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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May 25, 2012

MANITOBA CELEBRATES $3-BILLION MINING AND PETROLEUM INDUSTRIES DURING MINING WEEK 2012

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Chomiak Announces $1.2-million Geoscience Program Funding, Updates Orphaned/Abandoned Mine Site Rehabilitation Efforts

Manitoba’s mining and petroleum industries are two of the province’s economic drivers and through renewed funding the province will continue to support them in their future success, Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak announced today at Manitoba Rocks!, which runs until tomorrow.  The annual event is held at The Forks in Winnipeg and celebrates the importance of these industries during Mining Week.
“Manitoba’s mining and petroleum industries continue to grow, providing training for new workers and generating jobs and business opportunities for Manitobans across the province,” said Chomiak.  “The last seven years have been record breaking for the petroleum industry and we’re hoping to continue this into the future.  We’re pleased with the continued growth and the benefits that flow to the economy.”
“We are committed to our stable operating base in northern Manitoba, where we have built a strong reputation as a responsible miner and corporate citizen over an 85-year history,” said Tom Goodman, senior vice-president and CEO of Hudbay Mineral.  “Today, we are still active in Manitoba and we have two projects, Lalor and Reed, currently in construction, which will lead to future job creation and capital spending in the province.  We expect these projects to enable us to celebrate our 100th anniversary of mining in Manitoba.”
As part of Mining Week, Chomiak announced two initiatives to support Manitoba’sprimary resource industries:

• $1.2 million for the Manitoba Geoscience Advantage Program to fund new geological mapping that will attract further exploration investment to the province, and
• a new online Integrated Mining and Quarrying System that will streamline the processes involving mining applications.

Chomiak also provided an update on orphaned/abandoned mine sites, reporting the Manitoba government has spent more than $84 million to date on rehabilitation work and completed 21 sites.  The program is benefiting the environment as well as local and Aboriginal communities through employment and business opportunities, he said.
Manitoba’s petroleum industry is also booming, the minister said.  For 2011, it is estimated the mining and petroleum industry has generated more than $176 million in employment income.  With over 46,000 barrels a day generated, the oil industry in Manitoba experienced unprecedented success in 2011, he added.
“For over 30 years, Tundra has been exploring for, developing and producing oil and gas in southwest Manitoba.  We are proud to be a Manitoba-owned and -operated company,” said Dan MacLean, president and CEO of Tundra Oil and Gas.  “Our success is due to many factors including our unwavering commitment to safety, hiring and retaining great people, and respect for the environment and communities we work in.  We are excited about our future and for the future of the oil and gas industry in Manitoba.”
The minister noted that every year during Mining Week, more than 3,000 people come to The Forks to participate in Manitoba Rocks!.  The annual event features fun activities geared at helping Manitobans learn more about the province’s mining and petroleum industries.
More information about activities and Manitoba’s mineral resources is available at: www.manitoba.ca/iem/mrd/min-ed/index.html.
Also during Mining Week celebrations, Manitoba’s annual Provincial Mine Rescue Competition will be hosted by Hudbay at the 777 North Mine in Flin Flon today and tomorrow.
“The competition tests competency for emergency response personnel,” says Barrie Simoneau, director of risk management for the Mining Association of Manitoba.  “Manitoba is a global leader in emergency preparedness and response, and can be credited with refuge chamber technology used worldwide in underground mines.”

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