Exploration expenditures in Newfoundland in 2001 totalled $25 million, up slightly from $23 million in 2000. During 2001, 15,663 claims were staked compared with 12,969 in 2000.
The increase in expenditures and in the number of staked claims is directly related to an increase in exploration for nickel, platinum-palladium and iron ore in Labrador, and for gold in central Newfoundland and base metals in eastern and central Newfoundland.
More specifically, gold exploration in Newfoundland is concentrated in the Botwood and Benton areas in the northeast, whereas base metals are being sought mostly on the Bonavista Peninsula and in the Buchans area. In Labrador, exploration sites include Voisey’s Bay, South Voisey’s Bay, Tasisuak Lake, Hebron Fiord, St. Lewis River and Labrador City.
Junior exploration companies, several of which are based in the province, are running most of the exploration programs. Also, several major mining companies became active in Newfoundland and Labrador during 2001. These include Falconbridge, Barrick Gold, Hudson Bay Exploration & Development and Noranda.
— The preceding is from an article written for Exploration and Development Highlights 2002, an annual publication of the Toronto-based Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada. The author is the manager of mineral rights for the Newfoundland Department of Mines and Energy.
Be the first to comment on "Spending up in Nfld."