| Inside AME BC - Budget Recommendations to the Federal House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
- UNESCO Mission to Flathead
- HST’s Impact on Mineral Exploration Companies and Prospectors
- Mineral Explorers Commend Federal $130 Million for Northwest B.C. Powerline
- AME BC Guiding Principles: Land Use, Environmental, Sustainable Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples
- AME BC Speaker Series - “Money Is Not the Issue: Increasing Chinese Interest in Mining in Canada”
- Mineral Exploration Roundup 2010 Registration is Open!
- 10th Annual Global Chinese Financial Forum - Toronto Conference 2009
- 2009 BC Technical and Research Committee for Reclamation Awards
- AME BC Awards Nominations Deadline is September 30!
Health & Safety - Join the National Women in Mining CIBC Run for the Cure Team!
Mineral Exploration News - Peace Road Safety Committee Resource Road Safety Bulletin
- Ronald C. Wells Geological Education Fund Now Accepting Student Applications
Geoscience BC News - Geoscience BC Releases Reports 2009-14 and 2009-15
BC Geological Survey News Employment Opportunities
Courses & Education
Upcoming Events and Conferences |
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| Inside AME BC |
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| Budget Recommendations to the Federal House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance |
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| On September 28 AME BC staff presented budget recommendations to the Federal House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. The Standing Committee is conducting hearings in advance of the Federal Government’s 2010 budget. AME BC argued for the permanency of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, support for infrastructure to assist mining and mineral exploration including increased funding for the GSC and physical infrastructure such as transmission and roads in remote parts of Canada and, lastly, improved harmonization and streamlining of federal and provincial environmental assessment and permitting. AME BC’s verbal presentation at the hearing will be posted shortly at www2.parl.gc.ca/CommitteeBusiness/CommitteeMeetings.aspx?Cmte=FINA&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2#DT20090928FINAMEE43 AME BC’s written submission can be found here. |
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| UNESCO Mission to Flathead |
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| At the recent 33rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Seville, Spain, the Committee issued the UNESCO World Heritage Committee Decision: 33 COM 7B.22. The decision is with regard to lands bordering Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in an area of southeastern British Columbia known as the Flathead. The decision specifically calls for Canada to invite a “joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN monitoring mission to take place as soon as possible to evaluate and provide recommendations on the requirements for ensuring the protection of the property’s Outstanding Universal Value…” The decision furthermore requires that a report be filed with the World Heritage Centre by February 2010, “including status of all mining and energy development proposals in the Flathead Valley…” AME BC considers this issue very important and is taking an active role. Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO AME BC, represented B.C.’s mineral exploration sector in a meeting with the UNESCO-led mission to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and the Flathead on Friday, September 25, 2009, in Fernie, B.C. In August, AME BC sent a letter to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (see below). Media Advisory and Letter to Mr. David A. Walden, Secretary General, Canadian Commission for UNESCO, August 6, 2009
Re: UNESCO World Heritage Committee Decision: 33 COM 7B.22 For more information, click here. |
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| HST’s Impact on Mineral Exploration Companies and Prospectors |
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| Following an inquiry to AME BC Members on August 6, 2009, and consultation with accountants familiar with mineral exploration firms, AME BC has endorsed the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Mineral exploration companies and prospectors will benefit from the elimination of embedded Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in the products they purchase including heavy equipment and services. British Columbia is a world centre for mineral exploration and mining — home to over 1,200 mineral exploration companies in and thousands of other firms involved in providing services to those companies. We must stay competitive with similar mining jurisdictions around the world such as Ontario and Western Australia, both of which now have a HST style tax. Benefits of HST for Mineral Exploration Sector - All sales taxes, federal and provincial, now qualify for input tax credits—companies and sole proprietors can get tax credits for all or most sales tax paid.
Currently mineral exploration companies and prospectors cannot do this for PST paid. - Only one tax paid ending need to calculate two different taxes saving on accounting and auditing costs.
