MABC - The Mining Association of British Columbia

BC AMTA PROGRAM UPDATE

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:31:00 -0800

The BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing BC’s aboriginal people with the skills they need to work in the minerals exploration, mine development and mining industries.

The BC AMTA model uses partnerships among mining and exploration companies, industry associations, First Nations, government, and educational institutions to recruit, evaluate, coach, train, and place aboriginal workers in BC mining projects.

Since the BC AMTA program began just under two years ago it has:

Registered over 890 Aboriginal candidates from over 120 Indian Bands to meet BC AMTA partners’ labour requirements and in some cases, their Impact Benefit Agreement commitments;
Recruited, trained, and placed 231 candidates into jobs;
Transitioned 63 percent of our employed candidates from unemployment;
Estimated that our placed candidates earn over $11.7 million in annual wages and benefits.

BC AMTA invites you to join their efforts to prepare the young Aboriginal population for work in BC’s exploration, mine development and mining sectors. With your support 2012 can be a year of opportunity!

Read: BC AMTA STATUS REPORT 2012

For more information on our program please contact:

Laurie Sterritt, Executive Director
lsterritt@bcamta.ca
Office 604-681-4321 ext. 112
Mobile: 778-838-4569

David Watkins, Chair
davidwatkins@shaw.ca
Office: 604-684-2285
Mobile: 778-999-3404

Jeanette Jules, Vice-Chair
jeanettejules@kib.ca
Office: 250-828-9731
Mobile: 250-319-1464

We sincerely thank you for your continued support; please let us know if you have any questions.

MABC APPLAUDS ACHIEVEMENTS OF CANADIAN HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ROBERT DICKINSON (1927-2007) and ROBERT HUNTER, HUNTER DICKINSON INC.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:59:00 -0800

MABC congratulates Robert Hunter (1927-2007) and Robert Dickinson, jointly inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, January 12, 2012. The Canadian Mining Hall of Fame honors those who have demonstrated outstanding lifetime achievements benefiting the Canadian minerals industry.

Hunter Dickinson Inc., founded by Robert Hunter and Robert Dickinson a quarter of a century ago, has achieved a reputation as one of North America’s highly regarded mineral exploration and mine development groups because of the enduring commitment of these two men. Their strong ethics and dedication to responsible mineral development have set the bar for industry peers to emulate.

Hunter Dickinson Inc. has always maintained a strong presence in BC and both “Bob’s” are recognized for their many accomplishments and unwavering dedication to the mining industry in the province including their instrumental involvement in the Britannia Mine Museum.
The HDI team has advanced several mineral projects in BC specifically, Mount Milligan, Kemess and Prosperity as well as other projects in Canada and around the world.

About the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame
The Canadian Mining Hall of Fame honors those who have demonstrated outstanding lifetime achievements that have benefitted the Canadian minerals industry. The Hall is sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, the Mining Association of Canada, The Northern Miner newspaper and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada. Associate sponsors include the mining associations of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan and the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia.

WOMEN: AN UNMINED RESOURCE: REPORT

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:59:00 -0800

A Report on Female Participation within BC's Mineral Exploration and Mining Industry

Under a neutral forecast, BC’s mineral exploration and mining industry (the “Industry”) will require approximately 5,910 additional workers by 2016 with the majority of these are expected to be in operational roles.

Additionally, the world demand for commodities continues to grow. In the past year we saw a doubling in expenditures - up from $154 million in 2009 to $322 million in 2010 – as well as over $1 billion being spent in construction and development of new mines or mine expansions.

The forecasted labour shortage means that the Industry will need to develop and implement a variety of initiatives to meet human resource requirements, including purposeful attraction, recruitment and retention initiatives that are inclusive to all persons.

Data from statistics Canada reports that women make up nearly half ( 48%), of BC’s total labour force.

Other industry surveys have determined that fewer than one in six workers (16%) in BC’s mineral exploration and mining industry are female. Additionally, data has shown that women are underrepresented and underemployed in the mineral exploration and mining industry at 5% of the total workforce in the non-traditional roles.

In late 2010, a study was initiated by the BC Mineral Exploration and Mining Labour Shortage Task Force and carried out by the Women in Mining sub-committee, thanks to funding provided in whole or by part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.

Three BC based populations were surveyed for this study:

Student Career Advisors from secondary and post-secondary institutions across BC;
HR decision makers in the BC Industry; and
Women working in the BC mineral exploration and mining industry.

