RECORD NUMBERS AT OPEN HOUSE REFLECT MINERAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITY

Saskatchewan's mineral industry is booming and has attracted a record number of delegates to the government's Geological Survey Open House for the second year running.

Over 500 people in the mining and exploration business from across Canada and from as far as Asia, South America and Australia, are attending this week's annual showcase to learn more about Saskatchewan's substantial and diverse mineral potential.

The Saskatchewan Geological Survey Open House takes place November 27 to 29 in Saskatoon. Its program covers topics such as uranium exploration in the Athabasca Basin, the world's premier uranium-producing region; diamond exploration in the world's largest diamondiferous kimberlite field and government geoscience programs.

"Investment in Saskatchewan mineral exploration has increased nine-fold since 2001," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "In that time, we have introduced changes to virtually all tax structures that apply to the exploration and mining industry. Saskatchewan is a success story on the radar of everyone who invests in this industry."

Companies are expected to spend a record $208 million in mineral exploration in Saskatchewan this year – a record that includes some of the largest company exploration budgets in the country. Saskatchewan has set a new record for the number of active mineral dispositions, with over 12 million hectares under disposition.

Mining is Saskatchewan's third largest industry after oil and natural gas, and agriculture. It represents six per cent of the province's GDP. The value of mineral sales in 2005 was a record $3.6 billion.

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.

This year's Geological Survey Open House public lecture is titled "Science, Seashells, and Religion: Nicolaus Steno and the Birth of Geology". It will be delivered by Dr. Alan Cutler, of the Smithsonian Institution. The free lecture takes place Tuesday, November 28, 7:30 p.m. at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: 306-787-1691 Email: bellis@ir.gov.sk.ca