Mining Week Begins

Mining Week in Nova Scotia runs from Sept. 22 to Sept. 29.

Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage will be in Parrsboro Friday, Sept. 21, to launch the week and welcome the Great Canadian Mine Show to Nova Scotia.

The focus of this year's Mining Week is on Nova Scotia's mineral resources and the contribution of the mining industry to the province's economy. It will also provide a snap-shot of Canada's mineral resources. Mining Week will also help to raise the awareness of the many uses of minerals in our daily lives and the environmental sensitivity of modern mining practices.

"The mining industry contributes more than $340 million annually to our economy and provides some 2,000 direct jobs of which most of them are located in rural communities," said Mr. Fage. "Mining Week is a great opportunity for Nova Scotians to learn more about the diverse geology of this province, its mineral resources and the exciting projects happening here."

Nova Scotia is a resource-rich province whose mining industry is more than 200 years old.

In addition to the many different displays and activities being hosted by museums throughout Nova Scotia, a travelling mining road show is visiting Nova Scotia as part of Mining Week. A modified 18-wheel trailer houses the Great Canadian Mine Show, which will spend the next year visiting Canadian communities, will be in Nova Scotia from Sept. 20 to Oct. 4. It is open to the public and school tours.

The Great Canadian Mine Show was designed as a tourist development project at Elliot Lake, Ont., to offset the unemployment created by closing of the uranium mines. Since then the concept has become a national project. Through the use of interactive learning, cutting-edge software and innovative displays, visitors will experience exploration, mining and reclamation all under one roof. They can virtually enter a board room to discuss the development of a mine, operate a jumbo drill, track a piece of ore from mine to mill and take full control of a helicopter.

"The time, effort and planning that went into this show is extraordinary," says Mr. Fage. "It is an excellent chance to experience the mining industry first-hand while learning about the importance of our Canadian resources."

Members of the public and students are invited to view the Mine Show at the following locations: Sept. 20-22 -- Fundy Geological Museum, Parrsboro Sept. 24-26 -- Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, Halifax Sept. 28-Oct.1-- Nova Scotia Museum of Industry, Stellarton Oct. 2-4 -- Cape Breton Miners' Museum, Glace Bay