The Executive Summary and Report titled, Women: An Unmined Resource will be ready for distribution during the week of Nov 14th.

The surveys provided excellent feedback and had a high participation rate, particularly from employed women This report adds value to current knowledge about female participation in the Industry. It also provides recommendations and strategies, which if implemented, should achieve greater attraction and retention of women into the Industry workforce.

Findings from these three surveys have:

Supplied data on the employed female participation rate in BC, particularly in the fastest growing occupations including heavy equipment operators, tradespersons and labourers (classified as non-traditional roles for females), helping build the case for and capability for change within the Industry;
Established that women are most underrepresented in non-traditional roles;
Identified the recruitment and retention attractors and barriers relevant to three occupation categories in BC – Operations Positions, Science Careers and Administrative/Management;
Outlined the opportunities and provided recommendations to better utilize women as a solution to fill labour shortages;
Engaged Career Advisors to understand their readiness to support, and solicit their expert opinion on the success factors and barriers to helping women explore careers in the Industry;
Highlighted that the Industry will benefit from human resources strategies that provide recommendations and tools to help employers attract, recruit and retain females; and
Established that more work remains to be done to get additional BC mineral exploration and mining employers on board.

We look forward to releasing the Executive Summary and Report next week.

David Bazowski                                                         Lisa Blackham
Chair, BC Mineral Exploration and                           Chair, Women in Mining Sub-committee
Mining Sector Labour Shortage Taskforce               lisablackham@hdimining.com
dbazowski@shaw.ca

About the BC Mineral Exploration and Mining Labour Shortage Task Force

The BC Mineral Exploration and Mining Labour Shortage Task Force was established under the provincial Labour Market Partnership Program in 2007. The Task Force is a broad sector partnership involving industry, labour unions, career information and employment service providers, educators/training providers, and government agencies. The intent of the Task Force was to develop a business plan and an HR strategy to address skills shortages, recruitment and retention challenges to meet the significant economic growth in BC’s mining industry. In the HR strategy – British Columbia Mineral Exploration and Mining Industry Human Resources Strategy: 2008-2012 – five long term strategic HR goals were developed in image and career promotion, attraction and recruitment, retention and turnover, education and training, and sustainability. The Task Force is supported by the Aggregate Producers Association of British Columbia, the Association for Mineral Exploration of British Columbia and the Mining Association of British Columbia.

MINING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA CONTRIBUTES $8.9 BILLION TO THE ECONOMY

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:50:00 -0800

Vancouver, BC—According to a new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), direct mining expenditures in British Columbia mining crested $5.2 billion in 2010. An additional $3.7 billion was spent in secondary and support industries and services resulting in a total of $8.9 billion of economic activity across British Columbia. The Economic Impact Analysis report commissioned by the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) and compiled by PwC measures direct, indirect and induced economic impacts of mining in terms of output, Gross Domestic Product, employment and government tax revenues.

“This is an important report that quantifies mining’s integral role in the provincial economy and the sector’s contribution to the provincial labour market, government tax dollars and the quality of life in rural communities,” says Karina Briño, president and CEO of MABC. “Mining remains a major driver of development and sustained economic activity throughout the province, where it offers employment, education and economic growth opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to achieve and in some cases, may not have existed.”

The PwC report states that the mining industry was responsible for generating 45,703 jobs in 2010 (this includes 21,112 direct jobs and 24,591 spinoff jobs). The mining industry also generated $938.6 million in total tax revenue which includes $449.2 million in federal tax revenue, $414.8 million in provincial tax revenue and $74.6 million in municipal taxes.

“The 2010 economic performance of the BC mining sector was outstanding, driven largely by strong coal and metals prices,” said Janice Plumstead, study manager and Director of Economics and Statistics practice at PwC in BC. “Many of the positive trends seen in 2010 have continued this year and, with more than half of BC’s mining exports going to Japan and China last year, a lot will depend on the demand for BC coal and minerals in those countries going forward.”

As Canada’s largest producer of copper, its only producer of molybdenum and its largest exporter of coal, British Columbia is geologically wealthy. Currently, the province has two new major metal mines under construction and about 30 projects in different stages of development. Coal, copper and molybdenum are expected to remain BC’s top three most important commodities by value.

