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Inside AME BC - Mineral Explorers Press for Fair Market Compensation in Flathead
- Mineral Explorers Respond to Provincial Budget
- Mineral Exploration Roundup 2011 A Resounding Success!
- AME BC President’s Message - 2010 – Q4
- Follow AME BC on Twitter!
Health & Safety - Eye Safety – CNIB Workshops in Prince George and Fort St. John
Mineral Exploration News - Participants Needed: Mining Industry Human Resources Council Research Study
- The Problem with Vancouver, Greenest City
- To Free Miners of the Northwest BC - Is there a need for custom milling of ore?
- BC Mining Blog Launched at Roundup 2011
- Mining Matters Column
Geoscience BC News - Geoscience BC Released Report 2011-3
BC Geological Survey News - New Appointment: Kirk Hancock, Acting Director, BC Mineral Development Office
Regional Group Update - Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC Update
In Memoriam - Barry Volkers
- Bernard Holmes Fitch
- Robert A. Pollock
Employment Opportunities
Courses & Education
Upcoming Events and Conferences |
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| Inside AME BC |
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Mineral Explorers Press for Fair Market Compensation in Flathead
Land Use Planning and Existing Legislation Continue to Take Backseat to Special Interests |
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| On February 16, AME BC expressed serious concerns regarding an agreement on the protection of the Transboundary Flathead Watershed Area. "AME BC remains appalled by the lack of due process in reaching a timely and fair compensation agreement for the taking of mineral titles in the Flathead", stated Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. “Equally galling is that the Governor of Montana announced compensation for Canadian interests on Canadian soil at a press conference on February 14 ¬- before the agreement was signed.” "Governments on both sides of the border are now playing the role of broker between parties,” continued Mr. Dirom. “The responsibility really resides with the provincial government for taking the original decision in February 2010 to ban mining and energy development in the Flathead. This lack of leadership and lack of openness and transparency from our provincial government concerns us. AME BC is hopeful that a new premier in BC will resolve this matter in a swift and fair manner so that we can all move on to a more certain and collaborative future of responsible mineral resource development." After acquiring the legal rights and appropriate permits, mineral title holders had invested in the Flathead, in good faith, under an existing land use plan that welcomed mineral exploration and development in a region estimated to contain $7 billion of undeveloped sub-surface resources. Fair market compensation for the taking of these mineral title rights is encapsulated within provincial regulations. Under an agreement signed on February 15, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the U.S.-based Nature Conservancy will contribute $9.4 million to implement environment protection provisions that include the cost of addressing some of the existing mineral, oil and gas, and coal tenures. In the summer of 2010, a previous estimate of the value of “sunk costs” in payments made to government was in the order of $17 million; AME BC has repeatedly expressed concern that these costs do not equate to fair market compensation. “Receiving a fraction of sunk costs is like winning the lottery jackpot, having the lottery corporation change its rules, and only refunding the cost of the lottery ticket to you,” said Mona Forster, Chair of AME BC. “Only yesterday, we thanked the government for its recognition of the role mineral exploration and mining play in our province in their provincial budget address. Today, it has been confirmed that broader stakeholder consultation takes a back seat to backroom negotiations between special interest groups and neighbouring governments that demand and get what they want ¬- regardless of existing legislation or science-based land use planning. “Our provincial government has willingly walked away from billions of dollars of undeveloped sub-surface resources, flouted its own regulations, and chosen to elevate the interests of organizations resident outside of BC and Canada over the interests of British Columbians.” |
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Mineral Explorers Respond to Provincial Budget
Geoscience investment and permitting capacity fundamental to BC mineral exploration sector and economy |
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| On February 15, 2011 AME BC thanked the government for its recognition of the role that mineral exploration and development play in the economic recovery of BC and for its continued commitment to the construction of the Northwest Transmission Line. For the province to reach the mineral exploration sector’s true potential in the future, AME BC called on the government to fund strategic areas. “The mineral exploration and development sector is a leader in BC’s economic recovery, but for it to reach its true potential, government spending is required in two key strategic areas,” said Mona Forster, Chair of AME BC. Last fall, the government’s select standing finance and government services committee recommended front-line resources to address permitting and First Nations consultation requirements and to