Investments Help Grow Minerals Sector
The province is making new investments in mineral exploration to help create more resource-sector jobs in rural Nova Scotia.
"The new mineral incentive program is an investment in growing the province's mineral resources industry and could bring new, high-paying jobs," said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker. "The program helps to improve the province's competitiveness and meet one of the goals of the province's Natural Resources strategy by attracting new investment to Nova Scotia from a global minerals industry."
More than $600,000 in funding has been awarded under the province's new mineral incentive program. Thirteen advanced exploration grants totaling $450,000 and 16 prospector grants totaling $151,000 were provided for projects that span 14 counties. The advanced exploration grants are matched by funding from the company or prospector.
The program supports mineral exploration that may lead to mineral development projects, providing good jobs and economic development in rural Nova Scotia.
"The new mineral incentive program was the catalyst that spurred our company to return to the province to undertake further exploration for copper-gold mineralization," said Tony Belperio of Minotaur Exploration Limited.
Government announced support for the program in March with grants of up to $100,000 available for advanced exploration projects, to be matched by the company or prospector. Grants of up to $15,000 are available to eligible prospectors for preliminary mineral exploration.
Mining Association of Nova Scotia president Pat Mills said the program will help establish jobs and economic activity earlier in rural Nova Scotia.
"At a time when we are seeing declines in other natural resource sectors, this mineral incentive program will assist Nova Scotians to participate in the exploration and mining boom and resulting prosperity being experienced elsewhere in Canada," said Mr. Mills.
Prospectors are also eligible for funding to support training on exploration, safety, regulations and business development.
Program details and information on the funded projects are available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/meb/nsmip/nsmip.asp .