- End of huge range of PST exempt and PST non-exempt items. These lists were subject to change and interpretation and often unclear.
- The end of PST auditing, which often appears punitive, arbitrary and subject to interpretation.
Continue reading+ |
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| Mineral Explorers Commend Federal $130 Million for Northwest B.C. Powerline |
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| On September 16, BC’s mineral exploration industry 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 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.” |
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| AME BC in attendance at Union of BC Municipalities Convention |
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| AME BC is in attendance at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 29 to October 2. Every year, as part of its advocacy efforts with municipal governments, AME BC representatives attend the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention. The convention draws delegates from BC’s municipalities: cities, towns, villages, district municipalities, and regional districts. In addition to executive elections, educational and networking sessions, and a trade show in which AME BC participates, the delegates bring forward resolutions regarding various issues of interest to their communities; successful ones are submitted by the UBCM to the provincial government for consideration in new policy. The provincial government through its ministries responds to all resolutions, although it may or may not incorporate the resolutions into government policy and/or legislation. The 2009 resolutions that have some relevance to mineral exploration and mining are detailed here. AME BC representatives will attend the policy sessions and will informally discuss the proposed resolutions on the mineral exploration sector’s behalf throughout the convention. AME BC welcomes its members who are delegates or exhibiting at the trade show to Booth 504. |
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| AME BC Land Use Guiding Principles |
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| AME BC recognizes that mineral resources are hidden and require large investments of time and money to find and quantify for potential mine development to occur. The cornerstones of a successful and sustainable mineral exploration and development industry therefore are: - access to large tracts of land to conduct temporary, low-impact exploration for valuable resources;
- ability to acquire secure mineral tenure; and
- the opportunity to advance and develop a viable mineral resource project under appropriate legislation.
AME BC has created a set of Land Use Guiding Principles that members should strive to follow while conducting their activities. Click here to view the guiding principles. |
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| AME BC Environmental Guiding Principles |
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| AME BC recognizes that for present and future generations environmental stewardship is a fundamental cornerstone of a safe, modern, and sustainable mineral exploration and mining sector. AME BC has created a set of Environmental Guiding Principles that members should strive to follow while conducting their activities. Click here to view the guiding principles. |
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| AME BC Guiding Principles for Sustainable Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples |
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| AME BC recognizes that building respectful and sustainable relationships with Aboriginal Peoples will assist its members in having access to land and resources, security of tenure, access to services and labour, and to operate according to standards of good corporate practice. AME BC has created a set of Guiding Principles for Sustainable Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples that members should strive to follow while conducting their activities. Click here to view the guiding principles. |
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| AME BC Speaker Series - “Money Is Not the Issue: Increasing Chinese Interest in Mining in Canada” |
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| The first installment of the 2009/2010 Speaker Series will take place over lunch on Wednesday, October 14 at the Sutton Place Hotel. The guest speaker will be Mr. Wei Shao; Counsel, China Practice; Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP (Vancouver office). The title of Mr. Shao’s presentation is: “Money Is Not the Issue: Increasing Chinese Interest in Mining in Canada”. Click here for the event registration form. Registration deadline is Friday, October 9. Visit www.amebc.ca/news-and-events/eventsummaries/speakerseries.aspx for more information and a look at our past events. |
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| Mineral Exploration Roundup 2010 Registration is Open! |
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| Mineral Exploration Roundup 2010 Registration is now open. To register online, visit www.amebc.ca/roundup/roundupregistration.aspx. To ensure you receive the full member discount, make sure you sign up or renew your 2010 membership before purchasing your Roundup delegate pass. For more information regarding Mineral Exploration Roundup 2010, please visit www.amebc.ca/roundup/overview.aspx. Details of special events, luncheons, field trips and more are being updated daily. |
