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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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Proposed Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission Project receives Environmental Assessment Certificate
Spectra Energy's Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission Project received an Environmental Assessment Certificate from British Columbia, advancing the proposed natural gas pipeline corridor. The project could accommodate up to two 48-inch pipelines with 8.4 billion cubic feet per day total capacity to serve multiple LNG projects in the Prince Rupert area.
Teck’s Elk Valley Water Quality Plan approved
British Columbia's Environment Minister approved Teck Resources' comprehensive Elk Valley Water Quality Plan to address selenium and other contaminants from decades of coal mining. The plan includes construction of water treatment facilities at Line Creek, Fording River and Elkview Operations with science-based targets for seven monitoring stations.
Industry Training Authority BC is changing its ways
The Industry Training Authority of BC is restructuring its operations based on 29 recommendations from an independent review to better align with industry needs and the province's LNG growth opportunities. The organization has grown from managing 17,500 apprentices in 2004 to 35,000 today while issuing three times as many credentials.
Perception study of Aboriginal Canadians reveals low opinion of Mining industry
PR Associates released the first national survey of Aboriginal Canadians' perceptions of the mining industry, revealing only 38% have a favorable view compared to 76-82% among general Canadians. The study aims to help mining companies improve community relations and gain social license, particularly following the 2014 Tsilquot'in Supreme Court decision on Aboriginal title.
Salmo’s contaminated site under remediation
British Columbia's Crown Contaminated Sites Program is completing environmental remediation of the historic Howard Mine site near Salmo, which operated from 1937-1938 producing gold, silver and lead. The cleanup addresses contaminated tailings containing lead and other metals that posed risks to human health and groundwater, with work expected to finish in November 2014.
BC’s Mine Minister visits Alaska
British Columbia's Mines Minister Bill Bennett met with Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski and spoke at the Alaska Mining Association's convention to address concerns about BC's mining environmental standards following the Mount Polley tailings pond failure. The visit aimed to improve cross-border relations and explore potential cooperation agreements between BC and Alaska on mining oversight.
Geology advocate to present at Mineral Exploration Roundup
Andrew Randell, a professional geoscientist with Strata GeoData Services, will present at the 2015 Mineral Exploration Roundup about supporting unemployed geologists through workshops and addressing industry employment challenges. His survey shows 60% of respondents have been out of the geology industry for over a year, with 50% considering leaving permanently.
AME BC Speaker Series—Randy Smallwood - “Portfolio Optimization: The Streaming Approach”
AME BC hosted a Speaker Series lunch featuring Silver Wheaton CEO Randy Smallwood discussing portfolio optimization through the streaming approach. The event took place November 25, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver, focusing on how streaming creates win-win transactions for both streamers and mining companies while providing flexible capital funding.
Commerce Resources Corp. engages Deloitte Global Metals & Mining Advisory Group as strategic advisor
Commerce Resources Corp. has engaged Deloitte Global Metals & Mining Advisory Group to help identify strategic partnerships, financing joint ventures, and offtake opportunities for its Ashram rare earth deposit in Quebec and Upper Fir tantalum-niobium deposit in BC. Deloitte brings extensive M&A experience particularly in connecting mineral projects with Asian partners from China, Japan and Korea.
KANATA Energy Group moves into northeastern B.C.
KANATA Energy Group, a Calgary-based midstream company, is constructing a natural gas refrigeration plant north of Fort St. John, B.C. in partnership with UGR Blair Creek Ltd. The facility has major equipment installed and is expected to be operational by December or January, targeting underserved new gas discoveries in the region.
Study names alternatives to Site C dam
Clean Energy BC commissioned a study by London Economics International showing that smaller clean-energy projects could be more cost-effective than BC Hydro's proposed Site C dam on the Peace River. The study recommends a portfolio approach with incremental clean energy development over 70 years rather than a single megaproject.
