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One of Manitoba’s prime resource industries is being showcased at The Forks this week, Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau announced today as he acknowledged Mining Week in Manitoba.

 

“Mining week was a huge hit with Manitobans last year as thousands of people enjoyed the free activities that took place at The Forks,” said Rondeau. “The three-day event, which includes free family-friendly activities such as panning for gold, is always a great way to learn about minerals and fossils, and have fun at the same time.”

 

Manitoba produces about $2.5 billion worth of metals and industrial minerals a year.  The province’s eight operating mines employ about 17,500 people, directly and indirectly.  The principle minerals and metals produced are nickel, copper, zinc, gold, tantalum, lithium and cesium.  Other minerals and metals mined are aggregates, building stone, peat, dolomite, spodumene, silver, salt, lime and gypsum.

 

The minister noted that Crowflight Minerals will reach full production in early 2009 at Manitoba’s next mine, the Bucko Lake nickel project near Wabowden, and two significant zinc-copper discoveries near Snow Lake bode well for the future of mining in these communities.

 

“HudBay Minerals is celebrating 80 years of mining success in Manitoba,” said MaryAnn Mihychuk, director of corporate relations.  “We have joined the Provincial Mining Week activities at The Forks to celebrate this milestone and to get kids interested in mining careers. With our recent zinc discovery at Lalor Lake, HudBay Minerals will be mining in Manitoba for years to come, but we’re going to need our youth to ensure our success.”

 

Manitobans are invited to The Forks to learn about the province’s rich mining history and the importance of minerals to daily life.  The free activities include gold panning with champion gold panner Yukon Dan, collecting mineral and fossil samples, talking to the Rock Doc, the expert on Manitoba’s geology, and spinning the wheel to test your mining IQ for a prize.

 

More information about mining week activities and Manitoba’s mineral resources is available at www.ManitobaRocks.info.

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