Environment Minister Jeff Wharton reports the government is investing 50.7 million dollars over the next five years to further accelerate clean up of orphaned and abandoned mine sites across the province.  He says they have already made progress at mines 65 kilometers northeast of Flin Flon and 23 kilometers east of Leaf Rapids.  He explains they have completed the construction phase of the Sherridon Mine site pointing out the Sherridon site will now move to a long term care and maintenance status and while they undertake this work they will continue to work in collaboration with the surrounding communities.  He notes the Ruttan mine has also achieved a significant milestone this year with over 1.3 million cubic meters of clay placed and compacted on the tailings management area to prevent windblown tailings and to reduce the volume of acidic water generated at the site.

Wharton adds as they expedite this work the government will continue to work with northern communities to improve environmental impacts in the north. To date this program has completed remediation work at 39 high to moderate risk sites.