Natural Resources
October 6, 2016
Supporting Mineral Exploration
Prospectors Training Course Supports Growth in Mining Industry
Future prospectors have completed an intensive two weeks of training through the Prospectors Training Course offered by the Provincial Government and College of the North Atlantic. The course took place at the Bay St. George campus in Stephenville.
“Intensive prospector training provides the skills required to identify mineral potential in Newfoundland and Labrador. To achieve long-term sustainability in the mining industry, we need to provide opportunities for those interested in the industry to experience first-hand what is involved in mining in the province. Participants have expressed that the course exceeded expectations and was of magnificent value as they pursue opportunities in the industry.”
- The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources
Participants experienced a unique opportunity to receive quality classroom instruction and multiple opportunities to apply theory in field situations. Details on the topics covered in the course and feedback from participants can be found in the backgrounder below.
"Newfoundland and Labrador is a province rich in mineral resources, many of which have yet to be discovered. In most cases, it's prospectors who find these resources, so having the prospector training course ensures we have new prospectors entering the industry for the continued development of a strong mining sector for the province.”
- Robin Walters, Vice President of Industry and Community Engagement, College of the North Atlantic
The Prospectors Training Course has been completed by over 500 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and has been offered for more than 25 years. The course qualifies those who complete the program for a Genuine Prospector designation under the province's Mineral Act, which allows them to stake up to 30 claims a year without having to pay a security deposit.
The mineral industry employs over 7,000 people in the province, the majority of them in rural areas, and there is significant investment in exploration, development and mine operations.
QUICK FACTS
- The Prospectors Training Course, offered by the Provincial Government and College of the North Atlantic, has concluded after an intensive two weeks of training.
- Participants experienced a unique opportunity to receive quality instruction while applying what they were learning using premium mining equipment.
- The Prospectors Training Course has been completed by over 500 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and has been offered for more than 25 years.
- The mineral industry employs over 7,000 people in the province, the majority of them in rural areas.
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Media contacts:
Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Heidi Staeban-Simmons Director of Public Affairs College of the North Atlantic 709-643-7817 heidi.staeben-simmons@cna.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Prospectors Training Course
The Prospectors Training Course took place from September 12 to September 23 at the College of the North Atlantic Bay St. George campus in Stephenville. Participants were introduced to the geology and mining history of the west and central portions of the island and visited mine workings dating from the 1870s to present day operations. The students had the opportunity to learn about:
- Basic geology;
- Mineral deposits:
- Prospecting methods;
- Navigation;
- Business of prospecting;
- Legislation;
- Computer applications;
- How to collect and identify rock and mineral samples, structural data from geological features and geochemical samples; and
- How to use geophysical exploration equipment.
Feedback from course graduates
“Completing the course was a great experience overall! I was extremely happy with the level of geology detail and the individual lectures and labs are comprehensive. Spending a number days in the field tied it all together. I feel I have a much better understanding of the industry now and feel better equipped for prospecting.”
- Selwyn Rose
“The prospecting course was a fantastic experience. In just 12 days I gained enough theoretical and practical knowledge to get out in the field and start staking claims. I was especially impressed with the range of instructors and the enthusiasm they had for their fields of expertise – geochemistry, geophysics and geology. Beyond the course, the support and help available online and in person from the Department of Natural Resources is more than anyone could expect. I’ve already had a dozen questions answered in person and via email about potential claim sites I’m looking at. It’s now my intent to make prospecting and the mining sector my new career area.”
- David Keating
“Thanks to great teachers, the learning experience in the prospecting class of 2016 has opened my eyes to so much about the geology of this province.”
- Justin Pyne Tripp
2016 10 06 4:00 p.m.