Almost $10 million has been earmarked to advance the exploration of critical minerals in the province.
The provincial and federal governments made the announcement this morning at the Geo Centre in St. John’s.
The funding will go toward initiatives involving geoscience and exploration activities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
MP Seamus O’Regan, joined by Energy Minister Andrew Parsons, announces almost $10 million in federal/provincial funding to support critical mineral exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/ZxRWAs5IH2
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) December 20, 2022
Critical minerals are used in many renewable energy and clean technology initiatives throughout the world.
Energy Minister Andrew Parsons extolled the virtues of the announcement, and included a rare shout-out to media, in particular a certain host of VOCM Open Line.
Parsons singled out Paddy Daly, and the media in general, for helping get the message out regarding the importance of seizing the opportunities that such exploration provides.
Minister Parsons expands on importance of critical minerals to the province and around the globe. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/dCfkTInmyl
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) December 20, 2022
The feds, though ACOA, will provide $5.2 million over the next three years, while the province is chipping in $4.6 million through its existing Junior Exploration Assistance program.
The money will help with an airborne geophysical survey program to help identify areas for potential critical mineral exploration.
