Learning More About Our Mineral Resources

The story of Halifax Harbour will be told by Gordon Fader during a lunchtime talk on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at the 2004 Mining Matters Conference in Halifax.

Mr. Fader, an employee of the Geological Survey of Canada's Atlantic Geoscience Centre, will speak about some unusual features of the harbour that he has uncovered during 15 years of study.

"We are pleased Mr. Fader is participating in Mining Matters in one of his last official speaking venues before he retires after 35 years with the Geological Survey of Canada," said Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt. "His presentation covers the geological aspects of Halifax Harbour, but includes other interesting discoveries about the harbour."

Many people may not know about the numerous shipwrecks that have come to rest on the harbour bottom, or that the original bridges that crossed The Narrows were discovered in the area, and that Hurricane Juan caused changes to the seabed.

Mining Matters is an annual conference that promotes mineral development opportunities in Nova Scotia by government agencies, universities and the private sector, and inform the public about the province's geological history.

"This conference provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of our mineral resources and to help facilitate economic development," said Mr. Hurlburt. "It is a good opportunity for the public to see what is happening and to talk to those who work in the mineral industry."

The conference will feature a number of talks on current developments in Nova Scotia's mining industry, including the new gypsum wallboard plant in Point Tupper, and presentations on the mineral resources in southweastern Nova Scotia. The luncheon speaker on Monday, Nov. 1 will tell conference delegates about how the success of an Australian mining company with roots in Atlantic Canada pertains to current gold exploration in Nova Scotia.

During the two-day event, Heather Lawson, a stone mason from Bass River, will demonstrate her stone carving skills. Ms. Lawson will be working on a sandstone plinth that will be used to display a fossil from the Joggins fossil cliffs.

The conference takes place on Nov. 1 and 2 at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel. All talks and presentations are free but there is a charge for the two luncheons. Two, one-day field trips are also offered for a fee on Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Mining Matters is sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources, the Office of Economic Development, the Nova Scotia Chamber of Mineral Resources, and the Mining Society of Nova Scotia.

For more information on Mining Matters see the Department of Natural Resources website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr .