NEWS RELEASE

B.C. Mineral Explorers Welcome Federal Speech from the Throne

Vancouver, B.C. - March 3, 2010 – The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) welcomed today’s federal Speech from the Throne in advance of tomorrow’s federal budget announcement.

“Today’s Speech from the Throne clearly indicates the federal government’s intention to support responsible development of Canada’s mineral resources,” said AME BC President & CEO Gavin C. Dirom. “We look forward to the unveiling of a strategy that will provide a clear, transparent environmental assessment and permitting process to guide the development of mine development projects throughout Canada, and especially British Columbia.”

In the throne speech, read by Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean, the federal government announced that it “will untangle the daunting maze of regulations that needlessly complicates project approvals, replacing it with simpler, clearer processes that offer improved environmental protection and greater certainty to industry.”

Dirom suggested that the government can now make changes to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act that will legislate that existing provincial environmental assessments are equivalent to federal environmental assessments. “The federal government has an opportunity to stimulate investment and economic opportunities by establishing equivalency with provinces that already have environmental assessment legislation. Through future equivalency, as well as current delegation of federal assessment to the provincial government, the federal government could maximize the use of limited community, First Nation, industry, and stakeholder resources.”

AME BC also applauded the federal government’s commitment to support the uranium mining industry through facilitating foreign investment and developing clean energy strategies that will allow Canada to be a leader in the global nuclear renaissance.

“We look forward to working with the federal and provincial governments to ensure that B.C. mine proposals are evaluated fairly, thoroughly, and efficiently,” said Dirom. “Mineral exploration and mining provide safe, high-paying employment for over 350,000 Canadians; we are pleased that the government is committed to the long-term success of this world-class industry.”

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.

For more information: Byng Giraud, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, 778.233.6449 byng@amebc.ca.

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