PROVINCE FUNDS GEOSCIENCE RESEARCH AT U OF S

Provincial funding of $46,000 to the University of Saskatchewan for three geoscience projects will benefit the province's potash and petroleum industries.

The U of S geological sciences department will research the nature of certain minerals and rocks to provide new perspectives on several sedimentary rock formations that are vital to Saskatchewan's economic health. The research will facilitate development of future exploration programs.

"By investing in cutting-edge geosciences research we are investing in studies that will be helpful to the potash and petroleum industries, two key contributors to our economy," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "This government is also committed to providing enhanced opportunities in specialized training for students who will become our high-calibre scientists of tomorrow."

Provincial support comes from the Geoscience Research and Student Training Program. The three U of S geological sciences research projects include:

- 16,100 to investigate calcium and magnesium isotopes for a better understanding of petroleum reservoirs in Saskatchewan, led by Chris Holmden;

- $15,000 for detailed seismic characterization of the edges of a key potash-bearing rock formation south of Regina, led by Igor Morozov and Zoltan Hajnal;

- $14,900 to analyse carbon and strontium isotopes in certain Saskatchewan carbonate rocks and compare the patterns to those found in Alberta's petroleum-producing rocks of a similar age. Chris Holmden is leading this research.

"These industrially relevant projects will directly contribute to the training of professionals in geology, geophysics and aspects of computer science, providing new research opportunities for our students in leading-edge technologies," U of S Acting Vice-President of Research Bryan Harvey said.

Geoscience research is a vital component of Saskatchewan's successful petroleum and potash industries. The oil and gas industry invested $1.4 billion in the province during the 2001 calendar year and generated gross royalty and tax revenues of $684 million in the 2001/2002 fiscal year. Saskatchewan is the largest potash producer and exporter in the world. In recent years, annual sales for Saskatchewan potash have totaled $1 billion per year.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306)787-8277 Email: rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca

Kathryn Warden University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Phone: (306)966-2506