Minister to attend 2003 PDAC Conference

Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel will be in Toronto this week to attend the 2003 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference. Prospectors and mining companies from across Canada will be present at this conference, which is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 9-12.

"I am very much looking forward to my first industry conference since becoming Minister of Mines and Energy," said Minister Noel. "I am anxious to meet with officials from the mineral sector and take the opportunity to promote this province�s potential to the investment community.

"Meetings have also been scheduled with Inco officials to discuss the progression of the Voisey�s Bay project and I have been invited to tour their facilities in the Toronto area. This promises to be a very informative event and I look forward to this opportunity."

The minister noted that on Tuesday, March 11, the Department of Mines and Energy will jointly host a reception at the Royal York Hotel with the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources.

"This reception will bring together key industry players who have an interest in the Newfoundland and Labrador mining sector. This will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss important issues facing our local industry. My goal is to deliver the message to all delegates that Newfoundland and Labrador is a great place to do business and a great supporter of the mining industry."

Media Contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709) 729-5777.

2003 03 10                                       9:45 a.m.