extend funding of Geoscience BC. “The implementation of these key recommendations will help make BC a great place to explore,” Ms. Forster reiterated.” These recommendations were not implemented in today’s status quo budget, which will provide the provincial government with spending authority during the transition to a new premier. “Investment in geoscience is critical to BC’s future, and can provide significant return on investment,” noted Ms. Forster. “Just a $10 million investment in geoscience, $5 million each to the BC Geological Survey and Geoscience BC, will help return BC to its pole position in exploration in Canada and globally.” Such funding will generate new and diverse discoveries and provide data that will help the government manage and protect Crown lands for the benefit of all British Columbians. “Increased funding for the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations and the Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands also could ensure timely review and process of exploration and development permits,” continued Ms. Forster. Each tax dollar invested in the province’s mining and minerals division in 2009 returned $289 to the province’s GDP, an indication of the wealth generated through mineral exploration and mining, according to AME BC. Although the 2011 provincial budget is referred to as a status quo budget, BC’s mineral explorers offered that resource tax revenue from future mines could ultimately help fund education and health, two cornerstones of the provincial budget. Resource tax revenue from minerals and mining is projected at $494 million for the year 2011/12 alone. “Mineral resources belong to every British Columbian, and we strongly believe government must invest in its own knowledge of the province’s geology or risk losing huge potential economic generating opportunities,” concluded Ms. Forster. |
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| Mineral Exploration Roundup 2011 A Resounding Success! |
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| AME BC’s annual conference, Mineral Exploration Roundup, took place January 24-27 at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver. 2011 marked the 28th annual event, and our largest conference to date. We shattered our 2008 attendance record of 6,700 with over 7,000 registrants from 32 countries on six continents! High commodity prices and enthusiasm for a strong 2011 field season permeated the conference, and Roundup presented many opportunities for delegates to learn and connect. The conference featured an impressive line-up of technical session speakers, keynote speakers, and short courses. A total of 40 companies participated in the Core Shack, 12 companies participated in the Map Tent, and 14 prospectors participated in the Prospectors’ Tent. Almost 250 companies participated in the trade show, representing a wide cross section of companies and organizations affiliated with the mineral exploration industry. We are very thankful for the support of almost 80 companies who sponsored the conference. The feedback we have received so far has been overwhelmingly positive with comments such as “flawless”, “smooth”, and “best convention I have attended”. If you would like to share your feedback, please email us at roundup@amebc.ca. Mark your calendars! Roundup 2012 will take place at the Westin Bayshore January 23-26; this conference will be special as it will be the kick-off event for the 100th anniversary of AME BC. |
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| AME BC President’s Message - 2010 – Q4 |
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| The fourth quarter of 2010 was marked by growing enthusiasm, increased activity and excitement for the upcoming Mineral Exploration Roundup 2011, the 28th year of the conference. Overall, 2010 will be regarded by many as one of the most exciting rebound years ever for the BC mineral exploration and development sector. There truly is a modern “gold” rush underway in our province, led by copper, gold and steel-making coal developments. This past year we saw a doubling in exploration expenditures – up from $154 million in 2009 to $322 million in 2010 as well as having over $1 billion spent in construction and development of new mines or expansions. This level of expenditure bodes well for advancing brownfield sites, making new greenfield discoveries and building a sustainable industry in the longterm. Additionally, the BC industry has numerous mine projects (such as Mt. Milligan, Copper Mountain, New Afton, Red Chris) in construction and well along the path to production. These projects help demonstrate to the world that BC is a great place to explore for coal and minerals and build new mines. Unquestionably, it’s the mineral exploration and development sectors, buoyed by record commodity prices, leading the economic recovery. The province is blessed with rich geology, and through a combination of necessity, innovation, hard work and collaboration, has world-leading environmental, social and safety standards. Looking forward, the year 2011 presents an amazing opportunity to build on our strengths, capitalize on our opportunities and address the challenges that remain for our industry. As an advocate organization, AME BC through public outreach, education, leadership and partnerships is striving to gain broad support for our sector and resolve issues that impede our member’s ability to explore for and develop mineral deposits. With Gordon Campbell’s announcement on November 3 to resign as Premier of British Columbia, we now find ourselves in a strong position to build relationships with leadership candidates and influence public policy related to mineral exploration and development. Continue reading+ |
