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Inside AME BC - BC’s Mineral Explorers, Developers and Miners Support the HST – Find out Why
- BC Mineral Explorers Appreciate Federal Government’s Commitments to Mineral Exploration Tax Credit & Red Tape Reduction
- Bralorne Gold Mine – Re-Opening & First Gold Bar Produced
- Mineral Exploration Roundup to Stay at the Westin Bayshore
- Win $500! 2011 Annual AME BC Photo Contest is Now Open
- AME BC Congratulates the 2011 CIM Award Winners
Health & Safety - AME BC/PDAC Health and Safety Survey Deadline Extended
Mineral Exploration News - Share Your Experience - Survey of BC's Exploration and Mining Workforce
- Share Your Experience about working as a women in BC's Mining and Exploration Industry
Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Ajax Copper-Gold Mine Project - In Case You Missed It! Vancouver Sun Special Insert - May 2011
- Help YVR Plan New Routes
Geoscience BC News - Request for Proposals: Airborne Magnetic Surveys in the QUEST-Northwest Project Area
AME BC Announces Renewed Corporate Members In Memoriam - Trevor L. Horsley
- Peter Risby
Employment Opportunities
Courses & Education
Upcoming Events and Conferences |
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| Inside AME BC |
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| BC’s Mineral Explorers, Developers and Miners Support the HST – Find out Why |
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| The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a simpler tax with less red tape. Members of AME BC are realizing significant savings on capital expenses like equipment and materials. AME BC is a member of the Smart Tax Alliance because we believe one tax at 10% will be better for business than two taxes at 12%. We encourage all members to identify themselves as supporters of the HST by filling out the form found here. The Smart Tax Alliance is a non-partisan alliance of 40 BC business and industry groups formed to support the job-creating benefits of the HST. The STA represents a wide cross-section of industries with over one million employees across British Columbia. Smart Tax Alliance
Suite 1705 – 1066 West Hastings
Vancouver BC V6E 3X1
604.662.7737
Follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hstjobs
www.hstjobs.ca Related Article: BC Families Win Big with HST Changes This spring AME BC and the Mining Suppliers Association of BC (MSABC) hired the noted economist George Macauley to undertake a detailed study of the HST’s impact on mineral exploration, developers and suppliers. His key findings are summarized here: - Mining explorers indicated that they did not expect that their future spending or employment in BC (or elsewhere) would be affected by the adoption of the HST in BC.
- Mining suppliers indicated that they did not expect that their future revenues or employment in BC or revenues elsewhere would be affected by the adoption of the HST in BC.
- Mining explorers and mining suppliers indicated that the HST would be easier to administer than the PST (presumably by reducing duplication (PST, GST) and less frequent remittance (quarterly for HST vs. Monthly for PST).
More in-depth findings are provided here. Last year, following an inquiry to AME BC members and after consultation with accountants and economists familiar with mineral exploration and development, AME BC endorsed the HST. Mineral exploration companies and prospectors will benefit from the elimination of embedded Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in the products they purchase including heavy equipment and services. A short rationale was developed and is provided here at the following link: www.amebc.ca/documents/Policy/taxation/HST.pdf |
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| BC Mineral Explorers Appreciate Federal Government’s Commitments to Mineral Exploration Tax Credit & Red Tape Reduction |
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| AME BC thanked the federal government on June 6 for its continued support of the mineral exploration tax credit, and reducing red tape. The federal budget includes an extension to the 15 per-cent Mineral Exploration Tax Credit to March 31, 2012. This important tax credit helps companies raise capital by providing an incentive to individuals who invest in flow-through shares for mineral exploration in Canada. As well, the federal government will continue the important work of the Red Tape Reduction Commission in order to eliminate complex and overlapping regulatory requirements while protecting the environment and the health and safety of employees and their families. “BC-based mineral explorers and developers appreciate the key measures that were announced in today’s federal budget. Maintaining the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit and reducing red tape will help sustain Canada’s mineral exploration and mining sector, encourage capital investment and ultimately benefit all Canadians well into the future,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President and CEO of AME BC. AME BC also commended the government’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal skills development. The BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BCAMTA), supported by the federal government, has led to the employment of 149 people in family-supporting careers. In total, there are 600 people now enrolled in this program, an indication that BC’s Aboriginal peoples will have an increased role in the sustainability of BC’s, and Canada’s mining industry. Continue reading+ |
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| Bralorne Gold Mine: Re-Opening & First Gold Bar Produced |
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| AME BC’s President & CEO, Gavin C. Dirom, was on hand to congratulate the Bralorne Gold Mines team for their grand re-opening on May 27, 2011. This historic “modern day gold rush” event was marked by pouring the first gold brick produced through the current redevelopment and expansion of the operation. Bralorne, a corporate member of AME BC, is developing the unexplored gaps between the historic Bralorne, King and Pioneer gold mines of southwest British Columbia. Together, these three historic mines represent the largest historic gold producer in the Canadian Cordillera producing 4.1 million ounces of gold.
