PRESS RELEASE Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum www.cim.org April 26, 2001 Mining and Space: A new era dawns Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) - Invitation to the media - Mining and Space: A new era dawns QUEBEC CITY, April 26 - A new era in technology transfer between mining and space industries is ensuring Canada's role as world leaders in scientific innovation. In an unprecedented move, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) has joined forces in a partnership with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), to hold MineSpace 2001, a conference and trade show being held April 29th to May 2nd, in Quebec City. The two organizations will work to foster the growth of technology transfer between their two industries and to strengthen their respective competitive advantage in the global market. The media is invited to attended the Plenary and learn about the latest technological developments on April 30th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. CIM's MineSpace 2001 Plenary Session will focus on the growing relationship between the minerals and space industries. Guest speakers will include Peter Jones, Executive Vice-President, INCO Ltd; Michael Avedesian, President, Noranda Magnesium Inc.; Colin Cooper, Manager, Material Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Michel Giroux, Director General of External Relations, Canadian Space Agency; Bjarni Tryggvason, Canadian astronaut, Canadian Space Agency. A press conference will be held immediately following the plenary, at 12:00 noon. The above speakers will be present. ABOUT CIM CIM is the leading technical society of professionals in the Canadian minerals, metals, materials and energy industries, representing 12,000 engineers and operators across the country. Mineral extraction and metallurgical production represented 3.7 % of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) last year. ABOUT THE CSA Established in 1989 and situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Generic Space Technologies; Space Qualification Services and Awareness. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity. -30- For further information: Toby King, Director, Communications and Membership, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), (514) 939-2710 Ext. 314, Fax: (514) 939-2714, tking@cim.org