Minister Hogg enjoys a session with an eager Junior Rockhound

Roundup 2009 Rocks Mineral Exploration

An upbeat feeling prevailed among the nearly 6,000 attendees at this year’s AME BC Mineral Exploration Roundup. There was a feeling of determination on the tradeshow floor, evidenced by the many that stopped by our B.C. booth to pinpoint the location of their claims on the giant provincial map.

In recognition of the importance of mineral exploration to B.C. and the hard work and commitment of those involved in the industry, January 26th to 31st was proclaimed “Mineral Exploration Week” by the Province for the second year running. AME BC representatives Dr. Robert Stevens (chair) and Gavin Dirom (president and CEO) were presented with a framed proclamation at the opening ceremonies, and Chief Ian Campbell performed The Welcoming Song as an invitation to conference guests to the Coast Salish First Nations traditional territory.

Our announcement of two new mineral discoveries by the British Columbia Geological Survey near Williams Lake was a highlight of day one at Roundup. At Harrison Creek near Murphy Lake, ministry geologists found significant copper, silver and gold values, while at the Chilanko River area three sites with copper were discovered. Tenure acquisition for both sites was available from January 26, 2009. Since the announcement a significant number of new claims have been staked, including 42 new claims covering 17,400 hectares generated by these new discoveries.

The interest of prospectors and investors alike was piqued when Geoscience BC released fresh geophysical and geochemical data from the QUEST- West project. This data serves to unlock the province’s mineral potential as well as stimulate new economic activity and attract new investment. To date, B.C. has provided a total of $11 million to the QUEST/QUEST-West program. This funding has helped to accelerate the mineral exploration and geoscience projects in pine-beetle affected areas of B.C.

The much anticipated AME BC awards dinner took place on Wednesday night, honouring the dedication and commitment of people at the core of mineral exploration. At the dinner, Premier Gordon Campbell congratulated the awards recipients as representatives of “an industry that knows how to roll up its sleeves, keep its feet on the ground and drive forward.” 

The Premier also responded to the Federal Economic Stimulus package by saying “We’re going to do everything we can to get every single federal dollar, on the ground, in British Columbia, as fast as we can. Whether it’s to build a road or a home, whether it’s to create a new facility... we’re going to do whatever we can, whatever it takes, to build that economic development, to create support systems for workers. There is an opportunity for us to actually get federal contributions to the electrification of Highway 37. We’re going after those; we’re going to push that. And a lot of that money has got to be partnered.”  

Speaking about his determination to streamline the permitting process with the federal government and how critical it is that we all unite in this endeavour, Premier Campbell reiterated that mining and our other resource industries are critical components of our economic future. And we need to remind people every single day it’s our industry that is driving those investments, those paycheques and that quality of life.

Despite the current economic situation, Roundup provided an inspirational environment to strengthen the industry through idea sharing and working together, ensuring that B.C. will be ready when the economic situation improves.

More on AME BC  Roundup 

 Honourable Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for Mining

Message From The Minister

The early part of 2009 has been both challenging and invigorating. Challenging as the global economic downturn continues to create uncertainty for B.C. industry and families. Invigorating because of the energy and determination shown by the B.C. mining industry to weather the storm and emerge strong when things turn around.

This attitude shone through in January at two economic summits and at the 2009 Mineral Exploration Roundup.

B.C. mining is instrumental to our economy, and the Province continues to work diligently to help it thrive. The Mining Economic Task Force presented important recommendations at the January meeting of the Minister’s Council on Mineral Exploration and Mining to help guide us through these trying times. Government will formally consider these recommendations in the coming weeks.

Mining highlights from the recent federal budget include; the extension for one year, to March 31, 2010, of the temporary 15 per cent mineral exploration tax credit to help companies raise capital for mining exploration, and the opportunity to pursue federal funds to put towards the electrification of Highway 37. We are going to go after this funding and we’re optimistic about a partnership that will allow us to accelerate this project.

In mid-January we released the 2008 mineral exploration expenditures, and despite the slow down at the end of the year they tallied in at an impressive $367 million, the second-highest total for exploration spending in B.C. ever.

At Roundup, we announced two new significant mineral discoveries near Williams Lake that should attract new mineral exploration and encourage further investments in the mining sector. I also had a chance to visit with the enthusiastic Junior Rockhounds, a group of 135 school children – budding geologists, miners and technicians all – who represent the future for mining in B.C.

On another note, I wish to congratulate the Northwest Community College School of Exploration & Mining for their award winning Reclamation and Prospecting (RAP) pilot program. On January 22nd RAP won the Sustainability Award and the Mentoring Award at the Northern BC Business and Technology Awards held in Prince George during the Premier's Northern Economic Summit. Congratulations to everyone involved with this innovative project.

We’re looking forward to a challenging year ahead, but by working together with industry, First Nations and communities, we’ll ensure B.C. remains a vital mining jurisdiction and will emerge stronger and ready to capitalize on all of the opportunities this province has to offer.