NLIS 2
April 11, 2005
(Natural Resources)
The following was issued today by
Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources. It was also read in the
House of Assembly:
I rise today to inform this House of the successful roll-out of the
province�s online mineral claim staking program.
The online staking system went into operation on February 28 and
Newfoundland and Labrador is now only one of three provincial
jurisdictions to provide clients with the ability to stake mineral
claims via the Internet.
Since the system became operational, over 4,000 claims have been
staked online by clients at various locations from across
Newfoundland, Labrador West, and from junior mining companies based
in other parts of Canada. Furthermore, on March 8 during the recent
annual convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association (PDAC)
in Toronto, Charlie Dearin of South Coast Ventures Inc. staked four
claims near York Harbour online. This is the first time a claim has
ever been staked in Newfoundland and Labrador from the convention
floor of the PDAC.
Comments from our clients who have successfully completed staking
transactions online have been extremely favourable. The ease of use,
the convenience of 24/7 staking and, above all, the confidence in
securing a mineral title upon completion of a staking transaction
are features of the system that better serve those in the business
of mineral exploration.
The implementation of the online staking program marks the
completion of a major information technology initiative within the
mineral lands division. The new Mineral Rights Administration (or
MIRIAD) System was developed in partnership with X-Wave. As well,
during the design and development of the MIRIAD system, considerable
consultation with the mineral industry was completed and we
responded to the concerns and issues identified.
Using state-of-the-art technology, the MIRIAD System integrates a
custom database for mineral titles management with the geographic
information system and government�s financial management system.
MIRIAD also incorporates the fundamental hallmarks of this
province�s mineral land tenure policies and provides a competitive
and impartial mechanism for mineral land tenure to be acquired for
exploration and development.
The Internet has become an invaluable tool to individuals and
companies involved in mineral exploration and development. The
provision of essential services like mineral claim staking via the
Internet is the natural progression and the way of the future for
jurisdictions that are serious in attracting private investment in
mineral exploration and development.
The MIRIAD system is another tool by which this province continues
to encourage the exploration of our mineral resources. We will
continue to seek opportunities to promote this province�s mineral
prospectivity using the Internet.
We anticipate that expenditures on mineral exploration in 2005 will
reach $40 million, up from $29 million last year. This investment is
certainly positive for the province�s economy, particularly for
rural Newfoundland and Labrador. It is our hope that increased
exploration will lead to more finds, more developments and,
inevitably, more benefits for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
2005 04 11
1:50 p.m. |