FOR RELEASE     #05-011
January 20, 2005

WHITEHORSE - Premier Dennis Fentie, Energy Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang and Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon will be in Vancouver next week to promote the Yukon's mineral resources at the annual Mineral Exploration Roundup, which runs from January 24 to 28.

"This conference is a prime opportunity to promote Yukon to new investors as a place to do business. We will be highlighting our new initiatives to improve our competitiveness and provide certainty to industry. We will also update the mining industry on the Yukon’s progress since assuming responsibility for resource management," Fentie said.

Geologists from the Yukon Geological Survey of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources will present the results of their fieldwork. The department also promotes the territory's mineral potential at the trade show.

"The fact that base mineral prices are rising has made exploration for commodities like copper, lead, gold, silver, molybdenum, tungsten, and other metals more attractive," Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang said. "We will be encouraging the exploration and mining industry to look to Yukon for these resources."

"This year we've partnered with the Yukon Prospectors' Association to assist our prospectors to promote their properties at the conference," Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. "It is the hard work of local prospectors whose grassroots exploration efforts often lead to new mineral discoveries."

Exploration in 2004 increased by 170 per cent to an estimated $22 million in the Yukon and all indications point to a banner year in 2005. Drilling activity has doubled as well. New mineral claims are also up by over 250 per cent from 2003, with over 9,000 claims staked last year. In addition, several major mining project applications are, or soon will be, undergoing assessment and permitting this year.

The Mineral Exploration Roundup brings together over 3,000 participants and is considered one of the largest exploration conferences in the world. It features technical sessions, government and industry presentations, keynote lectures, short courses, a massive trade show and networking opportunities for the North American mineral industry.

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