March 2, 2018
Pedersen to Represent Manitoba at Global Mineral Exploration and Mining Convention
The Manitoba government will be participating in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange in Toronto to promote Manitoba as a competitive destination for new investment in mineral exploration and mining, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.
The PDAC Convention is a world-leading exploration and industry event for mining sector business, government, Indigenous leaders and delegates from over 100 countries around the world.
“Mining helped build many vibrant communities in Manitoba including Thompson, Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Lynn Lake, Bissett and others,” said Pedersen. “The industry is a long-time net contributor to the economic prosperity of our province and potentially the single greatest source of economic growth for the north in years to come.”
“In the last decade, similar to other jurisdictions, Manitoba has faced declining investment in mining due to a prolonged period of low commodity prices and related factors that proved tough on junior exploration companies and large operations alike,” said Pedersen. “Mining is a cyclical industry and today, we are cautiously optimistic as we see commodity pricing and demand making a slow turnaround, including an upward trend for base metals.”
Pedersen noted the province is working in partnership with First Nations to develop a new provincial mineral development protocol to advance mineral development opportunities and projects within Indigenous traditional territories. This process was set out to establish a clear path forward, providing mineral exploration and mining industries with a clear understanding of the requirements and processes for mineral development projects in Indigenous traditional territories, he said.
The protocol will also define how consultations will occur during the different phases of mineral development, starting with grassroots exploration, said the minister. A stable and predictable consultation framework will provide greater certainty for all parties and assurance that Manitoba’s mineral sector is the right place to invest, he added.
Over the past few months, Chief Ron Evans of Norway House Cree Nation and Jim Downey, former Manitoba deputy premier and cabinet minister, have led a comprehensive engagement process with First Nations that have immediate or potential mineral development opportunities, as well as with industry representatives and other stakeholders.
“I’d like to thank Chief Evans and Mr. Downey for their continued commitment and dedication in leading this important process,” said Pedersen. “I look forward to providing a progress update at the PDAC Convention on the development of a new provincial mineral development protocol with First Nations. We believe there is a bright future for mineral exploration and mining in Manitoba, especially for our First Nations and resource rich regions in the north.”
The minister added that conversations with northern communities as part of Manitoba’s Look North initiative have confirmed that mineral development continues to be a priority in the north.
To learn more about the Look North Report and Action Plan for Manitoba’s Northern Economy visit www.LookNorthMB.ca.
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