Natural Resources
August 17, 2015

Supporting Mineral Exploration

Celebrating 25 Years of Mineral Exploration Education

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Prospector Training Course, which is offered by the Provincial Government and College of the North Atlantic (CNA). The course designed as an intensive field-oriented program that provides practical instruction on prospecting methods from a variety of mineral exploration professionals.

"For the past 25 years, this course has provided a great opportunity for those interested in mineral exploration and the mining industry. This province has a vibrant, world-renowned prospecting sector and this course and its participants have helped to increase exploration activity in the province, thus helping to grow the Newfoundland and Labrador economy."
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources

Throughout the course, applicants receive training in prospecting and sampling methods, rock and mineral identification, basic geology, and mineral deposit types. They will also be required to complete map and compass work, learn how to use different computer applications and be introduced to geochemical and geophysical applications.

Upon completion of the program, participants qualify for genuine prospector designation under the province's Mineral Act. Over 500 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have completed this training.

"This is an intensive contract training offering in which participants have a balanced experience of field trips, practical theory and lab exercises to hone their prospecting skills. Personal and professional development opportunities, like the prospector training course, are the building blocks to successful mining careers for students, and an even stronger mining industry. The purpose of this course is to increase the number of known mineral occurrences, thereby helping to stimulate the economy of the province."
- Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, College of the North Atlantic

This year's program is being offered at CNA's Bay St. George campus in Stephenville from September 14 to 25. The fee is $600 plus $300 for meals and accommodations (if required). Applicants must be 19 years of age or older.

The deadline for applications is August 21. For more information and an application, visit: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/mines/exploration/mip/prospectorast.html

QUICK FACTS:

• 2015 marks the 25^th anniversary of the Prospector Training course, offered by the Provincial Government and the College of the North Atlantic.
• Over 500 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have completed this training.
• The course is designed as an intensive field-oriented program that provides practical instruction on prospecting methods from a variety of mineral exploration professionals.
• Applicants will receive training in prospecting and sampling methods, rock and mineral identification, basic geology, and mineral deposit types.
• For more information and an application, visit: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/mines/exploration/mip/prospectorast.html

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Media contacts:

Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

Roger Hulan Communications Specialist College of the North Atlantic 709-643-7938 roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca

2015 08 17                              12:50 p.m.