by Karina Hunter

Manitouwadge EDO Dave Raymond tries the communities new Beep Mat

Recently, Manitouwadge prospector, Gilles Gionet met with the Manitouwadge Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Board of directors to suggest the purchase of a Beep Mat to encourage and facilitate prospecting in the area.  The proposition was unanimously approved by the board and using grant funds made available from the Community Stabilization Fund they purchased the $11,000 Beep Mat. It is available to borrow by residents of Manitouwadge for a maximum of seven days consecutive through the Economic Development Department of the Township for a minimal $1/day fee with a $100 deposit which is completely refunded upon return of the instrument in good condition.

The Beep Mat can be used with minimal training which will be offered by the Minerals Division of the Ministry of Northern Development of Mines and Forestry (MNDMF) to any would-be prospectors free of charge. It can identify base metals up to 14ft below ground. Training will take just one evening and is tentatively scheduled for early November though exact dates
remain unconfirmed. Potential prospectors will learn to use not only the Beep Mat but also claims maps and the MNDMF website.  The Beep Mat’s User Manual will also be available for download on the community’s website at www.manitouwadge.ca also free of charge.  

There are a myriad of potential benefits with the MEDC’s purchase of the Beep Mat including increased opportunity for a prospector finding mine-worthy minerals in the area, income for prospectors who might sell their claims as well as the benefits of increased prospecting activity in the area.