| The economic future of B.C. looked bright toward the end of 2009, and with good reason. The local B.C. economic index registered a 2.6% increase in Q4 of 2009, one of the highest quarterly increases on record. Although AME BC did not send a delegation to China Mining this year, the opportunities presented by the Asia Pacific region were very much on the agenda. Once again, AME BC collaborated with the Mining Association of BC and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources on the Opportunities to Explore pamphlet and other publications aimed at attracting Asian investment through China Mining and other events. AME BC’s Speaker Series focused on Asian interest in the mineral exploration and mine development sector. In October, we hosted Wei Shao, Counsel, China Practice; Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP, who presented on Money Is Not the Issue: Increasing Chinese Interest in Mining in Canada. That month, I also presented at the Global Chinese Financial Forum in Toronto on the topic of what makes B.C. attractive to the Chinese investment community. In December, we hosted Don Lindsay, President & CEO, Teck, who spoke enthusiastically on the opportunities for metals and coal in the Asian market and partnerships with Asian investors. The issue of land access and use was of particular concern throughout the fall. The U.S.-led campaign to ban energy and mining development from the Flathead Valley led to a UNESCO fact-finding delegation in September, at which AME BC presented. The message carried by AME BC as well as the regional East Kootenay Chamber of Mines was that the environmental assessment and permitting process and existing land use plans should determine permissible activities in the Flathead. Toward the end of the year, the Government Actions Regulation (GAR) regarding Mountain Caribou habitat was brought into effect. AME BC and affected regional exploration groups had been working with government officials to minimize negative impacts on the mineral exploration community. Although the Mountain Caribou Recovery Implementation Plan does address some of the industry’s concerns, further important work needs to be done to ensure that permit conditions are more reasonably balanced, responsible mineral exploration can successfully proceed, and Mines Inspectors can provide necessary exemptions in a timely and efficient manner. The government also began to inform tenure holders of general wildlife measures in wildlife habit areas and ungulate winter ranges throughout the province. AME BC is concerned that many of these measures do not address the small footprint of the mineral exploration community, and will work with the provincial government to ensure that these do not hinder exploration activities in 2010. As 2009 came to a close, AME BC staff and the volunteer Roundup Committee were preparing for what promised to be a successful Mineral Exploration Roundup 2010 conference. The Annual Holiday Open House, a long standing tradition at AME BC, was an opportunity to recognize AME BC volunteers and members for their support throughout 2009. Although the year had several challenges, we are grateful for our members’ optimism given the severe downturn and unprecedented economic conditions. Once again, I thank all AME BC volunteers and members; we certainly do appreciate your ongoing support. And as always, no matter where you are discovering and building new mines in the world, I wish you well in your prospects and to “have a safe day, everyday”! Best regards, Gavin C. Dirom, M.Sc., P. Ag.
President & CEO, AME BC
www.amebc.ca | |  Gavin C. Dirom
M.Sc., P. Ag.
President & CEO,
AME BC
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