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British Columbia.
British Columbia is a province with a rich mining history and a wealth of mining potential yet undiscovered. Early mining operations brought gold and coal to the surface; today, these and many other valuable minerals are bringing prosperit...
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New proposed Kootenay West Gypsum mine calls for public comment
CertainTeed Gypsum Canada Inc. is seeking public comment on its proposed Kootenay West Mine near Canal Flats, BC, which would produce 400,000 tonnes of gypsum annually over a 43-year lifespan. The project is subject to BC's Environmental Assessment Act and the company has submitted its EA application for review.
Mining Association of BC welcomes Bryan Cox as incoming President & CEO
The Mining Association of British Columbia announced Bryan Cox as its new President & CEO, effective May 1, 2017. Cox, who joined MABC as VP of Corporate Affairs in 2014, brings extensive experience in government relations and stakeholder engagement. His appointment signals MABC's continued focus on advocacy and maintaining mining's economic importance in BC.
B.C. and Canada partner on investment in clean-energy technology
The Government of British Columbia and Government of Canada announced a $40-million partnership to support pre-commercial clean-energy projects and technologies. The funding combines $20 million from B.C.'s ICE Fund with federal contributions through SDTC's SD Tech Fund. Applications will open in early April 2017 for a three-year continuous intake period targeting technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Turbines and generators contractor starts work on Site C
Voith Hydro Canada has mobilized to BC Hydro's Site C construction site to begin work on six turbines and generators under a $470-million contract awarded in March 2016. The contractor will build an on-site manufacturing facility and expects peak installation work in 2022 with 150 workers, as the project progresses toward completion in 2024.
Pretium Resources Inc.: Brucejack transmission line energized
Pretium Resources has energized the 57-kilometer transmission line connecting its Brucejack gold mine to the BC Hydro power grid. The company is progressing through dry commissioning with wet commissioning scheduled for early April and first ore processing expected mid-April, keeping the mine on track for commercial production in 2017.
Miner’s sculpture unveiled in Sparwood to commemorate lives lost in the coal industry
A memorial statue was unveiled in Sparwood, BC on April 3, 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Balmer North Mine explosion that killed 15 miners in 1967. The ceremony honored 181 miners who have lost their lives in the Elk Valley coal mining region over more than a century.
Britannia Mine Museum receives $1.4 million from Government of Canada for new infrastructure project
The Britannia Mine Museum received $1.4 million in federal funding under Canada's New Building Canada Fund to rehabilitate its historic Mill Building and other structures. Combined with $2.8 million raised from the BC mining industry, the total $4.2 million will fund a new immersive Mill Show attraction launching summer 2019.
Kemess Underground Project granted environmental assessment approval
AuRico Metals Inc. has received environmental assessment approval for its $683.9 million Kemess Underground copper-gold project in northern B.C. The project will produce 24,650 tonnes of ore per day over 13 years and includes 33 legally-binding environmental conditions. This marks successful collaboration with First Nations and represents a significant milestone for underground mining development in the region.
Third-generation coal miner and local historian
Third-generation coal miner John Kinnear, who worked 31 years at Teck's Line Creek Mine, has dedicated his retirement to preserving the history of coal mining disasters in southeastern BC. He will speak at an April ceremony in Sparwood commemorating 181 miners lost in Elk Valley mines from 1901 to present, including the 15 who died in the 1967 Balmer North explosion.
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia—not your typical mining town
Tumbler Ridge, BC has successfully diversified from a traditional coal mining town into a UNESCO Global Geopark, demonstrating how mining communities can balance industrial operations with natural heritage preservation. The town has survived three mining waves since 1981, with coal companies now working cooperatively with paleontologists to document and preserve dinosaur fossils discovered during mining operations.
New Brucejack Mine “Valley of the Kings” shows 8.1 million ounces of gold potential
Pretium Resources announced an updated mineral reserve estimate for its Brucejack Mine's Valley of the Kings deposit, increasing proven and probable reserves to 8.1 million ounces of gold at 16.1 g/t. The high-grade underground gold mine in northern BC is nearing production with dry commissioning scheduled for March 2017 and construction progressing ahead of schedule.
Cummins opens state-of-the-art facility in Sparwood
Cummins Western Canada opened a new 10,000+ square foot facility in Sparwood, BC on February 6 to serve coal mining operations in the Elk Valley. The upgraded facility consolidates previously scattered operations under one roof and improves service capacity for the region's coal mining fleet as coal prices increase.