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| 10th Annual Global Chinese Financial Forum - Toronto Conference 2009 |
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| AME BC is proud to be an Event Partner of the 10th Annual Global Chinese Financial Forum (GCFF) in Toronto on Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17. The GCFF the Toronto Conference 2009 will provide North American and Greater Chinese public and private companies, financial institutions and service providers, as well as the North American Chinese-speaking investor community with substantive opportunities to meet their varied and distinct goals. Day 1 will focus on business matching opportunities for industry attendees, such as mergers and acquisitions, listing and financing, and other business to business angles. Day 2, the Financial Expo, will be a separate event focused on connecting North American public companies and financial related companies to the North American Chinese-speaking investor community. Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO, AME BC, will be a panelist at a session entitled “Practical issues in cross border cooperation in the Resources Sector: Cultural, Political, and Logistical Issues in North America”, on October 16. For more information visit http://gcff.chineseworldnet.com/?q=conference/144&conference_id=144&program_id=146&day=1. To register, contact Fornia Lau at fornia@chineseworldnet.com or call 604.488.8878 or 1.866.833.5517. |
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| 2009 BC Technical and Research Committee for Reclamation Awards |
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| In mid-September, AME BC participated in the 33rd annual Mine Reclamation Symposium. A highlight of the B.C. Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation conference was the Reclamation Awards Banquet. AME BC congratulates the following recipients of the BC Mine Reclamation Awards: - BC Jake McDonald Mine Reclamation Award - Teck Highland Valley Copper Partnership for Highland Valley Copper Mine
- Metal Mining Reclamation Citation - Northgate Minerals Corporation for Kemess South Mine
- Coal Mining Reclamation Citation - Teck Coal Ltd. for Coal Mountain Operations
- Special Reclamation Citation - British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands for Yankee Girl Tailings
- Special Reclamation Citation - British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for Lakeview Dividend Mine
- Mineral Exploration Reclamation Citation - Selkirk Metals Corp. for Catface Property
The Citation for outstanding achievement for reclamation at a mineral exploration site was awarded to Selkirk Metals Corp. for their work on the Catface property.
The Catface property is located 15 kilometers northwest of the town of Tofino, in the highly sensitive Clayoquot Sound region of coastal Vancouver Island. Selkirk Metals Corp undertook an eight hole exploration drill program in the summer of 2008 to advance their porphyry copper project. The exploration program consisted of transporting all drilling and ancillary equipment, camp and fuel from Tofino by barge to a landing site at Hecate Bay. From there, all materials and personnel were transported by helicopter to the camp and drilling locations near the top of Catface Mountain. The camp was located on an old existing road and all trails and clearing were done by hand labour to keep vegetation disturbance to the absolute minimum necessary to accomplish the job. Each drill site had a water collection and sediment structure in place prior to drilling and water quality was monitored during the drilling work. At the end of the program, all drill holes were capped with concrete to prevent water overflow and were then covered. All drill platforms and helipads were removed, except for one that was retained at the request of the Ahousaht Fist Nation to be used for camping and hunting purposes. All materials were removed from the exploration property and all useable construction materials and consumables were donated and delivered to the local First Nation for their use. The Ahousaht First Nation inspected and approved the final reclamation results, noting that the work was completed in an excellent environmentally sound manner with minimum area of disturbance in a difficult area to operate. The First Nation was also especially appreciative of the efforts the company made in hiring 75% of their crew from the Ahousaht First Nation. The exploration and reclamation program at Catface were thoughtfully planned, well executed and is a superb example of the positive benefits of co-operative working relationships. Erik Andersen and AME BC Member Jim Miller-Tait accepted the reclamation Citation for Mineral Exploration on behalf of Selkirk Metals Corp. |
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| AME BC Awards Nominations Deadline is September 30! |
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| Do you know someone that deserves recognition for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry? Nominate them for an award! AME BC presents nine awards to recognize the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals and teams in the mineral resource, investment, and mineral exploration industry. Nominations are requested for the Association for Mineral Exploration BC Awards that are to be presented at Mineral Exploration Roundup. Nominations should be submitted by September 30, and letters should be addressed to: Chairman, Awards Committee
