Mining Week

I rise in the house today to advise honourable members that May 12-18, 2002, is National Mining Week throughout Canada.

This week provides an opportunity to recognize the important contribution that mining and the mineral industry makes to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. This year, approximately 2,500 people will be directly employed in the province�s mining industry, with the total value of mineral shipments estimated to be worth approximately $790 million.

Our mining operations throughout the province continue to produce at impressive levels. Over a dozen mineral commodities including gold, iron ore and gypsum are produced in our mines. Industrial minerals, such as dimension stone, slate and limestone, are also creating new opportunities in our industry. Labrador West continues to produce approximately 55 per cent of Canada�s iron ore products.

This province has had a long mining history dating back to the late 1500s. This continues through to this day as prospectors and junior exploration companies continue to seek out minerals which could lead to the development of a gold, zinc or copper mine.

New exploration opportunities in areas such as the Botwood Basin in central Newfoundland are causing renewed excitement for possible future gold discoveries. Over 11,000 new claims have been staked in this area in 2002. The province�s geology continues to attract exploration companies and we estimate that $13 - $16 million will be spent on exploration in the province this year. Only through continuous exploration will new mines be developed in the province.

The Department of Mines and Energy continues to actively encourage and support the mineral industry with informative resource data, mine engineering assistance and incentive programs. We continue to work with industry to strengthen the opportunities in our mineral sector. Through our resource management activities we continue to ensure that our mineral resources are developed and managed in a sustainable manner.

During this week, I encourage everyone to investigate our mineral potential and the importance of this sector to our economy. I am certain you will not be disappointed with what our mineral industry has to offer.

2002 05 13                           2:55 p.m.