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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
BCGold Corp.
BCGold Corp. is advancing the historical Engineer Mine Property in northwestern B.C. toward near-term small-scale production, planning to produce 1,500-3,000 ounces of gold from a bulk sample this year. The company owns 75% of the high-grade gold property with an option to earn 100% interest by January, having invested $4 million in exploration and development since 2006.
Refining Canada’s natural resource industry
Federal Minister Joe Oliver announced new "one project, one review" regulations to streamline natural resource project approvals, with $165 million allocated over two years for responsible resource development. The Economic Action Plan 2012 includes extending the 15% Mineral Exploration Tax Credit and aims to attract over $500 billion in mining and energy investment over the next decade.
A deeper look at the Sully
Omineca Mining and Metals has signed an agreement to drill the Sully property near Kimberley, BC, which hosts a gravity anomaly similar to the world-class Sullivan deposit. The property has been advanced to drill-ready stage after years of geological work, with the potential for a Sullivan-scale discovery that could have significant regional economic impact.
Building inclusive relationships with First Nations communities
Northwest Community College's School of Exploration and Mining in Smithers, BC offers a unique program where students learn mining and exploration while living in camp with First Nations elders. The program has achieved a 70% graduate employment rate and focuses on building culturally inclusive relationships between the mining industry and Indigenous communities.
Thompson Creek Metals expands its Endako molybdenum mine north of Prince George
Thompson Creek Metals has received a Mines Act permit amendment to expand its Endako molybdenum mine near Fraser Lake, BC. The $600 million expansion will nearly double processing capacity to 55,000 tonnes per day and create 160 new jobs while sustaining 400 total employees.
Let the good times roll
A.J. Forsyth, a division of Russel Metals Inc., has seen its Prince George branch transition from primarily serving forestry to having 50% of business tied to mining companies and suppliers. Company manager Kevin McCormick expects a 5-10 year building boom in northern B.C. with 27 new mines in various development stages.
Manganese on the horizon
American Manganese completed three phases of drilling at Artillery Peak in Arizona, establishing an NI 43-101 resource of over 277 million tonnes grading 2.84% manganese. The company believes this could make them the world's lowest-cost manganese producer, targeting production of 50,000 tonnes annually starting in 2014 with a 17-year mine life.
New life and a bright future at the Huckleberry Mine
Imperial Metals announced a seven-year life extension for its Huckleberry copper-molybdenum mine in British Columbia, extending operations from 2014 to 2021. The extension involves $119 million in new acquisitions and $82 million for dam construction, preserving 230 jobs and adding 70 new positions. The company is also exploring potential operations beyond 2021.
From A to zinc: Teck helps prevent disease in the developing world
Teck's Trail Operations, which produces 290,000 tonnes of zinc annually, has launched a comprehensive global health initiative called Zinc and Health to combat zinc deficiency in developing countries. The program includes therapeutic zinc treatments, micronutrient supplements, and food fortification partnerships, with Teck committing $5 million alongside $15 million from CIDA for a $20 million initiative targeting five countries including Senegal, Nepal, and Peru.
Mining Day in Kamloops
The Kamloops Exploration Group and Canadian Institute of Mining South Central branch are hosting Mining Day at the Big Little Science Centre on May 12, 2012. The family-oriented educational event will feature interactive displays, rock samples from local mining groups, and a heavy equipment simulator from Thompson Rivers University.
Blackwater is just the beginning
Dirk Tempelman-Kluit and Peter Bernier received the H.H. 'Spud' Huestis Award for their work discovering the Blackwater gold project in central B.C. The project achieved a March 2011 resource estimate of 1.8 million ounces indicated and 2 million ounces inferred gold resources, leading to Richfield Ventures' acquisition by New Gold in 2011.
Making mining accessible
The Kamloops Exploration Group (KEG) is promoting mining awareness and education through its 25th annual conference and various outreach programs. The organization has grown from a small group of geologists to thousands of members focused on educating the public about mining and exploration in British Columbia.
Gold-plated ambition
Mark O'Dea, recipient of the Murray Pezim Award, reflects on his successful track record including the $2.3 billion sale of Fronteer Gold to Newmont last year. He has now launched Blue Gold Mining with $25 million in blind-pool financing to pursue gold and copper-gold deposits in secure jurisdictions.
Playing an important role
Michelle Unger, Teck's environmental scientist, oversees mine remediation work at 22 properties including the successfully closed Sullivan Mine in Kimberley, B.C. The Sullivan Mine operated for over 100 years until closure in 2001, producing 25.8 million tonnes of concentrates from 150 million tonnes of ore reserves.
New Gold locks up the Blackwater district
New Gold Inc. completed a major consolidation of the Blackwater district in British Columbia through three strategic acquisitions totaling approximately $608 million. The company acquired the majority of the Blackwater project from Richfield Ventures for $480 million, then purchased Geo Minerals for $18 million and Silver Quest Resources for $110 million, expanding its land package from 240 to 670 square kilometres. The acquisitions increased indicated gold resources to 5.3 million ounces and silver resources to 53.7 million ounces.
A Vancouver miner hunts red rocks in Greenland
True North Gems, led by CEO Nick Houghton, is developing a ruby mine in Greenland after shifting focus from emerald exploration in Yukon. The company has applied for production permits and is working with local authorities to source 85-90% of its workforce locally while positioning itself as an ethical alternative to conflict rubies from Burma.
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.
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.
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.
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.