Thanks to NovaROC, one can stake a claim from anywhere in the province, from anywhere in the world, that has Internet access. NovaROC is, without a doubt, Canada’s best online registry for staking claims. I think it is safe to say that NovaROC has benefitted greatly from the experience and expertise that Pacific Geo Tech Systems’ developed.

 

For more information click NovaROC

 

Entire press release and remarks below for The Hon. Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources, NovaROC Launch at Museum of Industry Boardroom held Friday, August 30, 2013
 

Good morning, everyone. I’m Charlie Parker, the Minister of Natural Resources. I want to thank all of you who have joined us for today’s announcement and demonstration.
Announcing steps this government is taking to make life better for all Nova Scotians is one of the better parts of my job and I’m especially pleased to be making today’s announcement here in Pictou County.

 

Today, we are here to officially launch our new online mineral and petroleum registry system, which we call NovaROC

This is a significant step forward for the province, for the prospecting and mining communities, and for any Nova Scotian who wants to know about exploration activity in Nova Scotia.

Until now, to register a claim in Nova Scotia, one had to jump in their car, drive across the province to Halifax, and come in to our office on Hollis Street. It was a time-consuming and bureaucratic chore that took prospectors away from their business of exploration for a day or more. In addition to the inconvenience, it could cost hundreds of dollars to get copies of maps that had to accompany each claim.

 

Starting today, we are making it easier and much less costly to stake and renew claims in this province. Thanks to NovaROC, one can stake a claim from anywhere in the province, from anywhere in the world, that has Internet access. Map copies are a thing of the past; electronic maps are now accepted in support of claims. NovaROC is, without a doubt, Canada’s best online registry for staking claims.

 

It was developed by Pacific Geo Tech Systems for the Province of British Columbia. Pacific Geo Tech Systems went on to produce similar systems for New Brunswick and Manitoba, and is now working on a solution for Ontario. I think it is safe to say that NovaROC has benefitted greatly from the experience and expertise that Pacific Geo Tech Systems’ developed in these other jurisdictions. Another big benefit of NovaROC is that it is “real time”. Information is updated almost immediately; gone are the days of paper maps that were out of date by the time they were printed. As a mapping solution and database, it is very easy for prospectors to see what activity is taking place and to be aware of the many opportunities that exist across our province.

 

I mentioned earlier that this is the official launch because we did a soft launch a few weeks ago, allowing some prospectors to try it out, to kick the tires, if you will. The feedback has been positive. Prospectors are pleased about getting high quality, up-to-date information about mineral tenure; who has staked what and the current status of the claim.

 

They appreciate the time- and money-saving aspects of staking and renewing claims, and submitting annual reports required by legislation, all online. I believe this is a big step forward to Nova Scotia, one that will make us more visible and more attractive to prospectors and mining firms. Prospecting and exploration helps us better understand Nova Scotia’s mineral resources. And, mining creates well-paying jobs that helps to build families and communities. Those challenging careers go well beyond the hard rock miner. I’m also talking about the support services – geologists, engineers, clerical and administrative staff.

 

In addition, there are the supply side jobs that support the industry. Before we move to a demonstration of the technology, I want to thank some of the staff with me today, who were instrumental in making NovaROC the fantastic solution that it is. Perhaps you could raise your hand as I recognize you?
  – John MacNeil, our Registrar of Mineral and Petroleum Titles.
  – Eli Elias, our Director of Provincial Land and Resource Management Initiative.
  – Alan Davidson, our Director of Mineral Management.
  – Don James, the Executive Director of the Mineral Resources Branch is not with us today; he is just getting back from a meeting of government mining officials in Yellowknife.
 
Thanks, guys, for all the hard work you have put in over the past couple of years, from developing the Request for Proposals in late 2011 through to the selection of Pacific Geo Tech Services, and on through the development and testing process.

Again, thank you all for joining us today for the official launch of NovaROC.

The Honorable Charlie Parker
Minister of Natural Resources Nova Scotia