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NEWS RELEASE (CNS891) -->> NATURAL RESOURCES-CAMPBELL
BARREN WITHDRAWN FROM PROTECTED STATUS




NATURAL RESOURCES-CAMPBELL BARREN WITHDRAWN FROM PROTECTED STATUS
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The Nova Scotia government has decided to withdraw the 1,700
hectare "Jim Campbell barren" in Inverness County, near
Cheticamp, from its status as a protected site candidate.

Natural Resources Minister Eleanor Norrie said, "Cabinet made
this decision after considering a recommendation from the
Cheticamp Development Commission to open the area for mineral
exploration." 

Mrs. Norrie said, "This is in response to the wishes of the local
community, which wants the jobs and economic diversification that
mineral exploration and potential development can bring to the
area."

The Jim Campbell barren is one of 31 sites across the province
proposed for protection under the Parks and Protected Areas
Systems Plan. It contains two mineral rights claims that have
existed for 14 and eight years. Under the Mineral Resources Act,
the province has a legal obligation to honor the claims.

In its 1995 report, a public review panel that conducted public
meetings on the proposed plan, recommended that existing mineral
rights in proposed sites "should be recognized while they are in
good standing."

The Jim Campbell barren lies in the middle of a large area of
Inverness County where considerable gold exploration activity is
currently underway. The Cheticamp Development Commission said the
barren has a high potential for gold deposits and it has support
from the local population and from the Municipality of Inverness
in seeking withdrawal of the site.

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Contact: Blain Henshaw 902-424-5252

jlw                        Dec. 03, 1996         5:15 p.m.