The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The mining sector will get improved service as a result of changes to mining royalties and rates, Industry, Economic Development and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau said last week. The new rates, which take effect on Nov. 15, will allow the Mines Branch to increase its service and efficiency by providing more e-services including Internet map staking. Internet map staking will result in increased security and accuracy over a claim once it has been made and will instantly confirm mineral rights. Internet map staking is recognized nationwide as a best practice and it is anticipated it will be phased in over the next three to five years across the country. "Manitoba has been able to keep mining fees unchanged for the past decade," said Rondeau. "To keep pace with increases in providing these services and to allow us to offer improved and more efficient services to our vibrant and booming mining sector, we will be changing fees and royalties." Since 1992, the construction cost index and the consumer price index have increased about 28 per cent, while the majority of the mining fees and royalties have remained unchanged. Manitoba's rates will remain in about the middle of the pack among the provinces. There has been a resurgence in mining and exploration activity in Manitoba over the past few years. This year, exploration is expected to top $52 million, a 46 per cent increase over last year.10/24/2005
