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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...
789 stories
Teck ekes out profit despite challenging times
Teck Resources reported annual adjusted profit of $188 million despite challenging commodity conditions, down from $452 million in 2014. The company took $2.7 billion in impairment charges for 2015 but maintained strong liquidity and kept most operations cash flow positive.
Dominion Diamond Corporation reports MVEIRB’s recommendation for approval of Jay Project
The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board has recommended approval of Dominion Diamond Corporation's Jay Project, subject to specific measures outlined in their environmental assessment report. The Jay deposit could extend Ekati mine life by 10-11 years beyond the current 2020 closure date to at least 2030.
Imperial reports Huckleberry Mines Ltd. provides notice to suspend operations
Imperial Metals announced that Huckleberry Mines Ltd. will suspend operations at the Huckleberry Mine by the end of August 2016 due to declining copper prices. The mine will be placed on care and maintenance until copper prices improve, despite significant cost reduction efforts.
Site C job fairs and business networking sessions coming to Northern communities
BC Hydro and contractors are hosting job fairs and business networking sessions across northern BC communities to recruit workers and connect with local businesses for the Site C hydroelectric project. Construction activities are ramping up and positions are available at all skill levels, with events scheduled for multiple communities including Fort St. John, Tumbler Ridge, Mackenzie, and Fort Nelson.
Discovery Ventures Inc. appoints new “QP” and Head of Technical Services
Discovery Ventures Inc. has appointed Lorne Warner, P.Geo, as its new Qualified Person and Head of Technical Services. Warner brings over 30 years of experience and was instrumental in discovering several mineral deposits including the M Gold Zone at Detour Lake Mine. The appointment aims to advance the company's WillaMAX Project in British Columbia's Kootenays region.
Squamish, B.C. is site of innovative carbon capture project
Calgary-based Carbon Engineering has launched a $9-million pilot carbon capture plant in Squamish, B.C., that removes one tonne of CO2 daily from the atmosphere. The facility aims to demonstrate technology that could scale to commercial plants capturing up to one million tonnes annually, with captured carbon potentially converted into low-carbon transportation fuels.
Rex Murphy pontificates about Canada’s resource industry
Rex Murphy will deliver the keynote address at AME BC's Roundup 2016 conference in Vancouver, focusing on the importance of Canada's resource industries to the country's economy and society. The four-day event runs January 25-28 with the theme 'Innovation in Exploration' and features multiple industry leaders as speakers.
MGX Minerals receives approval of mining lease for Driftwood Creek magnesium project
MGX Minerals received approval for a 20-year mining lease for its flagship Driftwood Creek magnesium project near Brisco, BC. The company has also purchased a former Tembec millsite in Cranbrook to process the magnesium, potentially employing 40-50 people.
SMS launches new “Advanced Technologies” identity
SMS Equipment Inc. has launched a new 'Advanced Technologies' umbrella brand to consolidate all their technology offerings across industries. The rebrand will integrate telematics, intelligent machine control, and autonomous haulage systems under one identity, with plans for a dedicated training center.
Widow of geologist Michael J. Fitzgerald wins litigation and clears her late husband’s name
Marisa Fitzgerald, widow of geologist Michael J. Fitzgerald, has won a 16-year legal battle against Mountainstar Gold Inc. Multiple courts across jurisdictions cleared her late husband of improper conduct in staking claims that led to Barrick's Goldstrike gold deposit in Nevada. Courts ruled Mountainstar's claims were vexatious and brought in bad faith.
New B.C. mines moving ahead in 2016
B.C. Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett highlighted several new mine developments moving forward in 2016 despite challenging market conditions. Pretium Resources raised US$540 million for its Brucejack gold mine construction, while JDS Silver's Silvertip project and other developments are also advancing.
David Rhys, structural geologist, makes his way in the mining industry on his own terms
Structural geologist David Rhys shares his career journey from UBC's Mineral Deposit Research Unit to founding consulting firm Panterra Geoservices. He discusses the evolution of the mining industry over two decades, highlighting advances in geological understanding and technology while addressing challenges like anti-mining sentiment and the need for deeper exploration as surface deposits become scarce.
