PRESS RELEASE: Minister Oliver Highlights Importance of the Mining Sector to Economic Growth

 June 11, 2012
 
SUDBURY, ONTARIO, Jun 11, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, today delivered the keynote address at the MassMin 2012 Conference and Trade Show. The Minister highlighted the importance of the mining industry to Canada’s economic growth and long-term prosperity and acknowledged Sudbury as a centre of job creation and innovation in the Canadian mining sector.

“Our Government recognizes the importance of mining to the Canadian economy and resource-based communities,” said Minister Oliver. “That is why we are committed to innovation, investments in public geoscience and renewing Canada’s regulatory system with our plan for Responsible Resource Development.”

Responsible Resource Development is founded on four main pillars: to make project reviews more predictable and timely; to reduce duplication of project reviews; to strengthen environmental protection; and to enhance Aboriginal consultations.

“The responsible resource development of natural resources is key to maintaining and building the economic strength of great nations,” said Minister Oliver. “Providing a regulatory regime that is efficient as well as effective is a basic part of offering a stable, predictable climate for investment. This is not just a Canadian concern, but one that is common to all countries.”

In his address, Minister Oliver acknowledged that more than 320,000 Canadians are employed in the mining and mineral processing industries, and that Canada has one of the most attractive fiscal regimes in the world. He also highlighted the Government of Canada’s work developing innovative mining materials and technologies.

Over 500 high-profile researchers, engineers and practitioners from around the world are attending the 6th international MassMin conference to discuss the latest accomplishments, innovations and potential future directions in mass mining.

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