NEWS RELEASE

BC Aboriginal Mine Training Funded: Mineral Explorers Jubilant

Vancouver, BC – August 8, 2012 - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) expressed its appreciation to the federal government today for extending its funding of the British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA) by an additional $10 million over three years.  

“As mineral explorers and developers, we are jubilant,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. “This multi-year commitment to BC AMTA demonstrates the federal government’s strong level of support to Aboriginal training and capacity building in BC. The education and training provided, and the resultant careers that are developed, will form an enduring legacy for Aboriginal Canadians, the industry and Canadian society as a whole.”

BC AMTA was established through a Human Resources and Skill Development Canada Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) grant in January 2010. Originally designed with a target of helping 148 people gain employment, BC AMTA has generated employment for over 330 Aboriginal workers.

“Mineral exploration, development and mining together form the largest private sector employer of Aboriginals in Canada,” said Michael McPhie, Chair of AME BC. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that there are growth opportunities to build these employment levels even further in British Columbia.”

“The BC AMTA program has shown excellence at providing a pathway toward employment for Aboriginal people of diverse ages and backgrounds,” noted Dr. Jim Morin, Chair of AME BC’s Aboriginal Relations Committee, and program head of the Aboriginal Minerals Training at BCIT. “It has reached out to hundreds of Aboriginal people in BC and given them the confidence and skills required to be well qualified for a career in mineral exploration, development and mining.”

About AME BC:

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For further information contact Gavin Dirom at 604.630.3920 or gdirom@amebc.ca.