Study Highlights Value of Mineral Industry

Natural Resources Minister Brooke Taylor tabled a study in the legislature today, May 11, that shows thousands of Nova Scotians benefit from the province's mining industry.

"More than 5,260 direct and spin-off jobs put hard-earned dollars into mostly rural communities," said Mr. Taylor. "Every stage in the mining process requires goods and services from wholesalers, retails and professional firms. Most full-time jobs are in rural Nova Scotia."

The study, prepared by Gardner Pinfold Consulting and Conestoga-Rovers and Associates, compiled provincial and national statistics covering exploration, discovery, development, production and reclamation. It shows that the mining industry pays out the highest average weekly wage among all resource sectors. At more than $1,000 per week, it is 40 per cent higher than the average weekly wage of all economic sectors.

Among the natural resource sectors, mining ranks second in primary production, behind the fishing industry, in total contribution to the province's gross domestic product. The total value of mineral production is about $230 million per year. The estimated total annual payroll is $80 million.

Mr. Taylor said he is also encouraged by the increase interest in gold exploration, particularly along the Eastern Shore.

A wide variety of mineral products are manufactured in Nova Scotia, including clay products, portland cement, readymix concrete, brick, marble, building stone, slate, gypsum wallboard and salt products.

The study is available on the government website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/meb .