Mineral Resources Division

Mining Task Force

Public Submission

Disclaimer: These comments were submitted to the Province of Manitoba as part of the public consultation process for the Mining Task Force. They are not the opinion of the Manitoba government.

Email: miningtaskforce@gov.mb.ca

Darcy Strain, Chevron Canada Resources, Virden, Manitoba

This is an opportunity to provide feedback on things we see that are working well and things where we see an opportunity to improve.

Issues working well:

• Approvals: Response time on approvals for drilling applications, etc is typically very good, the process seems to be working well.
   
• Petroleum Branch Personnel: Field inspectors are available, knowledgeable and practical in their dealings with us. Winnipeg personnel are available and provide direct clear responses to inquiries.
   
• Royalties: Royalty regime in Manitoba is similar to that of Alberta. The Royalty holidays and incentive programs continue to have a very positive effect. These programs are a significant factor in our investment decisions. Continued focus on this will increase economic life of existing fields and continue to attract investment to Manitoba.
   
• Asking industry for feedback on new regulations is a positive step in the process

Potential Areas for Improvement:

• The objective of new regulations needs to be clear and concise. This will ensure easy consistent interpretation and application of the regulations
   
• When asking for feedback on new regulations, allowing enough time to respond is key to success. The quality of our response is directly tied to our ability to channel appropriate resources to the project.
   
• Deadlines for implementation are sometimes too short. Current deadline for new battery operating permits and guidelines are very aggressive. Application deadline of April 30, 2002 for applications and execution plans is achievable but deadline of October 31, 2002 to have all modifications complete to comply with new regulations may not be achievable due to fiscal and resource constraints.
   

Victoria E. Adams, Managing Partner, Griffon Business Group (Business Development and Change Consultants), Victoria, BC

This presentation comes in pdf format (20 kb).

Don Dudek, Manitoba-Saskatchewan Prospectors and Developers Association

This presentation comes in pdf format (18 kb).