Report digs into economic impact of rural coal mines on B.C.‘s Lower Mainland
A Resource Works report reveals that Teck's five Elk Valley coal mines spent over $1 billion on supplies in 2013, with nearly 60% ($609.3 million) going to Lower Mainland businesses. The study highlights the significant economic connection between rural mining operations and urban B.C. centers, supporting 3,673 direct jobs and $457.6 million in wages.
BC Gov’t takes action on Chief Inspector of Mines’ recommendations on Mt Polley
The BC government announced it will implement all 19 recommendations from the Chief Inspector of Mines' investigation into the August 2014 Mount Polley tailings dam failure. The investigation found the dam failed due to an undetected clay layer beneath it, with weak operational practices exacerbating the environmental damage. New regulations will require dedicated dam safety managers, independent technical review boards, and administrative penalties for non-compliance by spring 2017.
World’s cleanest LNG legislation in force Jan 1, 2016
British Columbia's new Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act (GGIRCA) came into force January 1, 2016, establishing emissions caps for LNG facilities to make them the cleanest in the world. The legislation sets a $25 per tonne price for emissions that exceed benchmarks, with revenue supporting clean technology development.
Teck announces first in Canada LNG haul truck at Fording River Mine
Teck Resources is piloting LNG-powered haul trucks at its Fording River coal mine in B.C., marking the first use of LNG fuel for haul trucks at a Canadian mine site. The pilot could reduce GHG emissions by up to 20% and potentially save over $20 million annually in fuel costs across operations.
Geothermal—Canada on the brink of sustainable energy?
The Canadian Geothermal Energy Association is working through Alberta's Energy Futures Lab to promote geothermal energy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The article highlights how skills from mining and oil extraction can be directly applied to geothermal projects, creating significantly more permanent jobs than natural gas production.
MOU signed by Alaska & B.C. Commitment to protect shared environment
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and Alaska Governor Bill Walker signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cross-border partnerships on environmental protection and mining oversight. The MOU establishes a bilateral working group to monitor trans-boundary waters and creates frameworks for collaboration on mining development projects affecting shared watersheds.
Mount Polley short-term discharge permit approved
Mount Polley Mining Corporation received provincial approval for a short-term permit to treat and discharge water from Springer Pit, which is expected to reach capacity by April 2016. The permit allows treated water discharge into Hazeltine Creek and ultimately Quesnel Lake, following comprehensive public consultation and technical review.
Legacy Potash project 50% complete, 150 more people to be hired.
K+S Potash Canada's $4.1 billion Legacy Project in southern Saskatchewan has reached 50% completion with startup scheduled for summer 2016. The company plans to hire 150 additional employees and expects to reach 2.0 million tonnes of production capacity by end of 2017.
CIM President receives highest award for B.C. geoscientist
CIM President Garth Kirkham received the C.J. Westerman Memorial Award, the highest honor for geoscientists, at APEGBC's annual convention in Kelowna. The award recognizes his four decades of technical achievements in providing high-technology services to mining, oil and gas, geotechnical and environmental industries.
Garth Kirkham rides each wave of Canada’s mining industry
Garth Kirkham, president of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and founder of Kirkham Geosystems, recently won the prestigious Westerman award from APEGBC. The profile highlights his diverse career path from oil and gas to mining technology, specializing in 3-D computer modeling systems and resource estimation consulting.
Westhaven commences drilling on its Shovelnose Gold property
Westhaven Ventures has commenced a 1,500-metre diamond drilling program at its Shovelnose gold property in British Columbia's Spences Bridge Gold Belt. The program aims to expand and outline the newly recognized epithermal gold system, building on previous drilling that intersected 50.4 metres grading 0.54 g/t Au and 4.77 g/t Ag. The company has completed 24 drill holes to date, all encountering gold and silver mineralization.
Nelson’s innovative Community Solar Garden set to shine
Nelson Hydro announced Canada's first community solar project where customers can purchase solar panels and receive credits on their electricity bills. The 50kW+ solar array will be located at the Bonnington Generation Station and requires presale of 150 panels to proceed in Spring 2016.