CLINE STRENGTHENS TIES WITH JUNIOR MINERAL EXPLORATION COMPANIES

Saskatchewan's mineral riches will be a hot topic for over 5,000 delegates at the annual Mineral Exploration Roundup, January 25th – 26th, in Vancouver. Once again, sessions on Saskatchewan uranium and diamonds feature prominently in the annual program hosted by the British Columbia and Yukon Chamber of Mines.

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline will promote the province to investors as well as meet with junior exploration companies that have started to explore in Saskatchewan. Cline will ask them to discuss their experience in the province and to join him in considering how the government can help facilitate their projects.

"Exploration in the province is at an all-time high. We have over 30 new junior companies working in the province and Saskatoon is home to over a dozen mineral exploration and mining companies," Cline said. "We are building these relationships so that projects thrive where they should and long-term wealth is created for Saskatchewan.

"The combination of high prices and a positive investment climate for mineral exploration has resulted in a modern-day staking rush the likes of which has not been seen in 25 years."

Saskatchewan's mineral exploration activities have risen from company expenditures of $30 million in 2003, to $60 million in 2004, and over $140 million in 2005.

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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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691