MINERAL EXPLORATION BOOM CONTINUES

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline is promoting Saskatchewan's new unprecedented level of mineral exploration at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto, March 5th – 8th.

PDAC is the premier event of the year for the mineral industry, attracting over 12,000 delegates.

In a series of special receptions and industry meetings, Cline is addressing opportunities to develop new mineral deposits as well as how government and industry can work together to ensure that mineral sector services and processes keep pace with record high activity levels and opportunities.

Preliminary estimates for the value of exploration in Saskatchewan for 2006 are at a record high of $194 million. Exploration has risen from $31 million in 2003, to $60 million in 2004, to $150 million for 2005.

"Unprecedented activity in exploration coupled with the high demand for workers is creating opportunities for Saskatchewan residents and businesses," Cline said. "We are encouraging dialogue between employers looking for local services and communities and businesses looking to benefit from the increased activity. We are examining new policies, streamlining processes, and working with the Saskatchewan Mining Association on projects like the Best Management Practice for Community Relations in partnership and training programs."

Mining is Saskatchewan's third largest industry after oil and natural gas, and agriculture. Mining represents six per cent of the province's GDP. The value of mineral sales in 2005 was a record $3.5 billion, including a record $2.6 billion for the value of potash sales alone.

The mineral sector is vital to Saskatchewan's economy, contributing over $200 million each year in Crown revenues used to support important social programs. It supports 20,000 jobs, including almost 2,000 direct jobs in northern Saskatchewan, and contributes over $2 billion annually in wages, goods and services.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691