SASKATCHEWAN MINING PROMOTED AT INTERNATIONAL MINING CONFERENCE

Saskatchewan's mining industry is setting records, from level of exploration to mineral dispositions to sales. This success story will be front and centre next week in Toronto at the most important international event in mineral exploration.

Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart will be promoting the industry at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2008 International Convention, March 2-5. Saskatchewan will have a major presence at PDAC's trade show and investors' exchange, and Minister Stewart along with Energy and Resources will host a reception March 4 in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Mining Association for current and potential investors in the province.

"This show is huge, with more than 18,000 delegates from around the world," Stewart said. "Saskatchewan is considered one of the leading jurisdictions on the planet for mineral policy and potential, and our presence at PDAC ensures we stay top of mind with the key players in the business of mining."

Mineral exploration expenditures are at an all time high in Saskatchewan, having risen from $23 million in 2001 to an estimated $340 million in 2008. There are now a record 18.3 million hectares of active and pending minerals dispositions in Saskatchewan, up from 13.5 million hectares at the beginning of 2006.

The value of Saskatchewan mineral sales is expected to total a record $4.6 billion for 2007, up significantly from the previous $3.6 billion record set in 2005. The mineral sector contributes over $200 million each year in Crown revenues to Saskatchewan's economy. 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.

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For more information, contact:

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