/R E P E A T -- Media Invitation - Minister of Natural Resources to join mining executives, academics and other government officials as they meet to discuss the need for innovation in the Canadian mining and exploration sectors/

TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - On Tuesday, January 31, the Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) will bring together industry, academic and government decision-makers to discuss the need for innovation in mining in Canada, at its Signature Event 2012. Speakers will include senior decision makers and experts in the field, from Canada and overseas. The keynote speaker will be the Hon. Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources.

Declining ore reserves, increasing production costs, more stringent environmental requirements and anticipated labour shortages are some of the issues that will face the Canadian industry and impact on its profitability. CMIC and its partners are dedicated to increasing the support for, and focus on, mining research and innovation in the country.  Members include mining companies, provincial and territorial governments with mining jurisdictions, the federal government, mining-related universities and research centres, associations, consultants and manufacturers.

Location:	Delta Chelsea Hotel 33 Gerrard Street West Toronto, Ontario
Date and Time:	January 31, 2012, starting at 8:00 a.m. EST