MAP HIGHLIGHTS PROMISING NEW CANADIAN MINES
November 23, 1999

OTTAWA, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - A new map published by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) details new opportunities for growth for Canadian mining. Launched by Ralph Goodale, Minister of NRCan, as part of Mining Day on the Hill, ``Map 2000A - Promising New Mines in Canada 1999-2002'' features 52 mines that potentially will be developed or redeveloped over the next three to four years. The map will be a powerful tool for promoting mining investment in Canada, both by Canadian and foreign investors, and for public education.

``We have strong indications that Canada's mining industry will experience an upturn in growth and mine openings in the next few years,'' said Minister Goodale. ``We need to take the best advantage of this growth and to create the most employment. This map will help us to attract investors and promote the industry to companies supplying equipment and services.''

The new map was produced in response to increasing demand from the industry, various levels of government and the public for information on new mine development in Canada. It shows 52 mines currently in development or in the final stages of planning. Featured mines were chosen because companies had either announced a ``go ahead'' or future plans, or because preliminary studies were positive and planning was progressing at a solid pace.

``Mining is a major sector of Canada's economy,'' said Minister Goodale. ``This map is tangible proof that new technology, new efficiencies and new exploration are leading to new jobs, particularly in rural and remote areas.''

It is estimated that these mines could require $4 billion in capital investment and provide some 9000 new direct mining jobs in Canada. While other mines in Canada will close during the period that is covered by the map, these new mines will help offset those losses and help maintain Canada's world market share. These projects will also provide much needed employment in rural and remote regions in Canada.

Most of the highlighted mines will produce metal, including gold, base metals such as zinc, lead, copper, nickel, cobalt and magnesium, as well as uranium. The mining industry considers at least ten to be large to world-class size mines. These include two phosphate, one gypsum, two coal, one magnesium, two diamond and three uranium mines. The three uranium mines are the world's richest and largest.

The map was produced by NRCan's Minerals and Metals Sector in partnership with the Geological Survey of Canada. ``Map 2000A - Promising New Mines in Canada 1999-2002'' will be available at the beginning of December at the Geological Survey of Canada Bookstore, 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E4, by telephone at (613) 995-4342, by fax at (613) 943-0646 or by e-mail at gsc_bookstore@gsc.nrcan.gc.ca.

-30-

For further information: Pat Breton, Press Secretary, Natural Resources Canada, (613) 996-2007. NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available on the Internet at http://www.nrcan.gc.ca