CLINE BUILDS LINKS WITH JUNIOR MINERAL EXPLORATION COMPANIES

Saskatchewan's mineral wealth and business climate for mining investors will be key topics for delegates at the annual Mineral Exploration Roundup taking place January 28 to February 1 in Vancouver.

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline will promote the province to investors and meet with junior exploration companies that are exploring in Saskatchewan. Cline will ask them to discuss their experience in the province and to join him in considering how the government can help advance their projects.

"A combination of business tax cuts, competitive investor climate and market demand has put mineral exploration in the province at an all time high," Cline said. "We are already a huge player in world mining, and we are working with the industry to do even more."

Saskatchewan's exploration expenditures have risen from just under $23 million in 2003, to an estimated record $208 million in 2006.

Mining is Saskatchewan's third largest industry after oil and natural gas, and agriculture. Saskatchewan is the world's largest producer of uranium and potash, supplying approximately one-third of world demand. Other minerals produced in the province include coal, gold, copper, zinc, salt and clay, with potential for diamonds.

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