Download: PwC Economic Impact Analysis Report

About MABC
MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. MABC is the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province. www.mining.bc.ca

For more information contact:

Karina Briño, President and CEO, MABC
Tel: 604.681.4321

Claire Thomson, Senior Director, Communications, MABC
Tel: 604.681.4321 ext 103

MINING ASSOCIATION OF BC WELCOMES NEW “CANADA STARTS HERE: THE BC JOBS PLAN”

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:59:00 -0800

Vancouver –The Mining Association of BC commends the provincial government’s Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan released today.

Of particular importance to the BC mining sector, the BC jobs Plan proposes a commitment of almost $24 million to natural resource ministries with a goal of reducing the time it takes to get decisions on approvals and permits. The Premier emphasized that this plan could be implemented without compromising BC’s strict environmental standards.

The plan also promises that, in collaboration with the private sector, BC will see eight new mines in operation; nine upgrades and expansions to currently operating mines; and, mining permit backlog (Notices of Work) will be reduced by 80 percent within twelve months noting that once the backlog is dealt with, there will be a new sixty day turnaround to process Notices of Work for mines.

“The mining industry is very encouraged to see government investing in its internal resources which allow private sector economic activity to occur,” said John McManus, Chair of the Mining Association of BC. “The ability for government to provide vigorous and rigorous permitting and project approval processes leads to the timely creation of jobs, which in turn, builds healthier communities and creates the revenue which government can use to provide much needed services, including protection of the environment."

Mining contributes close to $8 billion annually in gross revenues and employs over 8,000 people directly in high paying, highly skilled jobs. BC’s mining sector has the potential to see tremendous growth with new mines under construction and many more projects under development right behind.

The mining industry views the BC Jobs Plan as a positive step forward in improving the investment climate for building of new mines in BC resulting in creation of thousands of new jobs in all regions of the province. Industry is committed to continued dialogue and collaboration with the Province to implement the changes outlined in the BC Jobs Plan.

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the predominant voice of mining in the province.
www.mining.bc.ca

For more information, contact
Claire Thomson, Senior Director, Communications, Mining Association of BC
604.681.4321 x 103

MABC CONGRATULATES 2011 ORDER OF BC AWARD RECIPIENT JIM O’ROURKE

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:23:00 -0800

Vancouver – The Mining Association of BC would like to offer congratulations to MABC executive member, Jim O’Rourke, who has just been selected to receive the 2011 Order of BC Award, the highest honour a citizen of BC can receive. The Order of BC Award recognizes the outstanding contributions and achievements of individual BC citizens.

“Jim has been involved in the mining industry for nearly five decades, said, Karina Briño, President & CEO of the Mining Association of BC, “and, through his experience, passion and knowledge this has translated it into a wide range of successes starting with the building of several new mines in BC resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs in local communities.”

Jim, over the span of his career, has been involved with several high profile mining operations around the province including Endako, Gibraltar, Huckleberry, Equity Silver, Quinsam Coal and Similco Copper mine. After a lifetime of successfully developing mines, Jim continues to play a major role in industry as the President & CEO of Copper Mountain Mine near Princeton, BC, leading the mine into production in 2011.

Jim’s exemplary commitment to building better communities in which he operates often in unique, innovative ways, has translated into significant, positive community impacts garnering trust and respect from those he is dealing with. Jim has also been instrumental in leading projects such as the Mining for Miracles Campaign to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital and Fishing for Kids, a campaign raising funds for children’s charities.

Jim O’Rourke has generated great value for the province of BC, the standard by which he operates sets a strong example for others to emulate.

The Order of B.C. investiture ceremony will be held for recipients and invited guests at Government House in Victoria on Oct. 4, 2011.

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About MABC
MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.

For more information contact:
Karina Brino, President and CEO, Mining Association of BC
604.681.4321 or,

Claire Thomson, Senior Director, Communications
778.233.6413

MABC IS DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN THE HST HAS BEEN DEFEATED

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:02:00 -0800

The Mining Association of BC (MABC) is disappointed to learn that BC will not be keeping the HST but understands that voters have spoken.

"BC’s mining sector has the potential to create high paying jobs in all regions of the province and build a strong economy and today’s decision takes some of the wind out of our sail" states Ben Chalmers, Vice President of Environment and Technical Affairs. "We are concerned that today’s decision compromises key competitive advantages and efficiencies offered by the HST and adds to the complexity of making large investment decisions necessary to build a mine."

In light of today’s decision MABC encourages the BC government to implement a new and improved PST that maintains some of the positive competitiveness and efficiency aspects that the HST offered and the MABC looks forward to being a part of the process of re-establishing the PST/GST.

