FOR RELEASE     #08-013
Janaury 24, 2008

WHITEHORSE - Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang will promote the Yukon advantage at the 25th annual Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver next week.

Every year geologists, prospectors, junior and senior mining and mineral exploration companies converge in Vancouver for the Roundup - one of the largest exploration conferences in the world.
 
"This is an opportunity for Yukon to showcase its excellent mineral potential, and the advantages we have to offer mining and mineral exploration companies," Lang said. "The work we do at Roundup is part of the reason our exploration levels have increased more than tenfold, from $8 million in 2000 — to nearly $140 million in 2007. There are at least two companies we met with at Roundup last year who are now working and investing in Yukon."

Representatives from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources will be promoting the Yukon advantage, which includes industry support in the form of funding programs and project facilitators; recent investments in expanding and upgrading infrastructure; proximity to Asian ports, and increased regulatory clarity and certainty. In addition, geologists from the Yukon Geological Survey will be promoting Yukon's under-explored mineral potential and presenting the results of their 2007 research and fieldwork.
 
"Yukon has seen significant progress on a number of major mine projects," Lang added. "These projects have produced results which have upgraded and expanded confidence in Yukon's overall mineral potential."

Roundup provides an opportunity for Yukon's exploration and mining community to meet face-to-face with existing and potential mining industry clients. Over 5,000 participants take in technical sessions, government and industry presentations, keynote lectures, short courses, a massive trade show and networking opportunities for the mineral industry.

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