Natural Resources
June 7, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources:

Annual Baie Verte Mining Conference Highlights Successful Provincial Mineral Sector

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Provincial Government's participation in the 29th Annual Baie Verte Mining Conference from June 3 to 4.

Along with the Honourable Premier, the Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, and the MHA for the District of Baie Verte - Green Bay, I had the honour of attending. At the conference, we had the pleasure of exchanging information and ideas about the province's business, mining and mineral exploration industries and the investment community.

The innovation and ingenuity, the excitement and interest that the conference attendees are contributing to the mining sector is remarkable. While mineral commodity prices are under pressure in the current economy, the companies and people of the Baie Verte region are thriving.

I was pleased to tour Anaconda's Pine Cove gold mine and meet individuals from its vibrant, young workforce. The Provincial Government is supporting Anaconda Mining in its efforts to expand its operations through a $400,000 repayable loan under the Business Investment Program and a $100,000 investment through the Business Development Support Program.

I also toured Rambler Mines and Metals' copper-gold Ming mine. The company recently announced financing was in place for expansion plans that will extend the life of the mine to at least 2021. Last month, Rambler received the John T Ryan Safety Award - a first for a Newfoundland and Labrador underground mine.

Both companies continue to actively explore projects in the area to expand their resources and are significantly contributing to the industry and economy in the Baie Verte region, and ultimately the province.

Our government is supporting growth in the mineral industry through prospector training and mentoring, the mineral incentive program, public geoscience, the core storage program, promotions, and efficient and transparent regulation. We are committed to working closely with the mining industry and with communities to attract investment and develop the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2016 06 07                              1:50 p.m.