 Pictured left to right are:
Dr. Matt Ball, COO of Bralorne Gold Mines, Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO, AME BC and Bill Kocken, President of Bralorne Gold Mines According to the company, recent discoveries between the Bralorne and King mines have opened up significant new mineralization. Phase III development, now underway, is focused on expanding new zones and continuously stockpiling reserves for the 100 tpd (Ton per day) gold mill. The current Bralorne mill is permitted to operate at a capacity of 500 tpd; so this will provide ample room for expansion. Bulk testing is complete and with all permits in place the mine is now gold producing once again. For more information about Bralorne Gold Mines, please see www.bralorne.com/s/Home.asp |
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| Mineral Exploration Roundup to Stay at the Westin Bayshore |
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| For AME BC, the year 2011 began with a very successful Mineral Exploration Roundup. The 28th annual conference was attended by a record 7,000 participants from over 30 countries! We thank everyone who participated, including delegates, trade show visitors, students, and especially the Roundup Committee, volunteers and sponsors who make the conference possible. As the global mineral exploration and development industry enjoys a “modern day gold rush” there naturally was a fair amount of discussion about the location for the annual Roundup and whether AME BC was considering moving the event to a larger venue. After reviewing options and considering feedback from AME BC members, Roundup Committee volunteers and the AME BC Board, it was decided that Mineral Exploration Roundup shall continue at the Westin Bayshore for the following four principal reasons: - The Westin Bayshore has a proven track record of service excellence in hosting Roundup and is well regarded by most members of AME BC;
- Other larger venue options, such as Vancouver’s new Trade and Convention Centre, are much more expensive primarily because there are no hotel room arrangements available that can offset the cost to rent the larger event space;
- Maintaining Mineral Exploration Roundup at the Westin Bayshore is fiscally prudent and allows AME BC to keep the costs for delegates reasonable; and
- A mutually beneficial contract until 2015 was negotiated between the Westin Bayshore and AME BC. The contract has flexible language and specific clauses to allow both parties to re-consider and/or cancel the agreement.
It is also worth noting that despite the fact that there were 7,000 people in attendance at Roundup 2011, safety was not compromised. AME BC works with the Westin to ensure city by-laws, the BC Fire Code and safety best practices are followed. As the premier technical mineral exploration conference in the world, the upcoming Mineral Exploration Roundup 2012, “Celebrating our First Century of Global Discovery”, from January 23 to 26, 2012, will launch the 100 year anniversary of the Association. Please see www.amebc.ca/roundup/Overview-2012.aspx for more details. |
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| 2011 Annual AME BC Photo Contest is Now Open |
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| Win $500 and have your photo be on the cover of Mineral Exploration Magazine – circulation of over 6,000 people! The AME BC Annual Photo Contest is all about depicting mineral exploration and mine development at its finest. We are on the lookout not only for amazing photographs, but photographs that tell the story of what the sector is really all about. Prizes
$100 prizes will be awarded for each of our 4 categories. A top prize of $500 will be awarded for the overall best photo, along with an appearance in the 2011 AME BC Photo Calendar and on the cover of Mineral Exploration Magazine. Judging
New this year, AME BC members and the general public will have the chance to view all the contest submissions and vote online via our facebook page. Photo submissions will be uploaded after the submission deadline of September 30, 2011 and the judging session will be open until October 31, 2011. Submission
Please submit your photos via email to Mary Hughes, Manager, New Media & Creative, AME BC at mhughes@amebc.ca before September 30, 2011. View our past photo contest winners in our photo gallery. Click here for more information on the categories, guidelines and rules.
