NEWS RELEASE

AME BC Congratulates Christy Clark as New Leader

Vancouver, BC – February 28, 2011 – Today the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC) congratulated the new BC Liberal leader and Premier designate, Christy Clark. AME BC looks forward to working with the new leader to position BC competitively and take full advantage of the global demand for mineral resources.

“We are excited to work with the new Premier and her cabinet to ensure that the BC mineral exploration and development sector attracts more investment and plays an even greater role in economic and community development in British Columbia,” said Mona Forster, Chair, AME BC.

“Christy Clark has noted the importance of resource industries to our province’s economy and job creation, and recognizes the value of investment in resource sector permitting and research and development,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President and CEO of AME BC. “We will be sharing our perspectives with Ms. Clark on why exploring and developing mineral lands is important and how we can all benefit from such things as efficient permitting and strategic public investments in geoscience.”

Geoscience, which is the research and development arm for the sector, is the long-term foundation for the province’s $7 billion per year mining sector and supports regional economic development. Funding for geoscience and ministries responsible for permitting can be drawn from a fraction of tax revenue from mining and minerals, which is projected at $494 million for the year 2011/2012. Each tax dollar invested in the province’s mining and minerals division in 2009 returned $289 to British Columbia’s economy.

“The resource economy is an important driver in employing British Columbians in high-paying, fulfilling jobs, and funding the province’s education and health services,” concluded Ms. Forster. “We look forward to a new leadership in British Columbia that will build on a strong mineral exploration and development sector to make it one of the best in the world, which benefits families and communities throughout British Columbia.”

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 industry.

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For further information, please contact Jonathan Buchanan, Director, Communications & Public Affairs, AME BC, at 604.630.3923 or jbuchanan@amebc.ca. B-roll footage of prospecting, geological work, drilling, helicopter transportation, and other mineral exploration activities on properties in BC is now available on request. Contact Jonathan Buchanan.

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