The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today highlighted a significant milestone for the Newfoundland and Labrador mining industry. For the first time in more than 25 years, more than 100,000 mineral claims have been staked in a year.

This is the second largest claims total in the province’s history – the largest was in 1995 – and this past year marked the largest staking rush for the island portion of the province. The claim staking has been driven primarily by gold and other mineral commodities.

The Provincial Government is creating favourable conditions for mineral development within Newfoundland and Labrador. At the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the province waived certain expenditure requirements under the Mineral Act and deferred selected fees and payments. These measures provided financial relief of over $30 million, easing the impacts of COVID-19 on the mineral exploration industry. But the mineral exploration industry worked through the necessary health and safety constraints, and gained momentum.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral industry continues to be a key economic driver for the province and a focus for investment attraction efforts. The activity that occurred in 2021 is projected to result in over $6.5 billion in mineral shipments, $82 million in exploration expenditures, and employment of approximately 7,900 person years.

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“Despite challenging times due to COVID-19, our mining sector continues to produce impressive results. These exploration companies and mine operators are located in rural areas of our province, create opportunities for local businesses, and increase the ability to invest in programs, infrastructure, education and health care.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-57248, 327-7005
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