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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...
723 stories
Reflecting on his experiences
Lindsay Bottomer, vice-president of business development at Entrée Gold Inc., reflects on his 40-year career in mining and exploration. He discusses his role in important discoveries including the Eskay Creek Mine in B.C. and international projects in Mongolia and South America. Bottomer remains optimistic about industry opportunities despite acknowledging the cyclical nature and challenges of the sector.
Teck mines a housing solution
Teck completed an 82-unit condominium development in Elkford, BC in 2010 to address housing shortages affecting employee recruitment in the Elk Valley coal mining region. The project provides market-rate rental housing for Teck employees and has been well-received by both tenants and the local community.
The latest buzz in B.C.
Thompson Creek Metals is constructing the $2-billion Mount Milligan copper-gold mine in northern B.C., the first major new metal mine built in the province in 15 years. The open-pit operation will produce 81 million pounds of copper and 194,500 ounces of gold annually once commercial production begins in late summer 2013. The project is bringing significant economic benefits to the region, employing up to 1,000 construction workers and creating 350 permanent jobs.
School of rocks
The East Kootenay Chamber of Mines held its 7th Annual Minerals South Conference in Kimberley, featuring a new Junior Miners Program that engaged over 100 elementary students. The program successfully introduced young students to mining's role in everyday life through hands-on activities and mineral displays. The initiative aims to inspire the next generation of mining professionals in British Columbia.
Seeking further evidence
Geoscience BC and the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines launched the SEEK project to compile mineral exploration data and stimulate investment in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia. The project aims to identify deposit types beyond those similar to the historic Sullivan Mine, one of the world's largest lead-zinc operations that sustained the regional economy for nearly 100 years.
Why one man chose a career in coal
Teck Coal, North America's top steel-making coal producer, is highlighted through new employee James Hoy's career transition from lumber to mining in BC's Elk Valley. The company emphasizes safety training, competitive benefits including $100,000 average wages, and apprenticeship programs as it addresses an impending labour shortage from baby boomer retirements.
On track to deal with a looming labour shortage
British Columbia's mining industry, generating $6-8 billion annually, faces a looming labour shortage but has a dedicated task force implementing workforce measures. The province announced $1.1 million in funding to support training initiatives, with plans to add 10,000 direct mining jobs over the next decade as the industry continues its post-recession recovery.
Boom times in Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson, BC has become BC's fastest growing region due to shale gas development in the Horn River Basin, which contains an estimated 500 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. The population has grown to 6,200 residents, creating infrastructure challenges as the community adapts to accommodate the expanding energy sector workforce.
Targeted training for the mining industry
The University of British Columbia's Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering has launched a Certificate of Mining Studies program to address critical skills shortages in BC's mining industry. The program offers flexible, remote learning across six specialized streams to train both current industry workers and professionals seeking to transition into mining careers.
Will we have enough water?
The BC Oil and Gas Commission, Geoscience BC, and FLNRO completed a hydrologic modelling study of northeastern B.C.'s water resources to assess water availability for hydraulic fracturing operations. The study found that less than 1% of the Horn River basin's 1.7 billion cubic metres of annual runoff would support 350 unconventional gas wells per year, providing critical data for sustainable water management in the region.
Light at the end of the tunnel
After seven years of development, Fernie's Miners Walk memorial project is under construction and expected to open in November 2011. The installation features six educational sites and an optical illusion sculpture that forms a miner's face, celebrating the city's coal mining heritage that was overlooked during its centennial celebrations.
Going deep with education
The East Kootenay Chamber of Mines is hosting the 7th Annual Minerals South Conference & Trade Show in Kimberley, B.C. from November 15-17, 2011, with over 200 delegates expected. The event features technical sessions, a trade fair with 24 booths, and introduces a new elementary school program to promote geoscience education.
Decar project holds groundbreaking potential
First Point Minerals, in partnership with Cliffs Natural Resources, has made a groundbreaking discovery of naturally occurring nickel-iron alloy (awaruite) at its Decar property in central British Columbia. The company has developed innovative selective extraction methods for this 'naturally occurring stainless steel' and completed successful drilling that shows bulk-tonnage, near-surface potential with significant environmental advantages.
Investments aid coal shipping
Neptune Bulk Terminals is investing $63.5 million in equipment upgrades at its North Shore terminal in B.C.'s Lower Mainland. The investment includes a $45-million stacker reclaimer that will expand capacity to 12.5 million tonnes per year and improve efficiency for steel-making coal handling.
Knight Piésold turns 90
Knight Piésold, an international engineering and environmental consultancy, celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2011. The company has grown from a one-person South African consultancy to a global firm with over 700 employees internationally and 160 in Canada across Vancouver and North Bay offices.
Ensuring the next generation
College of the Rockies and Teck Coal Corporation are partnering on innovative education programs to address skilled trades shortages in mining. Programs like Yes 2 It, Project Heavy Duty, and the Mining Apprenticeship Program (MAP) are designed to attract young people to trades careers and provide local training opportunities in British Columbia's East Kootenay region.
Getting the skills to succeed
O'Brien Training in Prince George, B.C. has achieved Industry Training Authority designation for heavy equipment operator training, with graduates earning Red Seal certification. The school offers practical, hands-on training for mining, oil and gas sectors with strong job placement prospects across Canada.
Reusing what is not renewable
Teck Trail Operations has processed over 40,000 tonnes of electronic waste since launching its recycling program in 2006, with expectations to reach 50,000 tonnes by 2011. The program recovers metals from discarded electronics across B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan, converting lead from CRT glass back into metal form at their lead smelter while maintaining environmental safety standards.
Second time’s the charm?
Open Gold Corp. has begun re-exploration work on the Eholt property in B.C., located near the historic Phoenix Mine which produced one million ounces of gold. The company has completed 1,700 metres of drilling and identified six prospective areas using modern exploration techniques.
Jazzed about communication
Geoscience BC president and CEO 'Lyn Anglin discusses the importance of public outreach and education to improve mining industry perception. She emphasizes how mineral resources support public services and advocates for Mining 101 courses in communities to build understanding and acceptance.
Under the spell of geology
Profile of veteran geologist Bob Thompson, who transitioned from the B.C. Department of Mines and GSC to become an independent consultant and founder of RIT Minerals Corp. Thompson discusses the evolution of the exploration industry and how junior companies now drive discovery while majors focus on mining and acquisition.
Knelson
Knelson provides gravity concentration technology for mineral separation and recovery using patented fluidized bed separation methods. The company offers both semi-continuous batch concentrators and continuous variable discharge (CVD) concentrators for recovering precious metals including gold, silver, iron, zinc, and titanium from slurry feeds.
Bearly scratching the surface
Grizzly Discoveries Inc. (TSX:GSD) is conducting exploration at its Greenwood property in British Columbia, having identified 500 targets through airborne geophysical surveys. The company is committed to 3-5 years of exploration in the Greenwood district and is spinning out Alberta Potash Corp. from its potash assets.
Seeing infrared
Firebird Technologies in Trail, BC produces 3,500 indium antimonide wafers annually for infrared detection systems, using indium supplied by Teck Metals. The company is expanding into germanium processing and positioning itself for the solar market with access to multiple specialty metals.
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