Spring 2011 - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia

For AME BC, 2011 began with a very successful
Mineral Exploration Roundup.
The 28th annual conference was attended
by a record 7,000 participants from over
30 countries! We thank everyone who
participated, including delegates, trade
show visitors, students and especially
the Roundup Committee, volunteers
and sponsors who make the conference
possible. This year also marks the 30th
anniversary of Mineral Exploration
magazine. Accordingly, articles in this
issue focus on a few of the projects that have
been around for this duration, a review of
the past 30 years in the commodity markets,
a look back at our Association in the
1980s, the development of Tumbler Ridge
and the northeast coal region during the
same time. On the lighter side, we look at
the close bonds within our community, as
seen through Tom Schroeter’s and Nick
Carter’s recollections of the 1981 season
in the Toodoggone. We also celebrate
the rejuvenation of the Britannia Mine
Museum as well as our award winners at
Mineral Exploration Roundup 2011. We
wrap up the issue with a profile on AME
BC’s new chairperson, Mona Forster.
We also reflect on 2010 as one of the
most exciting rebound years ever for the
B.C. mineral exploration and development
sector. There truly is a modern
“gold rush” underway in our province,
led by copper, gold and steel-making coal
developments. This past year we saw a
doubling in exploration expenditures
– up from $154 million in 2009 to $322
million in 2010 – as well as having over $1
billion spent in construction and development
of new mines or expansions.
Unquestionably, it’s the mineral
exploration and development sectors,
buoyed by record commodity prices,
leading the economic recovery. The
province is blessed with rich geology,
and through a combination of necessity,
innovation, hard work and collaboration,
has world-leading environmental, social
and safety standards. The year 2011 presents
an amazing opportunity to build on
our strengths, capitalize on our opportunities
and address the challenges that
remain for our industry.
President & CEO Message
Gavin C. Dirom
Firstly, to ensure everyone benefits
from mineral exploration and mining, a
dedicated government effort is necessary
to reform the Canadian environmental
assessment (EA) process. For years now,
governments have been promising to
untangle the daunting maze of regulations
that complicate project approvals,
and to balance the interests of mineral
explorers and developers, communities,
non–government organizations and
First Nations. This is not a partisan issue.
Rather it is an urgent matter for all of us
to consider if we hope to compete internationally,
attract investment and build
a sustainable economy. Along with other
Canadian industry associations, AME BC
is calling for a single, timely and effective
EA process that provides increased
certainty for everyone. Proponents
should not need to navigate separate,
typically unco-ordinated, inefficient and
duplicative federal and provincial assessments.
Currently, there are 25 potential
mine projects in the EA process in B.C.,
representing an economic and social
opportunity equal to $10 billion in
investment and 68,000 jobs. Fortunately,
British Columbia remains well-positioned
to review, approve and build many of these
new mines, reflecting the province’s
potential for mineral discoveries and proximity
to fast-growing Asian economies.
Secondly, more of B.C.’s mineral
lands must be protected for exploration
and potential mineral development. AME
BC supports a “Two-Zone” land-access
and use model so that mineral explorers
have certainty about where they can
successfully undertake prospecting and
geoscience in support of responsible
mineral development. While explorers
require large areas to search for elusive
new deposits, actual mining in B.C. has
used less than one per cent of the provincial
land base over the last 150 years
and generated gross revenue in excess of
$600 billion. Total payments to government
by the B.C. mineral industry have
increased to an average of about $565
million for 2005-2009, from an average
of $340 million for 2000-2004.
Thirdly, investment in public geoscience
is critical. Funding of Geoscience
BC, for instance, has extended the mine
life of Imperial Metals’ Huckleberry
There are 25 potential mine projects in
the EA process in B.C., representing an
economic and social opportunity equal to
$10 billion in investment and 68,000 jobs.
mine as well as assisted numerous companies
to advance their projects. Since
2005, millions of exploration dollars and
hectares staked can be directly attributed
to the activities of Geoscience BC. Furthermore,
the B.C. Geological Survey
has a long track record of excellence in
surveying, maintaining a public geoscience
library and producing maps that
attract prospectors and new investment.
Overall, we remain very optimistic
that we can resolve these immediate challenges.
On behalf of the staff and board of
AME BC, I thank all the volunteers and
members of the Association in building
a more unified and successful mineral
exploration and development industry.
And please remember to have a safe day,
every day as you enjoy the spring season
and the excitement of “gold rush” fever. �
Gavin C. Dirom, president and chief executive
officer, Association for Mineral Exploration
British Columbia (AME BC).
Photograph: AME BC SPRING 2011 7