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.

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For more information, contact:

Ben Chalmers
1-778-828-2607
bchalmers@mining.bc.ca

MABC Congratulates Copper Mountain Corporation on Official Mine Opening

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0800

The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) congratulates Copper Mountain Corporation on the Official Opening of the Copper Mountain Mine. "I would like to congratulate Jim O’Rourke and his team for the amazing work they have done to bring this mine into operation," said Karina Briño, President & CEO of MABC. "This is the first base metal mine to open in British Columbia since 1998 and is the first of a series of new mines we hope will be brought into operation in the near future." There are 2 additional major mines in construction, 6 major mines in advanced development and over 18 mining projects in earlier stages of environmental assessment, in all regions of BC.

The opening of Copper Mountain Mine has had a profound effect on the economy of the Princeton region of BC. "This opening underscores the important role that mining plays in the lives of British Columbians and their families," added Briño. "With 450 people employed during the construction phase, 270 employed to operate the mine over 17 years, hundreds benefiting from supplying the mine with goods and services, and partnerships signed with First Nations’ communities, the opening of this mine should deliver prosperity to a new generation of British Columbians."

The Official Opening Ceremony took place at the Copper Mountain Mine site near Princeton, with speeches from elected officials and Copper Mountain Corporation’s President & CEO, Jim O’Rourke. Festivities included mine tours and a barbeque for invited guests.

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.

MINING ASSOCIATION OF BC WELCOMES INCOMING PRESIDENT & CEO KARINA BRIÑO

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:31:00 -0800

MABC Board of Directors and Association staff would like to extend a warm welcome to Karina Briño who assumed the position of President & CEO of the Mining Association of BC August 1, 2011.

Ms. Briño brings with her a wealth of experience in the BC mining sector and is highly respected across the industry. MABC is very pleased to have Ms. Briño assume such an important leadership role and is confident that she will continue to enhance MABC’s position as the voice of mining in British Columbia.

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.

FIRST COAL RECEIVES PURCHASE OFFER FROM XSTRATA COAL

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:09:00 -0800

Vancouver-based First Coal Corporation (First Coal) has received an all-cash offer of purchase from Xstrata Coal. Following receipt of a fairness opinion from KPMG Corporate Finance Inc., the Board of Directors of First Coal has unanimously recommended that its shareholders support this transaction when the shareholders vote on August 2, 2011.

The offer is for Xstrata Coal to acquire 100 per cent of First Coal’s shares, options and warrants for CDN $1.75 per share. The offer values First Coal, a privately-owned Canadian company, at approximately CDN $147 million. The acquisition would be completed by concurrent statutory plan of arrangement and takeover bid, and is subject to customary conditions including the arrangement being approved by at least 66⅔ per cent of the votes cast at the First Coal shareholders’ meeting.
“First Coal has been exploring a range of potential transactions and financing alternatives for the Company for some time and we feel this arrangement will provide the technical expertise and financial strength to further develop the coal properties held by First Coal,” says Doug Smith, president and CEO of First Coal Corporation.

Xstrata Coal is the world’s largest international exporter of thermal coal and a major producer of premium quality hard coking coal and semi-soft coal. The company is headquartered in Sydney, Australia and has interests in over 30 coal mines projects properties in Australia, South Africa, Colombia and the Donkin project in Nova Scotia. Xstrata Coal is a division of Xstrata Plc, an international mining company with holdings in coal, copper, nickel, zinc and alloy mining properties as well as mineral processing and other technology.

Upon acceptance of the offer by shareholders of First Coal, the acquisition is expected to be finalized by mid-August. Xstrata Coal plans to retain the current First Coal employees with the view of continuing to work toward the development of First Coal’s properties near Chetwynd in northeastern British Columbia.

First Coal, incorporated in late 2004, has been developing two of its properties - Central South and South Cirque - which contain primarily metallurgical coal. The properties are under tenure license from the Provincial Government and are within the lands covered by Treaty 8, an agreement between the Government of Canada and certain First Nations in Western Canada.

For more information about First Coal visit www.firstcoal.com or contact:

Douglas H. Smith President and CEO
Phone: 604-453-4400
Email: dsmith@firstcoal.com

Alyn Edwards
Peak Communicators
Phone: 604-689-5559
Cell: 604-908-7231
Email: aedwards@peakco.com

2010 Mine Safety Awards and 2011 Provincial Mine Rescue & First Aid Competition Results

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:42:00 -0800

The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) is pleased to share the results of the 49th Annual Mine Safety Awards and the 56th Provincial Mine Rescue & First Aid Competition held on June 11, 2011, in Revelstoke BC.