*AME BC reserves the right to refuse inappropriate photographs. |
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| AME BC Congratulates the 2011 CIM Award Winners |
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| The CIM Awards winners were unveiled on Monday, May 23 at the CIM Awards Gala at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. This gala, held annually as part of the CIM Conference & Exhibition, honoured leaders that are integral to the sustainability of the mining and minerals industry. AME BC congratulates the following BC industry winners: - Syncrude Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development - James P. Cooney, Vancouver, BC
- CIM Distinguished Lecturers - Bernhard Klein, Vancouver, BC, Jim Utley, Vancouver, BC
- Coal Award - David Fawcett, Vancouver, BC
- A.O. Dufresne Award - David J. Copeland, Vancouver, BC
- CIM Fellowships - Joseph P. Ringwald, Vancouver, BC
- Barlow Memorial Medal - Michael D. Doggett, Vancouver, BC.
AME BC also congratulates industry winners outside BC: - Vale Medal – Mackenzie I. Watson, Montreal, QC
- CIM-Bedford Canadian Young Mining Leaders Award – Ryan Montpellier, Kanata, ON
For a complete list of winners, visit www.cim.org/news.cfm?News_ID=157. |
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| Health & Safety |
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| AME BC/PDAC Health and Safety Survey Deadline Extended |
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| The AME BC/PDAC Health and Safety Survey deadline has been extended to June 30, 2011. This survey is being conducted the Canadian Mineral Exploration Health & Safety survey to track health and safety performance in 2010 to identify trends and challenges, and to develop information that can help lead to safer mineral exploration programs in the future. We thank the 45 companies who have completed the survey to date; fill it out today at http://64.114.94.36/survey.aspx?survey=1&RD=1. Visit www.amebc.ca/policy/health-and-safety/health-safety-survey.aspx for more details. |
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| Mineral Exploration News |
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| Share Your Experience - Survey of BC's Exploration and Mining Workforce |
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| If you are a part of the Human Resources, recruitment or operations capability within your organization, you are an important source of knowledge to better understand why women are attracted to and choose to stay in non-traditional roles in the BC Exploration and Mining Industry. To contribute your perspectives on the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining women employees in non-traditional roles within your company/operation please access the online survey by Friday June 17, 2011 at: http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/womeninminingbcworkforcesurvey/.
The survey is led by the BC Mining Labour Shortage Task Force, which is supported by supported by AME BC, the Aggregate Producers Association of British Columbia, and the Mining Association of British Columbia.
At a participation rate of 14%, women in the Exploration and Mining Industry fall well behind Canada’s labour force average of 47 %. While women are continuing to pursue varied and fulfilling roles in the industry, a vast number of women are unaware of the opportunities available and/or leave after a period of time. It is our intention that both completing this survey and receiving the results will help with your company’s gender equity and diversity planning. As a small token of our appreciation for your time you will receive a copy of the report.
The survey is being conducted by an independent consultancy, the Howegroup. Your responses will be kept completely confidential and anonymous.
