News Release Archive
NATURAL RESOURCES--MINING WEEK-MINISTER'S MESSAGE ----------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE TO EDITORS--THE FOLLOWING IS A MESSAGE FROM NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER ELEANOR NORRIE TO MARK MINING WEEK: May 12 through May 18 is Mining Week in Canada, an occasion to acknowledge the importance of the Canadian mineral industry which employs more than one million people in 150 communities. The total value of all minerals mined in Canada last year, including oil and gas, was $43 billion. Here in Nova Scotia, the mineral industry, including oil production, is worth approximately $600 million annually. It provides direct jobs for approximately 4,000 people and several thousand more are employed indirectly by providing goods and services for the industry. Mineral exploration activity, which spurs economic development and helps create jobs and incomes, is on the rebound in Nova Scotia. Last year, exploration companies invested $5.6 million searching for new mineral deposits in Nova Scotia. One of the most encouraging recent developments is the discovery of significant kaolin clay deposits in the Musquodoboit and Shubenacadie valleys. The deposits are of commercial quality and further exploration could lead to development on a large scale. Throughout Mining Week, local museums, mineral producers and mining associations across the province have scheduled special events and activities that focus on the importance of minerals and mining. I encourage all Nova Scotians to take time this week to learn more about this important industry. -30- Contact: Blain Henshaw 902-424-5252 trp May 12, 1997 - 3:45 p.m.