The government of BC organizes an annual competition for mine rescue and first aid teams from around the province to compete in realistic tasks designed to test their emergency response and rescue abilities. This competition is an opportunity for competitors to demonstrate their skills and learn from each other. "It’s great that the provincial government continues to focus on worker safety in the mining industry, and I am always impressed by the professionalism and dedication of both the organizers and the mine rescue teams," said Zoë Younger, Acting President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC. "The training and expertise on display in this competition is one of the reasons why the mining industry has the best safety record of all heavy industries in BC," she concluded.

2011 WINNERS OF THE MINE RESCUE AND FIRST AID COMPETITION

2011 BC MINE SAFETY AWARDS

Mining Association of BC Offers Condolences

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:58:00 -0800

This morning Vale issued a press release stating that "Vale regretfully announces that two employees were fatally injured late last evening while working underground at the 3,000-foot level of the company’s Stobie Mine in Sudbury. Mine rescue was dispatched, however both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene".

The Mining Association of BC offers its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the two underground miners who perished in the accident. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to them and their community.

For more information, please refer to the Vale company website: http://nickel.vale.com/pdf/June9NewsRelease_2011.pdf .

Zoe Younger
Acting President & CEO
zyounger@mining.bc.ca
778-828-9971

MABC SUPPORTS RENEWED FEDERAL COMMITMENT TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND REGULATORY REFORM

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:32:00 -0800

Vancouver – The Mining Association of BC (MABC) was pleased to hear the federal government recommit to tackling the deficit in yesterday’s budget. Combined with their commitment in the throne speech last week to explore ways to improve the regulatory and environmental assessment process for resource projects, the federal government is charting a course that will encourage the growth of the mining industry in BC.

The commitment to eliminate the federal deficit a full year earlier than previously stated bodes well for maintaining Canada’s preferred position for international investment. “Fiscal stability and discipline at the federal level combined with the current commodity prices spurs investment in the resource sectors.” said Zoë Younger, Acting President and CEO of MABC. “That investment in the resource sectors translates into jobs for people, and tax revenues to government that ultimately get spent on things like health care and education.” she added.

MABC applauds the federal government for its commitment in the Speech from the Throne to continue to improve regulatory and environmental assessment processes.   A federal regulatory review process for the mining sector will move the federal government towards a more robust and efficient process that works effectively, eliminates redundancies, and complements provincial legislation.

“MABC looks forward to working closely with the federal government to create efficiency and clarity in the federal regulatory process for natural resource projects” said Ben Chalmers, Vice President of Environment for MABC. “Reducing unnecessary project delays will help realize over $12 billion in potential mining investment in British Columbia over the next three to five years creating thousands of jobs in all regions of our province.”

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.

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For more information, contact:
Zoë Younger     1-778-828-9971 or zyounger@mining.bc.ca

Ben Chalmers    1-778-828-2607 or bchalmers@mining.bc.ca

MABC CELEBRATES A GOLD WIN!

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:29:00 -0800

Vancouver – The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) celebrates a significant milestone for the mining industry at a small mine near Lillooet, BC. After a 40 year hiatus, the only pure gold mine in BC is back in production.

Bralorne Gold Mines celebrated its grand re-opening on May 27, 2011. This event was marked by pouring the first gold brick in four decades, worth approximately $500,000, produced through the current redevelopment and expansion of the operation. With the current market conditions and production schedule, the re-opened Bralorne mine is expected to produce approximately 11,000 ounces gold with an approximate net value of $9.2million in its first year of operation.

“Bralorne is developing the unexplored gaps between the historic Bralorne, King and Pioneer gold mines of southwest British Columbia” said Bill Kocken, President and CEO of Bralorne Gold. “Together, these three historic mines represent the largest historic gold producer in the Canadian Cordillera producing 4.1 million ounces of gold” he added.

“New mines are a rarity, so using new mining methods and technology to go back and redevelop proven deposits makes good sense,” said Zoë Younger, Acting President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC. The mine will provide more than 50 direct jobs and many more small business opportunities and service jobs. “We are pleased for the company, and especially for the people in the community, many of whom have been working to see this project come to life for over a decade.” Ms. Younger added.

