MINISTER PROMOTES PRECEDENT-SETTING LEGISLATION

Released on September 5, 2006

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline heads to London, England today to meet with international nuclear industry leaders to promote the province's new legislation for managing former mine and mill sites located on Crown land.

Saskatchewan is the first jurisdiction in the world to define a framework for monitoring and maintaining decommissioned sites in perpetuity. Cline has been invited to discuss Saskatchewan's precedent-setting initiative in his remarks to the World Nuclear Association Annual Symposium, September 6th-8th.

"Saskatchewan is the largest uranium producer in the world with an industry that is a showcase of best practices," Cline said. "Now our best practices include a world-class standard for the long-term management of decommissioned sites. The Reclaimed Industrial Sites Act protects human and environmental health and safety. It also improves our investment climate by providing clarity for the private sector."

The scope of the Act extends to all mining activities on Crown land in the province. The Act will be of interest to both private and public industry leaders who are looking for innovative ways to meet local and international regulations on uranium projects.

Cline says the Act addresses a critical need and is a response to stakeholders – industry, environmental organizations and residents of the North - asking for a clear, prescribed process to guide how Crown land is managed after a mine or mill site has been decommissioned and transferred back to the province.

Saskatchewan's uranium industry generates more than $540 million a year in provincial economic activity, and a further $40 million in direct taxes and royalties. It also accounts for 4,800 direct and indirect jobs.

While in London, Cline will promote Saskatchewan businesses and investment opportunities in meetings with companies that have current or potential links to Saskatchewan industries.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691 Email: rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca