November 18, 2010
Mining Convention Opens Today: Chomiak
– – –Event Showcases Province's Second-largest Primary Resource Industry
Manitoba will once again welcome mining experts from around the globe to Winnipeg for the annual Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention, Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.
“The convention brings industry experts together, providing them with an opportunity to explore investment opportunities in this province and to seek out new partnerships,” said Chomiak. “It also provides the public with a fun and informative opportunity to learn more about an incredibly important sector of our economy.”
The annual convention runs until Nov. 20 and will feature a trade show, and business and technical presentations on recent geological findings and exploration projects in Manitoba, and the Manitoba Rocks! school-tour program.
The convention features a free open house for the public on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon with activities such as digging for fossils, fossil collecting and panning for gold. There will also be talks on how Manitoba was formed, virtual field-trips as a guide to Manitoba’s roadside geology and presentations from the Manitoba and Morden museums.
Manitoba’s mineral industry makes a significant contribution to the provincial economy, said Chomiak. In 2009, mineral production totalled more than $1.9 billion, with $1.3 billion from metals and industrial minerals, and $620 million from petroleum. Employment averaged 5,400 in 2009, an increase of 3.8 per cent over the year before.
According to Natural Resources Canada, company spending on exploration in Manitoba reached $97.8 million in 2009 and is projected to be $85.9 million in 2010.
More information about the Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention is available at www.mineralsconvention.com.
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