaconda Mining Inc. 709-532-6420 acramm@anacondamining.com

2014 12 22                              10:55 a.m.