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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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Engineering regulator welcomes inquiry into Mount Polley Mine dam breach
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC welcomed the provincial government's announcement of an independent inquiry into the Mount Polley Mine dam breach. The regulator emphasized public safety concerns and committed to supporting the investigation while potentially conducting its own review if engineering or geoscience practices were found at fault.
Completion of Highway 37 power line hailed
BC Hydro's $746-million Northwest Transmission Line has been officially completed, providing stable power infrastructure to British Columbia's Golden Triangle mining region. The 344-kilometre line will serve current and proposed mining projects in an area with 935 mineral occurrences and potential for $18 billion in capital investment. Imperial Metals' Red Chris copper mine is the first customer to connect to the line.
Quotes accompanying announcement of independent enquiry into Mt Polley dam breach
The BC government announced an independent engineering investigation into the Mount Polley tailings dam breach, described as the worst mining disaster in provincial history. Multiple stakeholders including Indigenous leaders, government officials, and industry representatives expressed the urgent need to understand the cause and prevent future incidents.
Mines Minister announces independent expert engineering review launched to investigate Mount Polley
The BC government launched an independent engineering investigation into the Mount Polley tailings pond breach, with expert findings due January 2015. Additionally, all 98 permitted tailings facilities at 60 BC mines must undergo accelerated safety inspections by December 2014.
Kamloops-based Moly-Cop will start construction this year on an expansion
Moly-Cop Canada announced plans to begin construction on a major expansion of its Kamloops grinding media manufacturing facility, adding a 4,300-square-metre plant with 25% larger footprint. The expansion will enable production of larger 6.5-inch SAG balls to serve growing Canadian mining operations and is expected to be completed in 2015.
Wanted: Mining solutions, not hysteria says editorial in BIV
A Business in Vancouver editorial calls for practical mining solutions following the Mount Polley tailings pond breach that released 10 million cubic metres of effluent into local lakes. The piece advocates for improved tailings technology and dry stacking systems rather than polarized debate between mining and environmental interests.
Statement by engineering firm Knight Piésold Ltd. regarding the Mount Polley mining incident
Knight Piésold Ltd. released a statement clarifying their role regarding the Mount Polley tailings dam breach. The engineering firm ceased being Engineer of Record in February 2011, three years before the incident, and states the facility can no longer be considered their design due to significant modifications made after their involvement ended.
Mining Association of Canada (MAC) - Mount Polley tailings breach is a major industry concern
A tailings pond breach occurred at Imperial Metals' Mount Polley mine in British Columbia on August 4, causing significant environmental impact but no injuries. The Mining Association of Canada is treating this as a serious industry-wide concern and will review the incident to prevent future occurrences.
Andy Randell helps budding geologists with free workshops
Principal geologist Andy Randell of Strata GeoData Services offers free workshops for unemployed geology graduates in Vancouver, addressing a gap in industry mentorship programs. The initiative provides networking opportunities and skills development for geologists struggling to find work during the mining downturn. Recent workshops have included field mapping at Kitsilano Beach in collaboration with UBC.
Mining Association of BC is monitoring the Mount Polley tailings dam incident
The Mining Association of BC issued a statement monitoring the Mount Polley tailings dam breach incident. The association emphasized that no injuries occurred and the situation has been stabilized, while noting that tailings dam failures are rare and Canada has stringent safety guidelines.
2nd quarter highlights from Teck Resources—beats market estimates
Teck Resources reported Q2 earnings that beat market estimates despite a 44% profit decline driven by coal prices falling to US$111/metric ton from US$156 year-over-year. The company exceeded cost-cutting goals with C$150M in annualized reductions and plans to restart its Pend Oreille zinc mine by December to capitalize on improving zinc markets.
New state-of-the-art helicopter base near Nelson
High Terrain Helicopters, based in Nelson, BC, has expanded to a new state-of-the-art helicopter base after 22 years of operations. The company now operates five helicopters and serves mining, logging, and government sectors across the Kootenay region with an emphasis on safety.
