News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

June 14, 2022

Manitoba Government Dedicating $10 Million to Mining Industry

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Manitoba Mineral Development Fund Positioning Manitoba as a Global Leader in Sustainable Mineral Development: Premier

TORONTO—The Manitoba government is dedicating $10 million to the mining industry through a renewed partnership with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) and the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF), Premier Heather Stefanson announced here Monday evening during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic and build our economy, our government is focused on attracting new investment into Manitoba’s mining sector and increasing Indigenous participation in mineral development activities,” said Stefanson. “The MMDF supports strategic projects that capitalize on our vast mineral potential within the province and helps accelerate Manitoba’s position as a world leader for responsible mineral development.”

The renewed agreement with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, which administers the MMDF, will provide $10 million to support the mineral sector supply chain over three years. This investment will enable Manitoba to capitalize on emerging opportunities among its diverse and untapped minerals and position itself as a leading destination for mining, noted Stefanson, who added the renewed agreement represents an increase in funding to support mining and mineral development initiatives by 66 per cent.

“The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is pleased to support the Manitoba government in growing the mineral supply chain in the province through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund,” said Chuck Davidson, board chair, MMDF, and president and CEO, MCC. “We look forward to continuing our work with the mining sector, communities and local businesses to support economic development in Manitoba.”

In 2019, the Manitoba government established the MMDF to provide funding for mining and mineral development-related projects throughout the province. Through the fund, communities and businesses, including Indigenous groups, municipalities and the not-for-profit sector, are eligible to apply for funding. Financial assistance from the fund could include one-time grants for activities that help advance new mining opportunities and provide support to Indigenous communities for collaborative resource development.

To date, MMDF has allocated more than $5.4 million to 41 projects.

This investment builds on the Manitoba government’s commitment to grow the mining industry, including the establishment of the Manitoba Permit Office to focus permit modernization efforts, in response to industry recommendations to eliminate red tape to help grow and develop this important sector, noted the premier.

“We are looking forward to our continued partnership with MCC to support responsible mineral exploration and mining activities that benefit our economy and local communities, while fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation,” said Stefanson.

For more information about the MMDF, eligibility criteria and to apply, visit https://mmdf.ca/.

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