NEWS RELEASE

Mineral Explorers Acknowledge Premier Campbell’s Contribution

Vancouver, BC – November 3, 2010 - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) today responded to Gordon Campbell’s announcement to resign as Premier of British Columbia. 

“Premier Campbell honourably announced his decision to resign as premier today in the interest of all British Columbians and for the greater good," said Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. "BC mineral explorers and developers have not always been pleased with decisions taken by the Gordon Campbell-led government, but we certainly appreciate that many initiatives were very positive and emphasized the critical role that mineral exploration and mining will continue to play in this province. These initiatives include supporting geoscience, improving the tax structure, maintaining resource roads, building infrastructure, and reforming the federal-provincial environmental assessment process."

British Columbia’s safe, modern, mineral exploration and mining sector employs over 85,000 people and represents $7 billion in annual economic activity. There are 10 metal mines as well as 9 coal mines and 35 industrial mineral quarries located throughout the province. In addition to three mines under construction at Mt. Milligan, New Afton, and Copper Mountain, there are currently 25 major mining projects seeking permitting or environmental approvals in BC.

Lena Brommeland, Chair of AME BC, stated, “Premier Gordon Campbell clearly understood that the best indicator of success for both mineral explorers and the province is the construction and development of new mines. His leadership in promoting efficient and effective project reviews and championing the concept of 'one project, one process' are positive legacies of his role as premier."

"Most indicators are pointing to 2010 as the turnaround year for BC mineral exploration and development," continued Dirom. Spending estimates for mineral exploration in BC for 2010 range from $250 to $300 million, compared to $154 million in 2009. The overall economy in British Columbia and Canada, however, is slowing from the strong growth we experienced in late 2009 and the first half of 2010. "Nonetheless, it is the mineral exploration and development sectors, buoyed by record commodity prices for gold at over $1300 per ounce and copper at over $3.50 per pound that are leading the economic recovery," said Dirom.

“We look forward to working with the BC government and a new premier to ensure that mineral exploration and mining benefit all citizens of the province through investments in geoscience; proper funding of government agencies to service the growing sector; and aboriginal capacity building," concluded Dirom.
                                                                            
About AME BC:
AME BC is the predominant voice of mineral exploration and development in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME BC represents thousands of members including geoscientists, prospectors, engineers, entrepreneurs, exploration companies, suppliers, mineral producers, and associations who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in BC and throughout the world. Through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships, AME BC promotes a healthy environment and business climate for the mineral exploration and development industry.

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For more information, please contact Jonathan Buchanan, Director, Communications & Public Affairs, AME BC, at 778-840-0620 or jbuchanan@amebc.ca.

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