The struggles and spirit of Canadian coal mining towns
The Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Society has relocated its Community Museum to preserve the history of two demolished coal mining towns in BC's Elk Valley. The museum tells the story of Michel and Natal, which were forcibly relocated to Sparwood in the 1960s due to proximity to hazardous coke ovens, displacing families who had built vibrant communities around coal mining since the 1880s.
Geoscience BC receives $10 million in new funding from BC government for earth science research
The BC government committed $10 million over two years to Geoscience BC for earth science research supporting mineral, water and energy development. The funding announcement was made at the Association of Mineral Exploration Round-up Conference in Vancouver. Since 2005, Geoscience BC has leveraged public funding to attract $22 million in private investment and BC's share of mineral exploration investment has increased 350% to 21% in 2015.
Geoscience BC releases survey results indicating potential for new mineral deposits in B.C.
Geoscience BC announced results from its Search Phase II Project, the largest geophysical survey conducted in Canada in 2016, covering 24,000 square kilometres in west-central British Columbia. The magnetometer survey indicates potential for new copper, silver, and molybdenum deposits in the region. The survey bridges data gaps and provides continuous coverage over 55,500 square kilometres when combined with previous surveys.
Pattern Development completes largest wind power project in British Columbia
Pattern Development completed the 184.6 MW Meikle Wind facility in British Columbia, making it the province's largest wind project and increasing provincial wind capacity by 37%. The facility can power 54,000 homes and has a 25-year power purchase agreement with BC Hydro.
AME BC likes new 2017 BC Budget
The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) endorsed British Columbia's 2017 budget, which extends mining flow-through share tax credits and expands exploration tax credits to include environmental studies and community consultations. The budget also provides $10 million for Geoscience BC over two years and $18 million for ministry oversight functions.
Geothermal sustainability closer than ever in British Columbia
The Village of Valemount, British Columbia is working with Borealis Geothermal to develop a comprehensive geothermal energy project that would make it Canada's first geothermal village. The project aims to provide heating, create jobs, and diversify the local economy away from declining forestry through tourism, hot springs, and an industrial park powered by geothermal energy.
Kootenay Zinc starts drilling at Fort Steele’s “Sully” property
Kootenay Zinc Corp. has mobilized drilling contractor FB Drilling to resume exploration at its Sully Property near Fort Steele, B.C., focusing on the E1 Zone of the EAST Anomaly Area. The company will conduct drill hole SY17-11 to test gravity data models and perform new downhole EM and magnetic surveys, with additional holes planned for the larger E3 anomaly.
B.C. industry association advocates for infrastructure projects
The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of British Columbia launched the Growing the Economy campaign to advocate for infrastructure and resource development projects amid concerns that organized opposition is hampering project approvals. The campaign has attracted 30,000 members and organized truck rallies to support projects like the Site C Dam and George Massey Tunnel replacement.
The best bits of the AME Roundup
The AME Roundup 2017 took place January 23-27 in Vancouver, attracting 6,000 participants from over 40 countries under the theme 'Gearing up for Discovery'. The event featured exhibits, core displays, drilling demonstrations, and executive interviews in the mining exploration sector.
Tahltan Nation Development Corporation and Geotech—a partnership based on shared values
Tahltan Nation Development Corporation has partnered with Geotech Drilling Services to create Tahltech Drilling Services, providing comprehensive drilling services in Tahltan territory covering 11% of British Columbia. The partnership leverages Geotech's technical capabilities and the Tahltan Nation's 30 years of business experience to serve the resource-rich Golden Triangle region.
Could there be another Sullivan mine-sized deposit near Fort Steele, B.C.?
Kootenay Zinc Corp. is preparing to drill the Sully project near Fort Steele, B.C., following gravity surveys that detected dense masses potentially indicating a large zinc-lead orebody similar to the historic Sullivan mine. The company expects to begin drilling in February 2024 after receiving permits, with initial evaluation potentially taking two years following any discovery.
Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett Special Guest on Podcast
BC Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett appeared on a podcast discussing the province's mining and energy sector outlook for 2017, highlighting seven new mines opened since 2011 and progress on the Site C Dam project. Bennett expressed optimism about increasing commodity prices and emphasized the need for new markets and west coast port access for the oil and gas industry.