Natural Resources
October 29, 2012

Mining Week Celebrates Economic and Employment Opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Mining Week is underway in Newfoundland and Labrador to discuss the opportunities and benefits the mineral resource industry brings to the province. Events are scheduled to begin tomorrow (Tuesday, October 30) at the St. John’s Convention Centre and will run until Saturday, November 3.

“Provincial Mining Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the continued growth and success of Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining and mineral exploration sectors, and the important benefits it provides to the economy and within our rural communities,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Natural Resources. “This week’s events will enable our government to work with its partners to build awareness of how the industry creates jobs and business opportunities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Events in support of Mining Week will include a Women in Mining forum and luncheon and the annual public lecture from the Department of Natural Resources’ Geological Survey division. The week will conclude with the annual Mineral Resources Review conference and trade show, a joint venture between the Mines Branch of the Department of Natural Resources and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum’s (CIM) Newfoundland Branch. Approximately 700 delegates from across the province and Canada are expected to attend. Further information on events scheduled for the week is provided in the backgrounder below.

“Once again, the annual Mineral Resources Review is expected to draw an impressive crowd and continues to be the showcase for Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich mineral heritage,” said Allan Cramm, Honorary Chair of Provincial Mining Week. “This multi-billion dollar mineral industry goes a long way in creating valuable employment and supporting prosperous communities throughout the province.”

In Newfoundland and Labrador, mineral shipments for 2012 are valued at $4.1 billion. Expenditures on exploration are forecast to be $195 million with a steady interest in iron ore, gold, copper, rare earth elements and uranium. The industry provides employment for approximately 8,000 women and men across the province.

“The provincial mining industry is well-positioned for future development and major expansion, particularly in Labrador with up to $15 billion of investment in mine development anticipated over the next decade,” said Minister Kennedy. “Our government is committed to long-term industry development and continues to support responsible mineral exploration and production. Potential opportunities in this sector will help ensure long-term industry sustainability, while maintaining employment for many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

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• Photo: The Honourable Jerome P. Kennedy, Q.C., Minister of Natural Resources, signs the proclamation for Provincial Mining Week 2012. Front row (left to right): Heather Bruce-Veitch, Director of External Relations, Rio Tinto IOC; Minister Kennedy; and Gerry O’Connell, Executive Director, Mining Industry NL. Back row (left to right): Amanda McCallum, Outreach Geologist, Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Natural Resources; Robert Wheeler, Senior Geologist, Vale Newfoundland and Labrador; Rod Churchill, Geoscience Director, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador; Allan Cramm, Honourary Chair of Mining Week and the CIM Newfoundland Branch President; Sarah Smith, President, Alexander Murray Geological Club, Memorial University; and Charles Bown, Deputy Minister, Department of Natural Resources.

Media contacts:

BACKGROUNDER
Calendar of Events
Mining Week 2012

Public Events

Women in Mining Forum and Luncheon
Tuesday, October 30

• 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Forum
• 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Networking Luncheon

St. John’s Convention Centre, Marconi Hall
120 New Gower Street

The Geological Survey Annual Public Lecture
Thursday, November 1

• 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre, Salon B
120 New Gower Street
NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Rover Mission: Canada’s Contribution and the Gale Landing Site
Dr. John G. Spray
Director – Planetary and Space Science Centre
Department of Earth Sciences, University of New Brunswick

Mineral Resources Review Visitor Day Pass
Thursday, November 1
Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre
120 New Gower Street

Admission is free and gives visitors access to the trade show and exhibits.

Partnering with the Community

Inuit Carving Demonstration
Thursday, November 3

• 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday, November 4

• 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre
120 New Gower Street

CIM Newfoundland Branch Annual Silent Auction
Thursday, November 1 - Saturday, November 3
Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre
120 New Gower Street

Proceeds will benefit the Labrador Friendship Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Industry Event

Mineral Resources Review 2012
Thursday, November 1 - Saturday, November 3
Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre
120 New Gower Street

Premier Dunderdale and ministers will address delegates at Mineral Resources Review 2012 on Thursday, November 1, in Salon B.

Premier Dunderdale will deliver the CIM Keynote Address at 11:00 a.m. and Minister Kennedy will deliver a welcome from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador earlier that morning at 9:00 a.m. The Honourable Felix Collins, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, will address delegates on advances in Aboriginal consultation at 12:00 p.m.

To register, visit: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/mines/mineral.html.

Trade Show, Mines Branch Exhibits, Core Shack, and Prospectors Tent
Thursday, November 1

• 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, November 2

• 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre
120 New Gower Street

Service Providers Forum
Thursday, November 1

• 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday, November 2

• 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre
120 New Gower Street

For additional information, visit www.nr.gov.nl.ca/NR/mines/mining.html.

2012 10 29                             3:50 p.m.