Going deep with education

This year's Minerals South Conference includes a program for elementary school children

Delegates gather around a booth at the 2009 Trade Show — Photo courtesy East Kootenay Chamber of Mines

The East Kootenay Chamber of Mines is hosting over 200 delegates for the 7th Annual Minerals South Conference & Trade Show happening in Kimberley, B.C. The event takes place at the Kimberley Conference and Athlete Training Centre from November 15 to 17, 2011. This year's theme is World Class Deposits—the Southern Advantage.

“Minerals South gives participants in the mining industry an opportunity to network, socialize, (and) to learn about new technologies and advances in the mining sector,” said Karen Dietrich, the conference co-ordinator. “We have a short course, technical sessions, receptions, banquets, social opportunities and a trade fair.”

The Minerals South Conference & Trade Show is an annual event that alternates between the East and West Kootenay. This year, the always-popular trade fair includes 24 booths from all around the province.

“This year we are focusing on a full-day short course—the Wealth of Basins,” said Dietrich.

New in 2011 is the introduction of a program for elementary school children.

“We are very excited about this program,”  said Dietrich.  "(The children) will be getting a hands-on introduction of the fascinating world of geoscience through activities and displays.”

Conference events include the Salute to the Coal Sector and the Sullivan Core Display.

“In our southern region we have very rich resources here, and mining is still going strong and still sustaining our economy,” said Dietrich.

For more information or to register for the conference, you can go to the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines website.