Coal Association of Canada holding 2014 conference in Vancouver
The Coal Association of Canada is hosting its 2014 annual conference September 10-12, 2014 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, expecting 300-350 delegates from Canada and internationally. The conference focuses on opportunities in Canada's coal industry driven by Asian demand for energy and steel.
Mining Association of B.C. and Province announce the 2013 Mining and Sustainability Award Winners
The Mining Association of B.C. and Province of British Columbia announced Taseko's Gibraltar Mine and Teck Resources as co-recipients of the 2013 B.C. Mining and Sustainability Award. Gibraltar Mine is now Canada's second largest copper mine employing 700 people, while Teck is recognized as a global leader in sustainability practices across its diversified mining operations.
Teck announces purchase of AQM Copper Inc. shares
Teck Resources purchased 14.6 million shares of AQM Copper Inc. for $1.5 million CAD, increasing its ownership to 30.35% of the outstanding shares. The acquisition was made for investment purposes with Teck indicating it may adjust its position based on market conditions.
Sparwood’s ITS HVAC now Tronovus
Sparwood-based mine services company ITS HVAC has rebranded to Tronovus, maintaining its focus on providing HVAC services to Teck Coal's five Elk Valley mines. The company, which employs 10 people and was established in 2011, aims to become North America's leading industrial HVAC contractor for the resource industry.
AME BC and Cambridge House agree to align January conferences
AME BC and Cambridge House International have agreed to align their major January conferences in Vancouver, with VRIC scheduled January 18-19 and Roundup January 26-29 at adjacent convention centers in 2015. The alignment aims to provide more value to delegates by making it easier to attend both complementary events.
Mining community’s Hooked on Miracles raises $400,000 for BC Children’s Hospital
The BC mining community's Hooked on Miracles charity fishing tournament raised over $400,000 for BC Children's Hospital during its June 2014 event in Tofino. This signature Mining for Miracles fundraising event has generated over $1.7 million since 2011, with proceeds supporting the development of BC Children's Hospital BioBank, Canada's first institutional pediatric biobank.
Goldcorp announces doubling of $1 million gift to Special Olympics BC
Vancouver-based gold miner Goldcorp Inc. announced an additional $1 million gift to Special Olympics BC, doubling their previous 2011 commitment. The funding will be disbursed over four years to expand youth programs and create new opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
AME BC responds to Aboriginal title judgment from Supreme Court of Canada
AME BC responded to the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark decision granting Aboriginal title to the Tsilhqot'in Nation while confirming provincial laws still apply. The association emphasized that continued government consultation with the First Nation will enable mineral exploration investment and create economic opportunities for all parties.
SunMine ground breaking takes place
The City of Kimberley, BC announced the start of construction on the $5.3 million SunMine solar project, which will be western Canada's largest scale solar project and BC's first to sell power to the BC Hydro grid. The project features over 4,000 solar-cell modules on 96 solar trackers and is located on Teck's former Sullivan Mine site.
Teck releases 2013 Sustainability Report
Teck Resources released its 2013 Sustainability Report highlighting significant environmental and safety achievements. The company achieved its safest year on record with injury frequencies declining, implemented major energy efficiency improvements, and was recognized as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for the second consecutive year.
Ritchie Bros. names Ravi Saligram as New Chief Executive Officer
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers appointed Ravi Saligram as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 7, succeeding Peter Blake. Saligram brings 35 years of experience including roles as CEO of OfficeMax and leadership positions at ARAMARK, with a focus on growing the core auction business and scaling new digital business models.
Mining Association of BC recognizes 2013 Mining Person of the Year
The Mining Association of BC awarded Dave Sharples of SMS Equipment the 2013 Mining Person of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to mining industry charities and advocacy. Sharples has been involved in mining since 1967 and has played key roles in organizations like the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame and Mining Suppliers Association.