Mining Matters 2002

The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources is hosting the 2002 Mining Matters Conference in Halifax, Nov. 13-14. The focus of the conference is on economic development through the effective use of mineral resources.

"This conference celebrates a proud tradition of providing information and technical assistance to the mining industry and to the public of Nova Scotia," said Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive. "Mining Matters provides a venue to heighten awareness of the importance of our mineral resources and to help facilitate economic development."

For 26 years the Mineral Resources Branch of the Department of Natural Resources has hosted a fall conference to promote mineral development opportunities and to exhibit geoscience research being conducted in Nova Scotia by the department, the Geological Survey of Canada and local universities.

The conference will feature a wide range of technical sessions highlighting the diversity of Nova Scotia's mining industry. Specific topics include details of underground salt mining, a new ship-loading facility for gypsum at Hantsport and the discovery of aggregate deposits for development in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Several presentations will focus on geoscience research, including coastal zone erosion, mercury in the environment and new geological mapping on Cape Breton Island.

Members of the public are invited to attend the two-day conference and can access information on the Department of Natural Resources Web site, at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/meb .

Of special interest this year is the presence of a Nova Scotia sculptor, Vanessa Paschakarnis, who will be working with red marble from Cape Breton Island.