For more information, contact
Zoë Younger: 778-828-9971

MABC SUPPORTS CHANGES TO HST

Wed, 25 May 2011 13:49:00 -0800

The Mining Association of BC (MABC) supports the changes to the HST announced today by the BC government.

"The Mining Association of BC is pleased to hear that the government has listened to the citizens of BC and made thoughtful changes to improve public acceptance of the HST which will reduce the chance of reverting to the old PST/GST system" said John McManus, Chair of the MABC. "Although the accompanying temporary increase to general corporate tax is not welcome to business, it is recognized that overall the changes are fiscally responsible while reducing or eliminating the impact of the HST to BC families and also maintaining the competitive position of BC business, including the mining sector."

Mining contributes over $7 billion annually to BC’s GDP and employs over 14,000 people directly in high paying, high skilled jobs. BC’s mining sector is currently undergoing tremendous growth with three new mines in construction and many more projects right behind. The HST is a modern, more efficient tax system, that helps to improve the investment climate for building new mines in BC, resulting in the creation of thousands of new jobs in all regions of the province.

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About MABC
MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.

For more information, contact:

Ben Chalmers, Vice President, Environmental and Technical Affairs, MABC
1-778-828-2607 or, bchalmers@mining.bc.ca

AWARDS HONOUR LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABLE MINING

Mon, 16 May 2011 06:38:00 -0800

Smithers – The best of B.C.’s responsible and sustainable mining industry were honoured today with the 2010 Mining and Sustainability Awards.

Presented by the Mining Association of B.C. and the Province, the winners for 2010 are Northgate Minerals’ Kemess South Mine and the Northwest Community College’s school of exploration and mining (SEM).

The annual sustainability award recognizes the best the B.C. mining industry has to offer in responsible mining practices and is designed to encourage continuous improvement in key aspects of the industry that are important to all B.C. residents.

This award was first given in 2005 and recognizes 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 sector.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines –

“B.C.’s mining industry is recognized as a world leader in environmental protection and the winners of this award are strong examples of our excellence. My congratulations and thanks to Northgate Minerals’ Kemess South Mine and the North West Community College school of exploration and mining for their diligence in ensuring the sustainable development of our natural resources.”

Pierre Gratton, president and CEO of MABC –

“As the mining sector embarks on a period of growth not seen in a generation, it is more important than ever to find new and better ways to dig the minerals that are critical to a clean and green economy out of the ground. This award is intended to celebrate those new and better ways, and it is an honour to recognize both of this year’s recipients for their leadership.”

Harold Bent, environmental manager, Northgate Minerals Corporation –

“We are honoured to receive the 2010 Mining and Sustainability Award for our efforts at the Kemess South Mine” said Bent. “We are very proud of our accomplishments in all aspects of our operation including health and safety, environment, employee and community engagement, and production. We would like to thank MABC and the Selection Committee for the award in recognition of our achievements in sustainable mining practices at the mine.”

NWCC president Dr. Denise Henning –

“The environmental monitor assistant program at NWCC’s school of exploration and mining provides innovative training that focuses on sustainable development and environmental excellence. We are very proud that EMAP is being recognized by both the industry and the province as a success. The school is committed to those core concepts while it develops programs to prepare First Nations and other northerners as the industry’s next generation of employees.”

Quick Facts:

Northgate Minerals Corporation is a gold and copper producer with mining operations, development projects and exploration properties in Canada and Australia.
Since its inception in 2004, Northwest Community College’s school of exploration and mining has taken a leadership role in providing training for the minerals industry workforce in northern B.C. communities.
* The B.C. government works closely with industry to ensure mining exploration and development are done in an environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and economically viable manner.

Learn More:

For more information, visit the Mining Association of B.C.’s website: http://www.mining.bc.ca/

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Contacts:

Jake Jacobs, Media Relations, Ministry of Energy and Mines, 250 952-0628

Kristine Kofoed, North West Community College, 250 638-5470

Harold Bent, Northgate Minerals, Kemess South, 250 877-7855

Ben Chalmers, Mining Association of B.C., 778 828-2607

BC MINE RECLAMATION COMMITTEE SUPPORTS LOCAL FISH HATCHERY

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:00:00 -0800

Port Hardy, B.C. - The British Columbia Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation (TRCR) is pleased to make a donation to support the Quatse River Fish Hatchery, located just outside of Port Hardy. The TRCR is contributing $1,900 plus taxes to allow the hatchery to purchase stainless steel tables for its wet laboratory.

