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Mineral Explorers Commend Federal $130 Million for Northwest BC Powerline
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Mineral Explorers Commend Federal $130 Million for Northwest BC Powerline
September 16, 2009 – BC’s mineral exploration industry today thanked Prime Minister Harper, Minister Baird and the federal government for its announcement of up to $130 million toward the construction of the Northwest Powerline. The transmission line would run along the Highway 37 corridor, an area with tremendous mineral development and green power potential in northwestern BC. “As one of the 74 members of the grassroots Northwest Powerline Coalition, we see this as exciting news for British Columbia and Canada,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC).
“This federal investment, combined with the strong commitment and leadership shown by Premier Gordon Campbell, will bring great returns for all Canadians,” said Dirom. “There is potential for $15 billion in private investment, almost 11,000 jobs, and $300 million in annual government revenues through the development of new mines.”
In October 2007, the BC government committed $250 million to extend the provincial power grid along the Highway 37 corridor. Premier Gordon Campbell later announced $10 million for the engineering, environmental assessment and Aboriginal consultation for a power line. On January 28, 2009, the Premier stated at AME BC’s Mineral Exploration Roundup conference that he would work to have potential federal funds applied to the construction of the power line.
“The region to be served by the Northwest Powerline, which is currently lacking sufficient infrastructure, is often called the Golden Triangle because of the great geological potential of several world class mineral deposits,” said Dr. Robert Stevens, Chairman of AME BC. According to the BC Geological Survey Minfile database, there are 935 documented mineral occurrences identified in the Triangle. Of these, 67 are in the “resource” category, indicating high value mining potential. The Report on the Electrification of the Highway 37 Corridor, which can be accessed at www.highway37.com has identified 11 possible mining projects.
“The excellent electrical infrastructure throughout most of BC has powered our province’s mining industry,” said Dirom. “Northwestern BC has seen many significant exploration projects throughout the past half-century. In 2008, companies spent $140 million on mineral exploration in the region. The expansion of the power line will help bring these world-class deposits to production, and help sustain Canada’s minerals industry.”
About AME BC:
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, partnerships, and advocacy, AME BC promotes a healthy environment and business climate for the mineral exploration industry. AME BC is the predominant voice of mineral exploration in British Columbia.
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For More Information Contact:
Byng Giraud
Senior Director, Policy & Communications
AME BC
778.233.6449
byng@amebc.ca
