Natural Resources
May 18, 2016

Supporting Mineral Exploration

Applications Being Accepted for Prospectors Training Course

The application process is now underway for the Prospectors Training Course being offered by the Provincial Government and College of the North Atlantic. The course takes place at Bay St. George campus in Stephenville from May 30 to June 10, and the deadline for applications is Monday, May 23. Applicants who are 19 years of age or older with an interest in prospecting, geology, or in becoming a mineral exploration professional are encouraged to apply.

�By encouraging prospectors, our government is supporting growth in the mineral industry. In addition to the Prospectors Training Course, government delivers the mineral incentive program, public geoscience, the core storage program, promotions, and efficient and transparent regulation � all important elements in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mining industry and the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador.�
- The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources

This is an intensive and field-oriented non-credit course in which applicants receive training in prospecting and sampling methods, rock and mineral identification, basic geology, and mineral deposit types. Participants who complete the course are designated as Genuine Prospectors, which allows them to stake up to 30 claims a year without having to pay a security deposit.

The fee to register for the program is $600 plus $300 for meals and accommodations, if required. For more information and an application, visit: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/mines/exploration/mip/prospectorast.html#p1

The Prospectors Training Course has been completed by over 500 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and has been offered for more than 25 years. Those who complete the program qualify for a Genuine Prospector designation under the province�s Mineral Act.

�Course participants will have a balanced experience of field trips, practical theory and lab exercises to enhance their prospecting skills. Personal and professional development opportunities, like the prospector training course, are the building blocks to a successful mining industry. The purpose of this course is to increase the number of known mineral occurrences, thereby helping to stimulate the economy of the province.�
- Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, College of the North Atlantic

The Provincial Government is committed to achieving long-term sustainability in the mining industry. The Prospectors Training Course supports this goal by providing educational opportunities to encourage growth and development in the mining sector.

QUICK FACTS:

• Applications are now being accepted for the Prospectors Training Course taking place at the Bay St. George campus in Stephenville from May 30 to June 10.
• The course provides practical and intensive field-oriented instruction on prospecting methods from a variety of mineral exploration professionals.
• The deadline for applications is Monday, May 23. For information or an application, visit: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/mines/exploration/mip/prospectorast.html#p1
• Program registration is $600 plus $300 for meals and accommodations, if required, and applicants must be 19 years of age or over.

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Media contacts:

Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

Roger Hulan Communications Specialist College of the North Atlantic 709-643-7938 roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca

2016 05 18                              1:55 p.m.