Mining Matters Conference Focuses on Mining in Today's Markets

Nova Scotians have an opportunity to learn more about the province's mining industry at the two-day Mining Matters 2008 conference at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax on Sunday, Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 10.

"The government of Nova Scotia considers mining to be one of the foundation industries that is integral for the sustainability of our rural economy," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "The Mining Matters conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn about current developments and trends in the local, national and international mining industry."

Mining Matters is an annual conference that is organized by the Department of Natural Resources and the Nova Scotia mining industry. This year's event has the theme Mining in Today's Markets, and will focus on exploration and mining in Atlantic Canada and beyond.

The first day of the event includes presentations by Department of Natural Resources' staff, representatives from the New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador governments, and an open-microphone, panel discussion with members of the private sector. The discussions will highlight mining, exploration and government initiatives in the Atlantic provinces. Mr. Morse will also host the reception and industry awards ceremony from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission to the technical sessions and to the exhibit area is free.

The second day's itinerary includes presentations by members of the private sector, focusing on exploration and mining in Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada and globally. The day's luncheon guest speaker will be Glenn Nolan, second vice-president of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.

"The mining industry in Nova Scotia continues to find ways to succeed in these rapidly changing economic times," said Peter Oram, president of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia. "Mining provides meaningful employment, royalties and substantial economic benefits to many rural areas of our province. The mining association is honoured to be part of an industry that plays a large role in keeping Nova Scotians employed in operations that are environmentally responsible."

For more information on the conference see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr and click on the Mining Matters 2008 link.