Nature Trust Honours Teck’s CEO Don Lindsay
Teck CEO Don Lindsay was honoured at The Nature Trust of British Columbia Fall Gala for conservation leadership. The company announced a $19 million investment to purchase 7,150 hectares of private land in the Elk Valley and Flathead River Valley for protection, aligning with Teck's commitment to sustainable resource development as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Editorial Comment: One oil tanker adrift does not a crisis make
Fraser Institute analyst defends marine oil transportation safety following the Simushir cargo vessel incident off BC's coast. The editorial argues that global tanker accident rates have declined dramatically while shipment volumes doubled, and Canada has maintained a perfect safety record with zero spills since 2000.
Potential potash export terminal at Prince Rupert
Canpotex has received all environmental permits and signed a lease with Prince Rupert Port Authority for a proposed $775 million potash export terminal on Ridley Island. The company will make a final investment decision based on construction costs and market conditions, having already invested $50 million in the project to date.
Teck reports ‘14 third quarter results—smaller profit, progress on projects
Teck Resources reported Q3 2014 adjusted profit of $159 million, down from $252 million in Q3 2013, while maintaining strong liquidity of $5 billion. The company is progressing on the Fort Hills oil sands project and successfully reopening the Pend Oreille zinc mine with first ore expected in December 2014.
Highbank approaches milestone first production; ready to supply B.C. LNG and port infrastructure
Highbank Resources is approaching first production at its SPN aggregate mine in B.C., with barge loading expected within two weeks. The company has submitted quotes for over 2 million tons of material for LNG infrastructure, pipeline construction, and port expansion projects, projecting $27 million in revenues and $11 million in pre-tax profits for 2015.
Teck releases new East Kootenay land conservation YouTube video
Teck released a video highlighting its 2013 purchase of 7,150 hectares of private lands in BC's Elk Valley and Flathead River Valley for conservation purposes. The company worked with Indigenous communities and environmental organizations to identify and acquire the lands for wildlife protection.
Imperial Metals releases Mount Polley remediation update
Imperial Metals provided an update on remediation efforts following the August 4 tailings impoundment breach at its Mount Polley copper/gold mine in British Columbia. The company has completed initial response and recovery work including securing remaining tailings, removing 6 million cubic metres of water from Polley Lake, and cleaning up woody debris in Quesnel Lake, and has now commenced rehabilitation and restoration activities.
Roundup 2015 moves to new, roomier Vancouver venue
The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia's Roundup 2015 conference is moving to the Vancouver Convention Centre East from January 26-29, featuring a 25% larger exhibit space and expanded international scope. The event will introduce new best-practice sessions covering aboriginal engagement, corporate social responsibility, and other key industry topics under the theme of 'intelligent exploration'.
AME BC President & CEO’s message from Gavin Dirom—July to September 2014
AME BC's quarterly update covers major BC mining developments including the Northwest Transmission Line opening, Tsilhqot'in Aboriginal title ruling, and Mount Polley tailings dam breach. The association continues advocating against exploration permit fees and announced Glen Wonders as new VP of Technical & Government Affairs.
Nevsun Resources top BC’s list of fastest growing companies
Nevsun Resources topped Business in Vancouver's list of fastest-growing companies in BC with 40,088.8% revenue growth between 2009-2013. Mining companies dominated the growth rankings, claiming 21 of the top 100 spots, demonstrating the sector's exceptional performance during this period.
BC Hydro calls environmental approval of Site C “significant milestone”
BC Hydro received federal and provincial environmental approval for the Site C Clean Energy Project, a major hydroelectric dam that would provide 1,100 MW of capacity. The $7.9 billion project still requires final investment decision and regulatory permits before construction can begin in January 2015.
UNBC releases initial findings from tailings pond breach
The University of Northern British Columbia released initial findings from their monitoring of the Mt. Polley Mine tailings pond breach that occurred on August 4. Research shows a massive sediment plume extending tens of square kilometres in Quesnel Lake, with elevated metals concentrations and fine particles moving into the Quesnel River system.
Troubled Veris Gold Corp. announces DIP financing
Veris Gold Corp. secured court authorization for a $12 million debtor-in-possession financing facility from Wbox 2014-1 Ltd. to support operations during CCAA proceedings. The company continues operating its gold mines and processing plant at Jerritt Canyon in Nevada while pursuing restructuring under bankruptcy protection that began in June 2014.