VANCOUVER – Fording River Operations has received the 2007 Mining and Sustainability Award
for its efforts to promote sustainable development in the British Columbia mining sector, announced
Kevin Krueger, Minister of State for Mining, and Michael McPhie, president and CEO of the Mining
Association of British Columbia (MABC).
“I am very pleased to congratulate Fording River Operations on their ongoing commitment to
the environment, safety and the community,” said Krueger. “Fording River Operations is a leader in
mining reclamation and is working hard to ensure that mining leaves a very small footprint on the land,
protecting water and wildlife in the Elkford, Fernie and Sparwood communities.”
“Fording River Operations, through their demonstrated actions and commitments over many
years, has successfully balanced economic, social and environmental goals,” said McPhie. “The
Fording River management team, the communities of Elk Valley, Ktunaxa Nation and the many others
who have been involved deserve tremendous credit for their leadership and commitment in making
Fording a success and a leading example of how mineral development can be positive for society as a
whole.”
The Fording River mine site, operating since 1970, is recognized as a world leader in mine
safety and reclamation. Over 650 hectares, representing about 16 per cent of the area affected by
mining, have been revegetated. Fording River Operations is the only mine in British Columbia to
operate its own greenhouse where up to 50,000 conifer and deciduous seedlings are propagated
annually from locally collected seed and cuttings.
In addition to their dedication to being a leader in reclamation, Fording River is also committed
to high standards of training to ensure a safe environment for all of their 900 employees. Last
September, Fording River’s mine rescue team was the overall winner in the Surface Mine Rescue
category in the 2007 North West Regional Rescue Competitions.
The mine also made significant contributions to the community through programs like
scholarships, donations, education outreach and participation in community events. In addition, the
Fording River mine is currently working with the Ktunaxa Nation Council to find ways to foster a
healthy, long-term relationship with the Ktunaxa Nation Council and its members.
The Mining and Sustainability Award will be presented jointly by MABC and the Ministry of
Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources at a gala dinner in Cranbrook on Feb. 28, 2008.
The award was launched in 2005 by MABC to publicly recognize the diverse companies,
communities, First Nations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies and individuals
committed to advancing and promoting sustainable development in the B.C. mining and minerals
sector.
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Media contact:
Jake Jacobs
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Energy, Mines and
Petroleum Resources
250 952-0628
250 213-6934 (cell)
Michael McPhie
President and CEO
Mining Association of British Columbia
604 681-4321
778 772-0528 (cell)
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS,
visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
Media Release PDF | 
