The prospector training course offered by the Provincial Government and College of the North Atlantic started this week in Stephenville at the Bay St. George campus. Available each spring, the course is designed as an intensive field-oriented program that provides practical instruction on prospecting methods from mineral exploration professionals.
“The Provincial Government has partnered with College of the North Atlantic for over two decades on the annual prospector training course, and there has been a steady continued interest in the program. Sixteen applicants are enrolled this year and upon completion of the program, they will qualify for genuine prospector designation under the province’s Mineral Act. This course will help increase exploration activity in the province and contribute to long-term growth of the mineral exploration sector.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources
The designation gives prospectors the benefit of staking mineral claims in the province without having to post security deposit fees. Over the next two weeks, applicants will receive training in prospecting methods, rock and mineral identification, basic geology, and mineral deposit types. They will be required to complete map and compass work, learn how to use different computer applications and be introduced to geochemistry and geophysics.
In 2014, the Provincial Government invested $391,000 in the Prospectors Assistance Program which funds the prospector training course and provides non-repayable grants for prospecting activities. College of the North Atlantic helps to deliver the course and provides facilities and operational support.
“This is an intensive contract training offering in which participants will have a balanced experience of field trips, practical theory and lab exercises to hone their prospecting skills. Personal and professional development opportunities, like the prospector training course, are the building blocks to a successful mining industry. The purpose of this course is to increase the number of known mineral occurrences, thereby helping to stimulate the economy of the province.”
- Ann Marie Vaughan, President & CEO, College of the North Atlantic
Newfoundland and Labrador has a vibrant world-renowned prospecting sector. Prospectors have played an important role in the discovery of many mineral deposits including Voisey’s Bay, Buchans and Beaver Brook.
QUICK FACTS
- The prospector training course offered by the Provincial Government and College of the North Atlantic started this week in Stephenville at the Bay St. George campus.
- Sixteen applicants are enrolled and will receive practical instruction on prospecting methods from mineral exploration professionals.
- In 2014, the Provincial Government invested $391,000 in the department’s Prospectors Assistance Program which funds the course and provides non-repayable grants for prospecting activities.
- Prospectors have played an important role in the discovery of many mineral deposits including Voisey’s Bay, Buchans and Beaver Brook.
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Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca