Minister Meets with Miners

Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage met this week with officials of the United Mine Workers union representing workers at the Evans coal mine in Inverness County.

Mr. Fage listened to the miners' concerns regarding the apparent breakdown of price negotiations between Nova Scotia Power Inc. and Pioneer Coal Co., a sister company of the Evans mine. The Evans mine is currently shut down and 35-40 employees are laid off, waiting for a Nova Scotia Power contract to be signed.

The miners told Mr. Fage that they understand Nova Scotia Power is paying more for imported coal from the U.S. and South America than it is willing to pay for Nova Scotia coal.

Although the Department of Natural Resources does not have access to contract-pricing information established between these two private companies, Mr. Fage expressed his concern for the state of the negotiations and for the miners and their families.

"Government understands that the breakdown in negotiations could have serious consequences for coal mining businesses in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Fage. "We are hopeful that a negotiated agreement that will benefit all Nova Scotians can soon be reached between the two parties."

Mr. Fage told the group that government recognizes the importance of this industry to the affected communities and to the province as a whole. The industry provides jobs, generates economic activity throughout Nova Scotia and pays royalties to the province. The average value of coal production from Nova Scotia mines has been in excess of $119 million over the last five years.