November 16, 2012

EXPERTS GATHER FOR 44TH ANNUAL MANITOBA MINING AND MINERALS CONVENTION

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Province Launches New, Enhanced GIS Map Gallery: Chomiak

Approximately 1,000 mining experts, geologists, Aboriginal leaders, government officials, investors and academics have gathered at the Winnipeg Convention Centre to share insight on the latest developments, opportunities and challenges facing the exploration and mining sector.
“We’re showcasing our mineral resource potential and related economic development opportunities, and building stronger industry, government and community relationships that enable us to move forward together,” said Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak.  “With two new mines under construction and several projects advancing toward development, Manitoba’s mining industry is poised for significant growth.”
Highlights of the convention include a trade show, a property showcase, and a variety of business and technical presentations including:

• the latest findings on Manitoba’s geology, providing new insight on the province’s mineral potential to foster exploration in frontier areas, support further development in established mining districts and assist with community land-use planning and economic development efforts;
• industry updates on exploration and mining activity in the province and overviews of industry trends;
• Aboriginal-industry sessions on the business of mining and community engagement aimed at increasing Aboriginal participation and creating mutually beneficial partnerships; and
• demonstrations of new online services.

The convention also features a public open house from 8:30 a.m. to noon tomorrow.  Activities will include panning for gold with champion panner Yukon Dan, digging for fossils with the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, free access to the property showcase highlighting Manitoba’s mineral investment opportunities and free access to the trade show, which features the latest industry products and services.
The minister also announced the launch of the new, enhanced geographic information system (GIS) Map Gallery, completely redesigned to improve reliability and functionality, and provide online access to informationthat helps define the province’s mineral potential, which is critical to attracting investment in exploration and mine development. 

“Our minerals strategy includes the enhancement and expansion of web-based services to increase our effectiveness in today’s global marketplace,” said Chomiak.  “Online services like the new Integrated Mining and Quarrying System and the completely redesigned GIS Map Gallery that provide geoscientific and mineral tenure information are key to helping companies move their projects forward or target new investment opportunities in the province.”
Mining and petroleum industries make up the second-largest primary resource industry in Manitoba’s economy, with 2011 production values of more than $3.2 billion and estimated capital expenditures of $1.3 billion, Chomiak said.  The industries account for approximately seven per cent of provincial gross domestic product and 13 per cent of total exports.  Annual employment over a recent three-year period averaged 5,800 people directly, with many others employed through the service sector and spinoff businesses.
For more information on the Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention and the GIS Map Gallery, visit www.mineralsconvention.com and www.manitoba.ca/iem/mrd/geo/gis/index.html.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

May 8, 2012

MOU WITH CROMPTON GREAVES TO ENSURE CUTTING-EDGE HYDRO TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES FOR MANITOBA: CHOMIAK

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Agreement Part of Manitoba's Energy Jobs Fund

The province of Manitoba will work with Winnipeg-based Crompton Greaves (CG) Power Systems, one of the top electric transformer manufacturers in the world, to explore ways of advancing innovative hydroelectric transmission, smart grid enhancements and other renewable energy technologies, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today, Innovation Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak has announced.
“This MOU creates an opportunity for CG and the province to test, demonstrate and further develop a variety of cutting-edge technologies in Manitoba for sale into the North American market.  We’ll also help facilitate partnerships with other local Manitoba companies, academic institutions and CG as these technologies are refined and manufactured in Manitoba,” said Chomiak.  “We’re at a very critical time when it comes to improving the reliability of our electrical grid system and meeting export contracts.  We’re pleased that Crompton Greaves is working to be a part of this bright future.”
“CG is very proud of this collaborative agreement with Manitoba.  We’ve been working here since 1946 and this will allow for the training and development of a highly skilled workforce in the province, which will be a major asset for the Manitoba economy over the next decade,” said Laurent Demortier, chief executive officer of CG.
CG Power Systems Canada Inc. produces large power transformers including high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) converters as well as mobile substations.  Its Winnipeg plant has approximately 310 employees.
Budget 2012 saw the creation of the Energy Jobs Fund, which is a $30-million fund that will build on the province’s manufacturing strengths and work toward attracting new investments, Chomiak said.  This fund will be available to companies like CG, who manufacture equipment used in the production, generation or transmission of renewable energy.

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