NEW MINERAL RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 42ND ANNUAL GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OPEN HOUSE

It's the biggest annual minerals-related geosciences event in the province and it is taking place tonight through Wednesday at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon.

The 42nd Annual Saskatchewan Geological Survey Open House, November 28-30, is attracting more than 700 delegates from Canada and around the world from the mining and mineral exploration industries, investment community and universities. Organized by the Ministry of Energy and Resources, the event showcases results of the province's mineral geoscience program and gives industry a forum to provide updates on mining and exploration activities.

"For over four decades the Saskatchewan government has organized this important conference and every year it just gets bigger and better," Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd said. "Our mining industry is internationally renowned, and we see that reflected in the high level of interest from local, national and international delegates. Our industry's success is also confirmed by the increasing number of exhibitors that showcase their companies here at Open House."

Sessions will include presentations about geoscience research on uranium ore systems, as well as base metals, precious and rare earth metals, potash, diamonds and brines.

Sean Bell, general manager of the T-rex Discovery Centre in Eastend, delivers this year's free public lecture "Fossils in southwest Saskatchewan: a rich opportunity right under your feet". The lecture takes place Tuesday evening at 7:30.

Mining is Saskatchewan's third largest industry. Value of mineral production in 2010 was more than $6.8 billion. Mineral exploration expenditures for 2010 topped $319 million and are expected to remain well above historic levels in 2011 at about $281 million.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Ungar
Energy and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: linda.ungar@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-531-2422