Association for Mineral Exploration BC
800 – 889 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3B2 Nominations shall be made, in writing, to the Awards Committee. Each nomination shall clearly state the reason for the nomination and provide a brief synopsis of the nominee’s career. Unsuccessful nominations will be considered for up to three additional years beyond the original year of nomination. Supporting letters are required. For more information on the awards and to fill out a nomination form, please click here. |
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| Health & Safety |
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| Join the National Women in Mining CIBC Run for the Cure Team! |
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| Last year, more than 170,000 participants in 55 communities raised $28.5 million across Canada! Women in Mining had 65 members in 3 cities and contributed $34,022.49 to that amount. Come and join Laureen Whyte and Mary Hughes of AME BC, and the rest of the 2009 Women in Mining team and help us surpass last year's goal! We will be joining 170,000 individuals coast-to-coast to honour survivors and remember those who have lost their battle with breast cancer. 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in her life based on living to the age of 90, and 170 of the cases of breast cancer diagnosed this year in Canada will be men. We are all affected. When the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation opened its doors over 20 years ago 3 out of 4 women diagnosed with breast cancer died from the disease, today 3 out of 4 survive. With your help, the Women in Mining Team will contribute to seeing these rates continue to improve. Please join us in helping to create a future without breast cancer. On Sunday, October 4, walk, run, give generously.
When: Sunday October 4, 2009
Time: 9:00 am
Where: Multiple run locations across Canada
Vancouver Runners: Concord Pacific Place (Pacific Blvd at Carrall Street) |
| Join our team in the 1km Walk/5km Run - Registration is Easy! - Visit www.cbcf.org
- Click on the “CIBC Run for the Cure” logo
- Click on Register and start fundraising today! You can register as either a returning participant or a new participant. Once you register, you can set up a personal donation page where friends and family can support you. Online donations are quick, easy and secure.
- Select your nearest run site location
- Enter your profile information - click continue
- Check the box to agree with the Run Waiver and click continue
- Register under the third option: Join an existing Team at my Run location and select continue
- On bottom half of the page enter: Team Name: Women in Mining, Team Captain Last Name: Cox
- Select continue
- Select Join this team Choose your registration method and welcome to the team!
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| Mineral Exploration News |
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| South Peace Road Safety Committee Resource Road Safety Bulletin |
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| On October 1, 2009 key changes regarding the use of resource roads in the South Peace will come into effect requiring actions and change on your part as a user/driver; Your 2-way radios will need re-programming to add the 42 new resource road channels; new radio calling procedures will go into effect (calling up and down versus loaded and empty); new rules for oversized loads and convoy travel apply and increased enforcement of road rules and procedures by tenure holders and employers will occur. You can review SPRSC’s Best Management Practices, Procedures, and Guidelines at www.for.gov.bc.ca/pscripts/pab/whatsnew/index.asp?pm=sr&RecordID=4596. Click here to download the full bulletin. |
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| Ronald C. Wells Geological Education Fund Now Accepting Student Applications |
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| The Kamloops Exploration Group directors have announced that the Ronald C. Wells Geological Education Fund is now accepting applications from students. The fund is set up in the memory of Ronald C. Wells who passed away in 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ron was a respected mineral exploration geologist and President of Kamloops Geological Services Ltd. As long-serving president and volunteer with the Kamloops Exploration Group, he was well known for his passion and support of public and academic geological education. Click here for more information and an application form. |
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| Geoscience BC News |
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| Geoscience BC Releases Reports 2009-14 and 2009-15 |
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| Geoscience BC announced the release of two final reports: Geoscience BC Report 2009-14 "An Investigation Using SiroSOM for the Analysis of QUEST Stream-Sediment and Lake-Sediment Geochemical Data" and Geoscience BC Report 2009-15 "QUEST Project: 3D Inversion Modeling, Integration, and Visualization of Airborne Gravity, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Data, BC, Canada". oth projects were funded by Geoscience BC to provide follow-up work and interpretation on the original QUEST Project geophysical and geochemical datasets. The QUEST Project was funded through Geoscience BC and the Northern Development Initiative Trust. Visit www.geosciencebc.com for more information on these reports. |
