May 25, 2006
Provincial Mining Week
Hon. Jim Rondeau (Minister of Industry, Economic Development and Mines): Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to proclaim May 21 to 27 as Provincial Mining Week. The proclamation provided to each member formally recognizes the Province's commitment to the mining industry and the essential contributions this industry makes to our economy and the people of Manitoba.
Every day Manitobans benefit from the minerals and metals that contribute to our high standard of living. You have before you a perfect example of a mineral that is used in many ways to enrich our lives. Nickel, in stainless steel and as an alloy makes possible space transportation, wireless communications and does duty as your kitchen sink.
The nickel ore sample from the Thompson Nickel Belt and the refined nickel round were provided courtesy of Inco Ltd. I would like to congratulate Inco and the city of Thompson on the 50th anniversary of the historic Thompson discovery this year. Since March 1961, Inco's Thompson operation has produced more than 4 billion pounds of pure electrolytic nickel, and continues to produce more than 100 million pounds annually.
Mining continues to be Manitoba's second-largest primary resource industry and contributes over $1 billion annually to Manitoba's economy.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Manitoba's mining communities and the skilled and dedicated workers who help keep Manitoba's mining industry strong. To sustain mining in our province, we need exploration to discover new deposits. We support exploration through incentives like the recently renewed Mineral Exploration Tax Credit and the Mineral Exploration Assistance Program. We also provide high-quality, geoscientific data in an effective regulatory framework. These supports are balanced with environmental stewardship and the needs of our communities.
According to the 2006 Fraser Institute Survey, exploration of mining companies have rated Manitoba third worldwide for our mineral policies and geological data base.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I invite all members and their families to celebrate Manitoba's mining industry this weekend at The Forks. There are lots of free activities and fun for everyone. Thank you.
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