Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 20, 2009

Mining Week Celebrates Importance of Industry: Rondeau

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Manitoba Rocks! Mining Week Celebration at The Forks, May 21 to 23

Manitoba’s second-largest primary resource industry will be showcased at The Forks as part of Provincial Mining Week celebrations this week, Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.

“Manitoba will be rocking at The Forks with free activities for the entire family,” said Rondeau.  “Last year, thousands of Manitobans learned more about our mining industry and why it is so important to our provincial economy.”

“The Mining Association of Manitoba is proud to be a part of Provincial Mining Week,” said Ed Huebert, executive vice-president of the association.  “We encourage everyone to take in all the activities that are presented during the annual Manitoba Mining Week.”

The principle minerals and metals produced in Manitoba are nickel, copper, zinc, gold, petroleum, lithium and cesium.  Other minerals and metals mined are aggregates, building stone, peat, dolomite, spodumene, silver, salt, lime and gypsum.

In 2008, Manitoba produced about $2.5 billion worth of metals, industrial minerals and petroleum.  The province’s mineral and petroleum industries employ about 5,200 people directly and another 18,000 indirectly.

As an example of the importance of the mining industry to the north, Rondeau cited the province’s newest producing nickel mine at Wabowden.

“Crowflight Minerals’ Bucko Lake Nickel Project is providing jobs for about 120 people including local residents who received mill-processing and underground-mine training to work at the mine,” said Rondeau. “That’s a great boost to the community and the economy, particularly in these difficult economic times.”

Provincial Mining Week runs until May 23. Manitobans are invited to The Forks May 21 to 23 to learn about the province’s rich mining history and the importance of minerals to their daily lives.  The free activities include gold panning with champion gold panner Yukon Dan, collecting mineral and fossil samples, talking to the Rock Doc 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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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Mining Week - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2009/may2009/MiningWeekBG.ST..doc