Experts Gather in Winnipeg for 46th Annual Mining and Minerals Convention

Over 1,000 delegates are gathered in Winnipeg for the 46th annual Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention, which starts today and ends on Friday at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak announced today. Participants include business, community and Aboriginal leaders, and experts in geosciences, exploration, mining, investment, education, training and community development.

“Mineral resources are essential to Manitoba’s economy, and this convention brings experts and leaders together to delve into the opportunities and challenges facing the exploration and mining sector,” said Minister Chomiak.  “Working together, we can build on our government’s investments in mining, creating good jobs and advancing Manitoba’s rich mineral potential.”

Convention highlights include:

• a business and benefits session, showcasing innovative approaches that bring together Aboriginal communities, mining supply firms, mineral exploration and mining companies to learn about building business and the benefits of strong relationships and partnerships;
• the second in a series of short courses designed to provide mineral exploration professionals and geoscientists with a modern, in-depth synthesis of the geology and mineral potential of Manitoba’s premier mineral belts with this year’s course focusing on the diverse mineral deposits in the Rice Lake and Bird River belts in southeast Manitoba;
• a free public open house on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. including the Manitoba Rocks! display area, which features gold-panning, rock polishing, a fossil dig and various displays and activities; and
• a trade show and property showcase with 140 exhibitors.

In 2013, mining and petroleum production totalled $3.1 billion, led by petroleum ($1.76 billion) and metallic minerals ($1.11 billion).  Capital expenditures on mining and petroleum development totalled approximately $1.4 billion, and the industries accounted for approximately seven per cent of provincial gross domestic product and almost nine per cent of total exports.  Mining and petroleum are the second largest primary resource industry of Manitoba’s economy, directly employing an average of 4,800 people annually in mining, and another 1,500 annually in the petroleum industry.

Minister Chomiak noted the Manitoba government provides the most comprehensive mineral exploration incentive program in Canada and encourages investment in the mineral sector through ongoing policy and program development, as well as key partnerships, such as the Minister’s Mining Advisory Council.