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| Follow AME BC on Twitter! |
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| You can now follow AME BC on Twitter at @AME_BC. Our twitter feed features news, events, announcements, and is a great way of keeping up to date with our activities. AME BC’s twitter feed is another one of the many ways that AME BC is striving to keep members informed and engaged. |
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| Health & Safety |
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| Eye Safety – CNIB Workshops in Prince George and Fort St. John |
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| Have you ever considered how valuable your vision is at work, home, or play? How would your life change if you suffered an eye injury? A serious eye injury can have an enormous impact on your job, finances, loved ones… even our health care system. Together, we can motivate everyone to protect their sight while fostering a culture of safety for all British Columbians. The BC Association of Optometrists, WorkSafeBC and CNIB invite you to join an eye opening workshop that will change the way you think about vision loss and eye safety. The workshops will be held: Tuesday, March 22 at the CNIB Office, 490 Quebec Street in Prince George and Thursday, March 24 at the Quality Inn, Northern Grand Hotel, 9830 100th Avenue in Fort St John. Seats are $75 each and all start times are at 10 a.m. Please feel free to contact Brad Waghorn at 778.415.1702 or brad.waghorn@cnib.ca to reserve your seat |
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| Mineral Exploration News |
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| Participants Needed: Mining Industry Human Resources Council Research Study |
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| The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) is undertaking an important research study on the mineral exploration sector and would like to request your participation. Unearthing Possibilities: Human Resources Challenges and Opportunities in the Canadian Minerals Exploration Sector Participants in this study should be students, workers, employers, or a key stakeholder in the mineral exploration sector. The purpose of Unearthing Possibilities is to provide reliable, relevant and timely labour market information to support strategic workforce planning and stimulate a proactive approach to the HR challenges facing the minerals exploration subsector. The Mining Industry Human Resources (MiHR) Council has hired independent market research firm kisquared to undertake this study. To participate please click here for the invite to participate, or send kisquared your name, telephone number, the city you live in and how you are involved in mining exploration to ki2@kisquared.com. Full details about the project can be found at www.mihr.ca/en/priorities/unearthing.asp. |
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| The Problem with Vancouver, Greenest City |
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| BC Business Online
Jock Finlayson Jock Finlayson, executive vice president of policy at the Business Council of BC, asks the question: where do Vancouver's long-established industries fit into the "greenest city" goal? Read the article here: www.bcbusinessonline.ca/2011/01/19/vancouver-greenest-city |
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| To Free Miners of the Northwest BC - Is there a need for custom milling of ore? |
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| Please send an email to Dan Ethier, a local prospector based in Hazelton and Smithers Exploration Group member, at skeenacrystal@gmail.com with a yes or no and any comments you wish to pass along on this topic. This will help determine whether there is support from the industry. Name and FMC are optional (FMC confirms involvement in mining industry).
Concept:
Given the number of small high value precious metal deposits in Northwest BC and given the challenges these project have to move forward due to their size, location, added environmental challenges (for processing) there is a proposed study to be conducted on the feasibility of constructing a custom milling operation in the region to accommodate further production and promote new projects to move forward.
Approach:
Through a discussion with local prospectors and other local companies with precious metal holdings in Northwest BC, support to approach Northern Development Initiative (NDI) to assist in funding a pre-feasibility study to determine if a more detailed analysis would be warranted is needed. To the knowledge of Dan Ethier and Paul Veltmeyer, this concept has been looked at before, but there has been nothing recently prepared that takes into account: - the current market realities of metal prices
- a larger regional approach to the concept of custom milling
In preliminary discussions with Lance Hamblin with NDI, the response was positive but more stakeholders’ support is needed prior to proceeding with a formal application to NDI for funding support. In order for a review of the concept to be meaningful, cooperation and participation in the study from stakeholders is needed.
