OTTAWA - Innovative technologies and research in Canada's mining industry are the focus of National Mining Week celebrations, held this year from May 14 to 20. As part of National Mining Week, Canadians will also celebrate 100 years of mining and minerals research and development by the Government of Canada.
"I invite everyone to join me in recognizing the contribution of the mining industry to Canada and the world," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "With high commodity prices and increases in mineral exploration activities, mining will continue to be an engine for future economic and social development."
In 2006, Canadian mineral production was valued at $33.6 billion, a 22.7 percent increase from the $27.4 billion reported in 2005. On the exploration front, expenditures for 2006 reached $1.7 billion, and it is projected that the figures for 2007 will approach a near-record high of close to $2 billion.
Canadian mining companies currently operate in more than 100 countries, providing social and economic opportunities to developing countries while ensuring environmental protection. Canada's mining industry provides mineral expertise, technology, training, jobs, roads, schools and hospitals for communities around the world.
National Mining Week was first proclaimed by the Government of Canada in May 1995 and has been celebrated every year since during the second full week of May. It is an important occasion to highlight the influential role of the mining industry on our quality of life as Canadians.
The Government of Canada is committed to giving Canadians the advantage to succeed. Our partnerships with the mining industry, universities, other governments and Canadians help advance the sustainable development of our mineral resources.
For more information on National Mining Week, please visit www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/nmw.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Canadians are celebrating our multi-billion dollar mining and minerals industry during in National Mining Week from May 14 to 20. Canadian mining companies operate in more than 100 countries, and Canadian mineral production was valued at $33.6 billion in 2006. The Government of Canada also celebrates its 100th anniversary of mining and minerals research this year.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
Kathleen Olson
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
And general public may contact:
Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-
impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
