Rare Metals Exploration Licence Extended

People will see potential for good jobs through mineral resource development in Western Nova Scotia as the province extends the special license for Avalon Rare Metal to continue exploration in Yarmouth County.

"People, especially in Western Nova Scotia, deserve the opportunity to benefit from the development of our mineral resources so we are helping this company continue the important exploration phase of its project," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "We are glad to see Avalon's continued interest in working with government and the community."

Avalon is a Canadian minerals company and holds a special licence to evaluate the potential development of minerals at an East Kemptville property.

"We look forward to continue working with the government of Nova Scotia and the community of East Kemptville, with an eye to contributing to the province's economy while ensuring environmental protections are in place," said Bill Mercer, vice-president of exploration for Avalon.

The company will sample and test drill to evaluate tin and indium potential. Tin prices have risen in recent years and indium is a rare metal in increasing demand for thin film coatings on flat screen TVs and computer monitors.

East Kemptville was once the site of Canada's only major tin mine.

An open-pit operation, owned by Rio Algom, produced about 4,000 tonnes a year until the mine closed in 1991. Rio Algom owns some of the land Avalon will work on, and both companies have expressed interest to work with the province to allow Avalon's exploration to proceed.

Under the special licence, Avalon must ensure that any exploration work also meets strict environmental conditions.