For technical discussions regarding geology contact Dan Ethier at skeenacrystal@gmail.com or call 250.842.5066. For more general information or how to participate in the study, contact Paul Veltmeyer, at paul@ciic.ca or call 250.615.6224. |
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| BC Mining Blog Launched at Roundup 2011 |
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| Together, 200 students and employees celebrated the first bloggers signing on to the BC Mining Blog (http://bcminingblog.com/) at RoundUp 2011. The BC Mining Blog is designed to raise awareness and open dialogue about mineral exploration and mining in British Columbia and the job opportunities in the industries. Collectively the mineral exploration and mining industries have over 120 different career opportunities and 1,200+ job openings per year to 2020 across Canada. “The BC Mining Blog is creating a new opportunity for open dialog about the mineral and mining industries of British Columbia,” says Jill Tsolinas, representing Explore for More British Columbia. “It allows the utilization of posts, videos and twitters to have dynamic and real-time conversations with others.” Also launched is a competition between students of post-secondary institutions and secondary classes. The groups have started competing between each other for which group can host the most posts on their blogs and best represent the diversity of the industries. $15,000 worth of scholarships and prizes will be handed out to winners throughout the next four months and is sponsored by Teck, Gold Sponsor; AME BC, Silver Sponsor; and Aggregate Producers Association of BC, Bronze Sponsor. “The BC Mining Blog Competition encourages the emerging generation to have a constructive and informed voice about an industry they are or might be interested in,” Jill Tsolinas. |
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| Mining Matters Column - Joint Initiative between the Smithers Exploration Group and the Town of Smithers |
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| The first "Mining Matters" article was published on March 10, 2010. This is a bi-weekly column that is published in the Interior News, posted on the Town of Smithers website, the Smithers Exploration Group website, and the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako Mining Portal. These articles profile the importance of the mining industry to the community and is a result of the joint initiative between the Smithers Exploration Group and the Town of Smithers. Current Article: February 9th Article
(click here for back issues) |
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| Geoscience BC News |
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| Geoscience BC Released Report 2011-3 |
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| On February 09, 2011, Geoscience BC Released Report 2011-3 "The Application of Surface Organic Materials as Sample Media over Deeply Buried Mineralization at the Kwanika Central Zone, North-Central British Columbia" by D.R. Heberlein and C.E. Dunn. This report is now available for download through Geoscience BC's website at www.geosciencebc.com/s/DataReleases.asp. As a follow up to the 2009 Geoscience BC study by Heberlein and Samson (2010), the authors carried out an expanded geochemical orientation survey over the Kwanika Central Zone focusing on the geochemical responses in organic materials to the mineralization. Results of the original study showed that the most effective combination of sampling medium and chemical extraction for detection of the deeply buried Cu-Au porphyry mineralization was Ah horizon soil with a modified aqua regia (ultratrace) digestion with ICP-MS determinations. This report further investigates the use of Ah horizon by comparing sampling results from an offset 100 by 100 metre grid with other organic materials, namely vegetation and charcoal. This release includes a report (PDF format), quality control and summary statistics (Excel files) and original analytical results (CSV and Excel files). The report is the final project deliverable for GBC Project 2010-003, and was the focus of a technical presentation by D. Heberlein at the 2011 AME BC Mineral Exploration Conference in January. More information on this project, including a report on the preliminary project results published last month in Geoscience BC's Summary of Activities 2010 volume, can be found at www.geosciencebc.com/s/Proj2010-003.asp. |
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| BC Geological Survey News |
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| New Appointment: Kirk Hancock, Acting Director, British Columbia Mineral Development Office |
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| Kirk Hancock has started a temporary assignment as the Acting Director of the British Columbia Mineral Development Office located in Vancouver. He brings more than twenty years experience with government and industry related to the province’s mineral industry. The BC Mineral Development Office is the first point of contact for exploration and mining company personnel considering exploring or investing in the province and plays a major role in providing technical information to international investors. As the Director, Kirk will also act as an important link between the provincial government and the minerals industry. To contact Kirk
Phone: 604.660.3332
