| We all share a common interest in seeing successful and responsible mineral exploration and mining thrive in British Columbia and around the world. Members of AME BC are discovering and developing new mines that will bring significant benefits to so many others. For instance, with almost half of all proposed Canadian mining projects located in this province, the economic opportunity for B.C. can be measured in the billions of dollars. This year alone, B.C. has the potential to see some large new metal mines permitted and constructed. So despite ongoing financial challenges, many members of AME BC could be well positioned to take advantage of the next upswing. And according to the local B.C. Economic Index, the recession technically ended in the third quarter with a slight gain of 0.1% from the last quarter. So now is the time to explore for more in British Columbia, Canada’s gateway to the Pacific. Over the last year, we have been building on AME BC’s strong base and looking for new opportunities to benefit members of the association. As you may know, AME BC’s activities are guided by three simple words: advocacy, partnerships and leadership. Recent advocacy work by AME BC, as part of the Northwest Powerline Coalition, resulted in a $130-million commitment by the Canadian government to help realize the dream of building a power line along Highway 37 in northwestern B.C, a region internationally known as “The Golden Triangle”. Special congratulations to the over 70 members of the coalition – your hard work and determination paid off! With the potential of $15 billion in new project capital investment, approximately $10 billion from mining development alone, the power line is integral to the development of northwestern B.C. We also know that building strong partnerships are the basis for a prosperous future. Of late, AME BC and the Mining Association of British Columbia have collaborated with industry, Aboriginal, educational and government partners to finalize a proposal for a $25-million Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership to be governed by the new B.C. Aboriginal Mine Training Association. This three-year program, which received over $20 million in industry funding and $4.4 million in federal funding, will provide skills training in the northwest and central interior regions of B.C. for 148 Aboriginal participants. This is an excellent example of corporate social responsibility that should accomplish tangible results in the form of lasting opportunities – a legacy of which we can be truly proud. Demonstrating leadership and public outreach are vital to the association. As such, five sets of guiding principles have now been developed for and approved by AME BC’s board of directors, in the key policy areas of health and safety, uranium and thorium exploration, land use, aboriginal relations and the environment. Prospectors, explorers and miners have directly shaped these new guiding principles, which should improve our collective ability to lead the industry, take principled positions on various issues, develop awareness and create positive change. As you may recall, in 2009, Mineral Exploration Roundup, the world’s premier technical mineral exploration conference, delved deeply into the new era of exploration. For 2010, Roundup is going for the gold, and everything else! The 2010 organizing committee has put together an exceptional itinerary of short courses, technical sessions, keynote speakers, and field trips. The event prides itself as being a source and wealth of knowledge for all those involved. Whether that be the delegates perusing the investment and tradeshow aisles and technical sessions, the students who compete in the annual poster session, or the volunteers taking in all they can. Throughout the conference, from January 18 - 21, 2010, numerous social and networking events are in place to ensure there is something for everyone. Each day of the week has its own social calendar including luncheons featuring well known keynote speakers, daily exhibit hall receptions, and exciting evening events. The student-industry networking event, the hockey challenge, Old-Timers Luncheon, and the curling bonspiel are all eagerly anticipated annual events. Among the expected 6,000 delegates from over 40 countries, special guests at Roundup include: -
Lisa Raitt, Canada’s minister of natural resources -
Jean Chrétien, former prime minister of Canada -
Gordon Campbell, premier of British Columbia -
Paul Wright, president and CEO of Eldorado Gold -
Charles Jeannes, president and CEO of Goldcorp -
Peter Barnes, president and CEO of Silver Wheaton -
Robert Friedland, executive chairman of Ivanhoe Mines
If you haven’t already registered for Roundup 2010, I encourage you to visit the Roundup section of our new website at www.amebc.ca/roundup/overview.aspx and to register now as early bird rates are available until December 11. On behalf of the staff and board of AME BC, I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm thank you to our many volunteers and current members; we certainly do appreciate your ongoing support. And as always, no matter where you are discovering and building new mines in the world, I wish you well in your prospects, and have a safe day, every day! Best regards, Gavin C. Dirom, M.Sc., P. Ag.
President & CEO, AME BC
www.amebc.ca | |  Gavin C. Dirom
M.Sc., P. Ag.
President & CEO,
AME BC
|