The investment in the exploration of the Yukon's mineral resources will likely exceed government projections this year, Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang said today.

Last January, exploration investment in the Yukon was expected to be in the range of $20 million to $30 million this year as a result of the world economic downturn.

However, with the recent upturn in the sector, current projections now place expected exploration expenditures at more than $50 million, said Lang, who recently took over the portfolio following Brad Cathers' Aug. 28 resignation from the cabinet.

"There has been some encouraging news recently from Yukon's mining sector, and this has spurred exploration companies to take a closer look and begin some new on-the-ground programs,” Lang said.

"With initial projections now expected to be surpassed, Yukon is benefiting from an increased demand for the services of local contractors and businesses.”

Following the release of excellent drill results this past spring from Underworld Resources' White Gold property south of Dawson City, there has been mounting interest in the Yukon from mineral exploration companies.

This has resulted in more than 6,000 new placer and quartz claims being staked in the Dawson area since April 1.

Positive results from other projects such as Atac Resources' Rau property and Northern Freegold's Revenue property have also attracted increased interest.

Earlier this month, the territorial mineral resources branch hosted industry journalists for a tour of the Yukon's exploration projects.

During the tour, journalists visited several ongoing exploration sites including the White Gold, Rau and Revenue properties, among others.

"We want investors outside of Yukon to be aware of our mineral potential and the government's support for the mining sector,” Lang added.

Along with initiatives to increase awareness, the minister credits making information readily available to potential investors for the Yukon's attractiveness to the industry.

Assisting in this are online resources such as Geology Mapmaker Online, which provides geological information, and the Mining Claims database, which is a map-based system providing information on land tenure.

Both of these resources are accessible at www.yukonmining.com through the Maps and Data link.