Email: kirk.hancock@gov.bc.ca Posting Permanent Position The Ministry will have a competition to fill the Director position on a permanent basis. The opening was created when Jay Fredericks, Director of the BC Mineral Development Office moved to the private sector to become Vice President of Hathor Exploration Ltd. Jay’s many contributions are recognized by both his government and industry colleagues. If you are interested in more information about the Director position, please contact Dave Lefebure, Chief Geologist at Dave.Lefebure@gov.bc.ca. |
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| Regional Group Update |
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| Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC Update |
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| The November edition of the Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC Mother Lode, which features a recap of Minerals South, is available at www.cmebc.com/newsletters/2010-11.pdf. |
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| In Memoriam |
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| Barry Volkers: Freeman of the town remembered
Lake Cowichan Gazette
Barry Volkers was a Life Member of AME BC The Cowichan Lake area lost one of its most esteemed historians with the death of long-time resident Barry Volkers. “Barry, in one word, was a gentleman,” Kaatza Station Museum curator Barbara Simkins said. “He was very polite, of the old school, and always had a nice word for everyone.” Barry had started work at the Western Forest Industries sawmill in Honeymoon Bay in 1951, after moving to Canada from Holland at the age of 28. Upon the mill’s closure in 1981, Barry retired, dedicating a greater portion of his time toward volunteering with the Kaatza Historical Society, where he had been involved since its inception in 1975. “He had a true love of history - particularly the Cowichan Valley history,” Simkins said. Continue reading+ |
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| Bernard Holmes Fitch (1934-2011) Bernie was known to many in the mining exploration field. He was a graduate of Acadia University, B.Sc. and B.Ed. He is survived by his sons Howard and Jason and their families as well as a brother Gordon in Toronto. He was predeceased by his daughter Catherine, son Ian Norman and brother Donald of Kingston, Nova Scotia. A gathering to celebrate his life was held on January 13 in Vancouver. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of BC in lieu of flowers would be appreciated. |
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| Robert A. Pollock (1926 - 2011)
Life Member of AME BC It is with a great deal of sadness and wonderful memories that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Pollock on January 25, 2011 in Vancouver. He was a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Born in Swastika, Ont., Bob was predeceased by his parents Robert and Margaret (Fawcett) Pollock, sister Norah Lomax, nephews Ian Lomax and Robert (Bob) Wright and brother-in-law William (Bill) Wright. Bob worked for Canadian Timken Ltd. for 37 years before retiring to combine his love of people with his passion for mining. He was active with the CIM, AME BC, and was a proud Shriner and 60+ year member of the Masonic Order (32) Doric Lodge, Kirkland Lake, Ontario. A Celebration of Bob's Life was held at Knox United Church on Friday, February 4. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Bob's memory to one of his favourite causes: Mining for Miracles, BC Children's Hospital Foundation, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4 OR Gizeh Shrine, Transportation Fund: Care Cruiser, 3550 Wayburne Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5G 3K9. |
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| Employment Opportunities |
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| Want to Post an Ad on the AME BC Job Board? If you are an employer and would like to post a job, use the post a job function here. The cost for each posting is $200, which will remain active for 45 days. AME BC corporate members receive one free posting with a yearly membership or renewal, with all subsequent postings at a 50% member discounted rate. To use your free posting, please email the complete job posting information to mhughes@amebc.ca. To use your subsequent 50% discount, simply make sure you are logged in and let the payment calculator do the rest. |
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| Courses & Education |
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| AME BC’s tradition of education for the mineral exploration sector dates back to 1918, when it held its first prospecting seminar. Since then, thousands of students have received training in prospecting, mineral exploration, health and safety, and aboriginal engagement through AME BC. Click here to view AME BC’s Education and Professional Development section. Other Professional Development Opportunities Several of AME BC’s Corporate Members have professional development programs geared toward our diverse membership. Current offerings are available here. |
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| Upcoming Events & Conferences |
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| AME BC Events Calendar Exploration Safety Workshop
Saturday, March 26, 2011
More information coming soon!
AME BC Speaker Series
Late March and May
More Information+
19th Annual AME BC Invitational Golf Tournament and Fundraiser
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Mayfair Lakes Golf and Country Club
More Information+
Mineral Exploration Roundup 2012
January 23 to 26, 2012
More Information+ External Event Calendar AME BC helps to facilitate and promote external events that benefit our members. Use this calendar to see what events are on the horizon and get detailed information. |