June 5, 2014
Supporting Mineral Exploration
Geological Mapping Program Adds to Province’s Geoscience Knowledge
Geologists within the Provincial Government will be in the field this summer undertaking mineral geoscience work though the geological mapping program. They will be joined by earth science students from Memorial University.
“Throughout the summer, geologists and students will be engaged in gathering information and developing maps that will be posted online to help identify potential mineral prospects. Programs such as this reflect our government’s commitment to geoscience and will help to attract exploration and development in support of long-term economic growth. The geological mapping program also provides a great opportunity for students to learn from some of the province’s most highly skilled geologists.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources
Two projects in Labrador will include uranium and iron ore studies in the resource-rich Central Mineral Belt and Labrador Trough, as well as a detailed lake sediment geochemistry project in southeastern Labrador.
On the island, one mapping project will occur on the Bonavista Peninsula and field work will take place in western Newfoundland. Two other projects will involve follow-up work on gold and base metal projects in central Newfoundland and surficial mapping and till geochemistry in the Bay d’Espoir area.
“Accessible public geoscience is critically important for investment attraction and growth in the province’s mineral industry. Our association is very supportive of the geoscience field research program and the benefit it provides to participating students from Memorial as they gain access to valuable mentorship opportunities that broaden their knowledge and understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador’s tremendous geological heritage.”
- Ed Moriarity, Executive Director, Mining Industry NL
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook invested $1.4 million to assist with this year’s geoscience field projects.
QUICK FACTS
- Geologists within the Provincial Government will be in the field this summer undertaking geoscience work for the mineral industry though the geological mapping program.
- They will be joined by 13 earth science students from Memorial University with an interest in geology who will gain experience in the field from some of the province’s highly-skilled geologists.
- The geological mapping program builds on decades of research conducted by the province’s Geological Survey which has a long history of providing high-quality geoscience for use by the mineral industry and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
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Media contacts:
| Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Jennifer Kelly Communications Advisor Mining Industry NL 709-722-9542 jkelly@miningnl.com |
2014 06 05 10:30 a.m.