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| BC Geological Survey News |
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| New Publications: Geology of the Nimpkish-Telegraph Cove Area, Northern Vancouver Island
(NTS 92L/07, 10)
G.T Nixon, M.C. Kleman, J.P. Larocque, D.B. Stevenson, L.A. Stokes, A. Pals,
J. Styan, K.A. Johnston, M.J. Orchard, and C.A. McRoberts Geoscience Map 2009-2 (View Now) Geoscience Map 2009-2 (1:50 000) describes the bedrock geology of the Nimpkish-Telegraph Cove area of northern Vancouver Island (NTS 092L/7, 10). The map complements Geoscience Maps 2006-1 to -4 showing the geology of the Quatsino Sound area to the northwest and supercedes Open File Map 2006-5. |
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| A Multi-Media Analysis of Stream Geochemistry on Vancouver Island, British Columbia: Implications for Mineral Exploration
R. Lett
Geofile 2008-8 (View Now) This document reports the results of geochemical orientation studies on Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island is ideal for testing new geochemical exploration methods because it not only has varied geology, numerous mineral occurrences and different styles of metallic mineralization, but has also contrasting local climates, different surficial environments and physiographies. There is a good potential for discovering new metallic mines on Vancouver Island because much of the geology that has formed through the evolution of island arc-related rock suites is a favourable host for a range of mineral deposit types including porphyry Cu-Mo, volcanic massive sulphides and skarn mineralization. In addition to present and past producing mines such as Myra Falls and Island Copper, numerous mineral occurrences have been found and are still being developed. |
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| Employment Opportunities |
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| AME BC has launched its new Job Board! If you are looking for work, use the view jobs function and browse all of the current postings. If you are an employer and would like to post a job, use the post a job function. The cost for each posting is $200, which will remain active for 45 days. AME BC corporate members receive one free posting with a yearly membership or renewal, with all subsequent postings at a 50% member discounted rate. To use your free posting, please email the complete job posting information to mhughes@amebc.ca. To use your subsequent 50% discount, simply make sure you are logged in and let the payment calculator do the rest. |
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| Employment Opportunity - BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association |
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| Position Title: Executive Director
Location: Vancouver or Central Interior Region
Salary: Based on qualifications
Tenure: October 2009 – March 31, 2012*
Who Can Apply: Residents of British Columbia, preferably Aboriginal Qualifications: Graduation from a post-secondary program in Business, Human Resources or related disclipline combined with training and experience in project management (including budgets) and staff management. Desired Expertise and Experience: - Demonstrated experience and results in managing human resource and/or business projects, and working with aboriginal groups;
- Experience working with a Board of Directors;
- Ability to develop/implement policies and procedures;
- Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and make decisions;
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills;
- Strong communication and presentation skills;
- Effective organizational skills.
*ASEP funding currently extends to March 2012. The BC AMTA will seek further opportunities and partners for training to employment programs in support of the BC mineral exploration and mining sector. For more details please visit the AME BC Job Board. |
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| Courses & Education | |
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| AME BC’s tradition of education for the mineral exploration sector dates back to 1918, when it held its first prospecting seminar. Since then, thousands of students have received training in prospecting, mineral exploration, health and safety, and aboriginal engagement through AME BC. Click here to view AME BC’s Education and Professional Development section. Other Professional Development Opportunities Several of AME BC’s Corporate Members have professional development programs geared toward our diverse membership. Current offerings are available here. |
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| Upcoming Events & Conferences |
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| AME BC Events Calendar
Mineral Exploration Roundup 2010
AME BC Speaker Series - “Money Is Not the Issue: Increasing Chinese Interest in Mining in Canada”
External Event Calendar
AME BC helps to facilitate and promote external events that benefit our members. Use this calendar to see what events are on the horizon and get detailed information. |