MINERAL INDUSTRY OPEN HOUSE TO DRAW HUGE CROWD

More than 700 geologists and mining exploration company officials from across Canada and around the world are converging on Saskatoon December 1-3 for Saskatchewan's top conference for mineral geoscience.

The annual Saskatchewan Geological Survey Open House showcases results of the province's mineral geoscience program and provides a forum for presentations by industry. Through technical sessions, poster displays and a trade show, delegates will learn about uranium potential in the Athabasca Basin as well as exploration and development for potash, coal, diamonds and base metals.

"The open house grows in popularity with each passing year," Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd said. "It's a testament both to the mineral riches of our province and the favourable investment climate that our province affords to its mining industry."

Mining is Saskatchewan's third largest industry. Mineral production hit $4.6 billion in 2007 and is on pace for a record year in 2008. Saskatchewan is also witnessing record mineral exploration expenditures this year - an estimated $360 million.

To further encourage exploration activity and fulfil an election commitment, the government recently reintroduced the Saskatchewan Mineral Exploration Tax Credit program. The program offers a non-refundable 10 per cent tax credit to Saskatchewan taxpayers who invest in eligible flow-through shares issued by mining or exploration companies after April 1, 2008.

This year's open house public lecture is titled, "Touching the Red Planet: The Geology of Mars from Meteorites to Missions". It will be delivered by Dr. Chris Herd of the University of Alberta. The lecture is free and takes place at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 2 at the Delta Bessborough Hotel.

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For more information, contact:

Bob Ellis
Energy and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: robert.ellis@gov.sk.ca