We recognize the time commitment in completing this survey and thank you in advance for your input. |
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| Share Your Experience About Working as a Women in BC's Mining and Exploration Industry |
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| The Labour Task Force is also conducting a survey for employed women to hear their perspectives of the industry! Please forward the link to the survey for employed women at your company/site to complete. The online survey is anonymous and will take 10 minutes to complete.
Women who complete the survey are eligible to win 1 of 5 $50 Visa Gift Cards. The survey runs until June 17, 2011. You’ll also find a link at the end of the survey to a poster that has been developed to post/circulate to encourage women to complete the survey.
Both surveys are being conducted by an independent consultancy, the Howegroup. All responses will be kept completely confidential and anonymous.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to complete the survey.
For any questions or further information about the upcoming survey, please contact Christine Vandebeek at 604.825.2305 or email info@howegroup.ca. |
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Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Ajax Copper-Gold Mine Project
Public Comment Period and Open House |
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| KGHM Ajax Mining Inc. is proposing to develop the Ajax Copper-Gold Mine Project (the proposed Project), a copper-gold mine located immediately south of Kamloops British Columbia (BC). The proposed Project has an expected mine life of 23 years with a production capacity of approximately 60,000 tonnes of mineral ore per day. The proposed Project is subject to review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and BC’s Environmental Assessment Act. The proposed Project is in the early stages of a cooperative environmental assessment process. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency) and the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) are seeking comments from the public on the proposed Project and its potential effects to ensure that these issues are identified for consideration in the environmental assessment. A background document, containing information on the proposed Project, the requirements of the environmental assessment, and the proposed environmental components to be considered in the assessment, is available on the CEA Agency’s Web site. A description of the proposed Project is available on the EAO’s web site at www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Public Comment Period The public comment period will run from June 8, 2011 to July 11, 2011.
The CEA Agency and EAO will accept public comments submitted by any of the following means: By Online Form: www.eao.gov.bc.ca/pcp/forms/Ajax.html
By Email: Ajax@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
By Fax: 250-356-6448
By Mail: Nicole Vinette, Project Assessment Manager
Environmental Assessment Office
PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9V1 or Lyle Thompson, Project Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
320 - 757 West Hastings Street
Vancouver BC V6C 1A1 The CEA Agency and the EAO will be conducting an open house during this comment period to explain the environmental assessment process for the proposed Project, to provide information about the proposed Project and to answer questions from the public: Date: June 16, 2011
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm
Location: Kamloops Towne Lodge, Ballroom A, 1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC Displays containing information on the proposed Project and the environmental assessment will be available for public viewing from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 7 p.m. the CEA Agency and the EAO will give a presentation on the cooperative environmental assessment process. KGHM Ajax Mining Inc. will also give a presentation in relation to the proposed Project. The public will have opportunities to ask questions. For more information, visit www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/document-eng.cfm?document=50435 |
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| In Case You Missed It! Vancouver Sun Special Insert - May 2011 |
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| Mining: Could you live without it? Find out how mining impacts your life in ways you never imagined. Special Section, Vancouver Sun, May 2011 |
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| Help YVR Plan New Routes |
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| Please complete this short 5 minute survey regarding your company’s travel patterns and policies to help YVR bring new airlines and destinations into Vancouver. This survey will ensure YVR is focusing on the right areas and the results will make business travel easier. Prizes will be randomly awarded to those who complete the survey. www.surveymonkey.com/s/7LXW33F |
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| Geoscience BC News |
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| Request for Proposals: Airborne Magnetic Surveys in the QUEST-Northwest Project Area |