"This will complete the wet lab infrastructure for the Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre allowing us to offer the facility for potential local research and studies" said Ken Fuller, Manager of the Quatse River Hatchery. "We are thrilled to have the current support of the TRCR, as well as the previous support of BHP Billiton when construction was initiated. It has been a huge endeavor for our volunteer directed community not-for-profit association to bring the Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre to reality. We are very pleased with the valued partnerships obtained through the construction and ultimately thrilled with the new facility."

As part of the Annual BC Reclamation Symposium, held in Courtenay, BC in September, 2010, approximately 100 reclamation practitioners and experts from industry, academia and government toured the Quatse River Fish Hatchery while visiting BHP Billiton’s nearby closed Island Copper mine site. “The TRCR is grateful to the Quatse River Hatchery for providing BC’s mine reclamation professionals with an opportunity to learn about what is being done to enhance fish populations on Vancouver Island” said Ben Chalmers, 2011 Chair of the TRCR.

“Sharing information about different reclamation techniques is a core goal of the BC Reclamation Symposium and to be able to learn about successful fish enhancement practices was enormously valuable and greatly appreciated” stated Chalmers. “It serves to highlight the important role of science and diligent efforts in achieving any restoration goals”.

Reclamation specialists gathered in Courtenay, BC in the fall of 2010 to learn from each other and observe firsthand the recent reclamation work at the Mount Washington Copper Mine near Courtenay as well as the results of extensive reclamation efforts at the Island Copper Mine near Port Hardy. BHP Billiton partnered with the Quatse River Fish Hatchery to make it possible for participants of the Reclamation Symposium to tour the hatchery.

About the Technical & Research Committee on Reclamation (TRCR)
The TRCR originated in the early 1970s in response to a demonstrated need for greater government-industry communication in the area of environmental protection and mine reclamation. Membership is drawn from industry, government and academia. The TRCR organizes the Annual B.C. Mine Reclamation Symposium; the 2011 symposium will be held in collaboration with the 6th annual International Mine Closure Conference to be held in Lake Louise, Alberta, from September 18 to 21, 2011. (www.trcr.bc.ca for registration information)

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For more information, contact Ben Chalmers, Chair, Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation at 778-828-2607 or bchalmers@mining.bc.ca or visit www.trcr.bc.ca

MABC MEMBERS ADOPT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE MINING INITIATIVE (TSM)

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:05:00 -0800

TSM recognized as “best-in-class” across all sectors

Vancouver – The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) today became the first provincial mining association to adopt the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative.

TSM was first launched by the Mining Association of Canada in 2004 to improve the industry’s performance by aligning industry actions with the priorities and values of Canadians. The initiative includes public reporting by individual mine sites against a series of performance metrics addressing issues such as tailings management, Aboriginal and community engagement, energy and climate change, crisis management, health and safety and biodiversity. Public reporting is subject to third party verification. The initiative is guided by an independent community of interest advisory panel that consists of Aboriginal, NGO, organized labour, community and financial sector representatives.

TSM has been twice evaluated by independent experts against comparable initiatives in Canada and around the world and been found to be best-in-class.

“BC’s mining sector is growing. With that growth comes a heightened expectation from society that we operate responsibly and commit to best practices whenever possible,” stated John McManus, Chair of MABC and Senior Vice President Taseko Mines Ltd. “TSM is best practice and we are proud to sign-on and demonstrate to British Columbians our commitment to sustainable development.”

“Roca Mines is the 2009 recipient of the MABC Mining and Sustainability Award. As a member of MABC, we see the adoption of TSM as the natural next step in our continuing efforts to mine safely and responsibly,” added Scott Broughton, Second Vice Chair of MABC and President and CEO of Roca Mines Inc. “TSM will take us to a new level of public accountability and good practice.”

TSM is being rolled-out this year to MABC members with MAC support, including a number of training workshops for mine site personnel and the provision of guidance materials. Public reporting of MABC member performance will begin in 2012 after a year’s experience with the program.

