NEWS RELEASE

B.C. Mineral Explorers & Developers Comment on the Atlin Taku Land Use Plan Agreement

Vancouver, BC - July 19, 2011 - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) today commented on the historic and unique Land and Resource Management and Shared Decision Making Agreement signed between the Province of British Columbia and the Taku River Tlingit (TRT) First Nation that impacts land use and access to over three million hectares of northwestern B.C.

“As stakeholders in the three-year consultation process, AME BC thanks the Province of British Columbia and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation for engaging the mineral exploration and development sector in the development of the Atlin Taku Land Use Plan. While we have some key outstanding concerns, the planning process has helped build stronger relationships between the sector, the Taku River Tlingit and the Atlin community,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC.

“Based on these much improved relationships, AME BC is hopeful that the implementation of the land use plan will result in successful mineral resource development in the area. Having greater certainty of mineral tenure, and ensuring as many options are available to access the tenures, are absolutely critical issues to mineral explorers, developers and investors,” added Dirom.

“While AME BC recognizes that 90 per cent of high value mineral areas are open to exploration, we remain concerned that the designation of over 26% of the total land area in protected areas and over 15% in area specific resource management zones is excessively high when compared to other land use plans in B.C., and represents a potentially significant lost opportunity to all citizens,” stated Mona Forster, Chair of AME BC.

“It is not yet clear that access is definitely permitted through some newly designated areas, nonetheless, we are optimistic that the mineral exploration and development sector will be able to work with the Taku River Tlingit and the community of Atlin to ensure that exploration and development projects move forward in a positive way and will bring long-term economic opportunities and benefits to the local region and to all British Columbians,” concluded Forster.

About AME BC:
AME BC is the predominant voice of mineral exploration 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 in BC and throughout the world. Through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships, AME BC promotes a healthy environment and business climate for the mineral exploration industry.

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For more information, please contact Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC at 778-233-6459 or gdirom@amebc.ca

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