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| Geoscience BC has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for two airborne magnetic surveys, to be flown as part of the QUEST-Northwest Project. The QUEST-Northwest Project is designed to stimulate new mineral exploration activity in the northwest part of the Province, and to enhance the success of existing exploration activities in the region. The QUEST-Northwest project will include three types of activities: airborne magnetic surveys (two separate blocks), a regional geochemical program, and geological mapping. This project has been designed to develop a better understanding of the mineral potential of the area. Geoscience BC is now seeking proponents to undertake two separate airborne magnetic geophysical surveys, one between Dease Lake and Iskut (Block 1), and one west of Telegraph Creek (Block 2). Proponents must submit separate proposals for Block 1 and Block 2. For more details on this RFP and proposal specifications, please download the following at www.geosciencebc.com. - RFP: QUEST-Northwest Airborne Magnetic Surveys - Main Document and Appendix
- Block 1 shapefile
- Block 2 shapefile
Proposals should be submitted by email no later than 12 pm (Pacific) on June 13, 2011. All questions and communication should be directed to Christa Sluggett, Project Geologist and Communications Coordinator, Geoscience BC (sluggett@geosciencebc.com). |
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| AME BC Announces Renewed Corporate Members |
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| AME BC is pleased to recognize its Renewed Corporate Members: Cosigo Resources Inc. - www.cosigoresources.com
Farr APC - www.farrapc.com
Kingsman Resources Inc. - www.kingsmanresources.com
Nilex Inc. - www.nilex.com
NovaGold Resources Inc. - www.novagold.net
Yellowhead Mining Inc. - www.yellowheadmining.com *To all Corporate Members: Don't see your 50 word company description on our website? email it to info@amebc.ca. For more information on AME BC Membership or to become a member, visit www.amebc.ca/membership/overview.aspx. |
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| In Memoriam |
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Trevor L. Horsley
After a characteristically stoic and courageous battle with a brief illness, Mr. Horsley passed away on Friday, May 27, 2011, at Vancouver General Hospital. Born in Salmon Arm, B.C., Mr. Horsley was a veteran of the Canadian Air Force. After the war, he made his mark as a well-known and respected mining engineer. His was an international career and work took him from residing in northern BC, Toronto and Vancouver, to Mexico and Australia. He worked for several prominent mining firms including the former Placer Dome where he was employed before retiring. Mr. Horsley's diverse skills saw him progress from flying bush planes to supervising major mining operations, among them an assignment in Papua New Guinea. Whatever the challenge, he was known for his strong work ethic and firm but fair attitude as a boss. True to form, during his retirement, Mr. Horsley remained active as a mining consultant, then as an appreciated volunteer handyman in his and Eileen's condo complex. He also found time for reading and golfed into his eighties. Mr. Horsley will be deeply missed by all who enjoyed his gentle nature and benefitted from his expertise. The family would like to thank Dr. Lyle Levy for his care. |
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| Peter Risby
Peter Risby, a Member of AME BC and the Yukon Prospector’s Hall of Fame, passed away on February 27, 2011. Peter’s family has sent in the following tribute. Peter spent his childhood in Northern Alberta. As a teenager, Peter was hired as a special constable to the RCMP due to his ability to speak fluent Cree. Peter joined the army and served with Canada’s peacekeeping mission in Korea as a member of the Edmonton Lord Strathcona’s Horse. Peter arrived in the Yukon in June 1957. Meeting a geology student changed his life course and he began to study all he could about rocks and minerals. Peter spent many years in Ross River where he trapped and prospected with the local First Nations. His passion for prospecting was to last him a lifetime. Pete had the opportunity to study and explore mineral deposits all over the world. Peter was inducted into the Yukon Prospector’s Hall of Fame in 1996 and together, he and Ruth Ann were awarded Mr. and Mrs. Miner by the Klondike Placer Mining Association that same year. Pete and Ruth Ann also established the Yukon-Indian River Scholarship Fund. He was also recognized by the CIM for his contributions to mining exploration in the North. Pete received much recognition for his achievements throughout his career. Peter was loved by many and will be remembered for his jovial smile, quick wit, and his passion for prospecting and mining that carried him
to the very end. Pete will return to the "hills of home" and a Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday July 2, 2011 at 2 pm at The Gold Rush Inn in Whitehorse, Yukon. Condolences may be sent to peter.risby@hotmail.com. |
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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 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. |