“I am delighted to see MABC join us in our commitment to improved performance,” stated Doug Horswill, Chair of MAC and Senior Vice President, Teck Resources Ltd. “Teck, as a MAC member, has adhered to TSM from the outset and we now apply it to all of our Canadian and international operations. The extension of TSM to non-MAC members adds further credibility to the initiative and supports Canada’s mining industry’s position as a global leader in corporate social responsibility.”
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For more information on TSM visit www.mining.ca or contact:

Pierre Gratton: 1-778-828-5064 or pgratton@mining.bc.ca
Ben Chalmers: 1-778-828-2607 or bchalmers@mining.bc.ca
Julie Gelfand: 1-613-233-9392, ext. 319 or jgelfand@mining.ca

MABC Calls for Recommitment to BC Treaty Process

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:31:00 -0800

Treaties Part of the Mix to Sustain BC’s Mining Renaissance

Today, in an address to the Vancouver Board of Trade, Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) President and CEO, Pierre Gratton, called upon the federal government to recommit to the BC Treaty Process.

"First Nations treaties are one of the best ways society has of providing greater certainty on the land base, stimulating economic investment and providing a vehicle for reconciliation with First Nations," stated Gratton. "Though we have seen some progress such as the recent Maanulth Treaty, the federal government’s commitment to the BC treaty-making process appears to have waned in recent years. MABC joins First Nations in calling on the federal government to recommit to this effort."

In his final annual address to the Board of Trade before leaving Vancouver to become President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, Gratton spoke of the significant growth currently underway in BC’s mining sector. This growth, coined BC’s Mining Renaissance, is supported by significant expansions of existing mines, new major mine developments and rising exploration. To sustain this activity over the long-term, Gratton outlined a number of actions for governments, industry and others to undertake, in addition to a renewed commitment to the treaty process:

Industry can commit to initiatives such as Towards Sustainable Mining to improve their sustainability performance, including how companies engage with First Nations.
The Province can accelerate the implementation of resource revenue sharing. Two agreements were signed last August, but nothing since. Many more new mines and mine expansions are eligible.
Industry, governments and First Nations can build on and expand initiatives like the Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA), a federally-funded program that offers training and job experience for First Nations mine workers.

"The BC mining sector has achieved so much in three years," concluded Gratton. "We’ve emerged as a sector on which the Province and many BC communities have pinned their hopes. Settling treaties, committing to TSM, resource revenue sharing, and initiatives like the BC AMTA will ensure BC’s mining renaissance continues."

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. MABC is the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.

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For more information or a copy of Pierre Gratton’s speech, contact Ryan Tessier at 778-990-9544 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 778-990-9544 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or rtessier@prassociates.com.

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MABC ANNOUNCES MINING PERSONS OF THE YEAR

Mon, 09 May 2011 06:39:00 -0800

Jim O’Rourke, Rob Pease Led Development of Two New Major BC Mines

Vancouver – The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) today announced this year’s recipients of the Mining Person of the Year award: Jim O’Rourke and Robert Pease.

“This year MABC honours two outstanding contributors to BC’s mining sector,” stated John McManus, Chair of the MABC and Senior Vice President, Taseko Mines Ltd. “Both Jim and Rob have played major roles in ushering in BC’s mining renaissance, leading the developments of the Copper Mountain and Mt. Milligan mines, respectively, both now in construction.”

Jim O’Rourke was instrumental leading the Copper Mountain management team in completing the final updated feasibility study confirming the economics of the proposed Copper Mountain Mine development. Mr. O’Rourke played a vital role in arranging a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Material Corporation, an international diversified materials company. This alliance was essential for the $438 million project to be financed that allowed for the development of the 35,000 tpd copper-gold porphyry Copper Mountain mine that is on track for production startup in June 2011. This new mine will bring 272 well-paying jobs to the community of Princeton, as well as economic growth to the region with spin-off benefits. Through an Impact Benefit Agreement with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, the Copper Mountain project will also bring important benefits to local First Nations.

As President & CEO of Terrane Metals, Robert (Rob) Pease successfully obtained in 2010 all federal and provincial approvals to develop the Mt. Milligan mine in central BC, while simultaneously leading the friendly takeover of Terrane Metals by Thompson Creek Mining, thus enabling the 60,000 TPD, 400-employee project to proceed to production by 2013. The Mt. Milligan Mine will be an important employer and economic driver for central British Columbia for potentially multiple generations. The Mt. Milligan mine is only the second in the province to include a revenue sharing agreement between the Province and local First Nations.

“It is rare that MABC is in a position to honour two remarkable individuals in the same year,” added Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MABC. “The significant economic activity now taking place in Princeton and north central BC as a result of both projects is exciting. The successes of these men to successfully advance both mining projects will benefit British Columbians for decades to come.”

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For more information contact: Pierre Gratton: 1-778-828-5064 or pgratton@mining.bc.ca