| Commodity prices continued to be at historically high levels in the first quarter of 2011, including over $4-per-pound copper and over $1,400-per-ounce gold. Most members of AME BC expect that these exciting “gold rush” price trends will continue and will drive investment in mineral exploration and development and support the foundation of BC’s economy. According to BC’s independent Economic Forecast Council, on average, the council forecasts BC’s GDP growth at 2.7 per cent for this year. This is down from 2010, when economic growth was projected at 3.1 per cent. For 2012, the council’s forecast is unchanged at 3.0 per cent. The council’s average annual forecast for 2013-2015 is 2.8 per cent. For AME BC, the year 2011 began with a very successful Mineral Exploration Roundup, the world’s premier technical conference for mineral explorers, prospectors and developers. From January 24-27, the 28th annual conference welcomed over 7,000 participants from more than 30 countries. This is a new attendance record for the Association and I believe one that clearly reflects the increased optimism to be found within the global mineral exploration and development sector. Thank you to everyone who participated, including delegates, trade show visitors, students and keynote speakers Chuck Strahl, Jim O’Rourke, Don Lindsay, Gordon Keep and Paul Blythe for their valuable insight and entertaining presentations. I would also like to acknowledge the considerable contributions of the Roundup Committee volunteers and the many sponsors who make the conference possible. I hope you will all join us in 2012 to help celebrate our Association’s 100th anniversary! Provincially, both Liberal and NDP leadership candidates attended Roundup and BC’s Mineral Exploration Week activities this year, including Christy Clark. Later on March 14, AME BC welcomed her as BC’s new Premier as well as Rich Coleman as the new Minister of Energy and Mines. And after two years of dedicated service, AME BC thanked Randy Hawes in his role as BC’s Minister of State for Mining. We look forward to building on our well established relationships and working with Premier Clark and her new cabinet to create innovative and successful mineral exploration and development policies that will increase prospecting and mineral development activities, improve investor confidence and opportunities, and lead to greater prosperity for all from responsible mineral resource development. Federally, we are encouraging members of AME BC to “Vote Mining” during the federal election on May 2. As well, AME BC and partner industry associations will be submitting joint recommendations to the federal Red Tape Reduction Commission to help ensure that regulations and policies related to mining and exploration activities in Canada do not have unintended consequences that hinder economic development opportunities. Specifically, AME BC will continue to actively engage with First Nations and local, provincial and federal politicians on key issues such as land use, promoting the 2-zone access model and seeking fair market value compensation for tenure holders in the Flathead Valley and elsewhere where claims may be expropriated. AME BC is also working with all governments on permitting reform, such as expediting the notice of work process and coordinating the federal and provincial environmental assessment process. Furthermore, AME BC is advocating for key incentives that promote economic development, such as extending the mineral exploration tax credit, investing in geoscience and increasing capacity building initiatives for First Nations and other communities. As leaders in promoting health and safety, AME BC hosted on March 25 and 26 separate introductory and managerial safety workshops for the first time in the 27-year history of the workshops. There were 96 registrants, compared to the previous record of 89 in the inaugural workshop held in 1984. AME BC also participated in the successful Kamloops Exploration Group conference, recently held from April 4–7. To increase public outreach initiatives, AME BC will be actively supporting numerous upcoming municipal government conferences throughout BC, hosting a Speaker Series luncheon on April 19 with keynote speaker John McCoach, President of the TSX Venture Exchange, and participating in the Minerals North conference to be held in Stewart from April 27-29. A well, I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming BC Mining Week events from May 8-13, including the Community Fair supported by AME BC on May 11 at the Vancouver Art Gallery. And don’t forget AME BC’s 19th annual golf tournament on May 17! And for those of you who are not yet members of AME BC, today is your chance to join one of the world’s leading mineral exploration and development associations. You will benefit from an advocate organization with 99 years of experience and a network of 4,000 members that explore not just here in British Columbia or Canada, but around the globe. I encourage you to explore the Association’s website at www.amebc.ca and sign up to be a member of AME BC today. Finally, please remember to have a safe day, every day as you enjoy the spring season and the excitement of “gold rush” fever. Best regards, Gavin C. Dirom, M.Sc., P. Ag.
President & CEO, AME BC
www.amebc.ca Printer Friendly Version  | |  Gavin C. Dirom
M.Sc., P. Ag.
President & CEO,
AME BC
|