There will be a meeting in Stephenville on July 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. and volunteer coordinator Norm Mercer is hoping current and would-be prospectors will attend.
“Our industry has grown dramatically over five years. We’re looking at $6 billion in mineral production in the province,” he said.
While there is currently a provincial chamber of mines called Mining Industry NL serving all stakeholders in the mining industry, Mr. Mercer said most provinces have more or more prospector associations to deal strictly with the concerns of prospectors.
“Mining Industry NL has been supportive in the past, but what we want to do is create a prospector driven organization,” he said.
After four regional meetings in eastern and central island communities, the association has recruited 120 members who have paid the $20 membership fee. The group has also raised about $30,000 in donations.
After the Stephnville meeting, Mr. Mercer plans a regional meeting on the Baie Verte peninsula and two meetings in Labrador.
Those meetings will be followed by the groups first Annual General Meeting sometime in September. There they will elect a board of directors and regional representatives.
Further plans include developing a website, providing training, workshops, and felid trips. The association would also work with the government on policy and legislation.
Mr. Mercer said anyone with any interest in prospecting, regardless of experience, is welcome at the meeting.
“This is for prospectors that are active as well anyone who is interested in getting involved in prospecting,” he said.
For more information on the meeting, contact Mr. Mercer at normmercer@gmail.com.
