News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) –The 40th Annual Exploration, Mining and Petroleum Conference was held in Fredericton from Nov.1 -3.

The conference brought together almost 300 delegates to hear more than 30 presentations on a variety of topics relative to minerals and energy in the province.

“Our government’s priorities are job creation and economic growth,” said Energy and Mines Minister Donald Arseneault. “This conference was an excellent opportunity to meet to discuss current exploration and development activities as well as share views on how to further improve future mineral and petroleum resource exploration and development in New Brunswick.”

Last year, the mining sector contributed $354 million to the provincial economy while employing about 5,500 people. Mining royalties paid to the province over the last five years approached $100 million, or averaged $20 million a year.

Combined with the Metallic Minerals Tax, the mining sector contributed more than $200 million to provincial revenues.

“There is tremendous potential in the development of our natural resources,” Arseneault said. “Our government will continue to support safe and responsible natural resource development to ensure a strong economic future for the province and to ensure job creation.”

As a result of last year’s conference, a week-long prospector’s course, specifically for First Nations participants, was developed by the province with input from First Nations communities. Sixteen participants completed the course at Pabineau First Nation.

The conference is a co-operative effort between the New Brunswick Prospectors and Developers Association, the New Brunswick Branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, and the Department of Energy and Mines.