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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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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.
An ear to the ground
Compliance Coal Corporation is seeking public input on environmental review requirements for its Raven coal mine project on Vancouver Island. The project is estimated to produce 30 million tonnes of metallurgical coal over 16 years and create 350 direct jobs, with production potentially starting by late 2013 or early 2014 pending regulatory approval.
An honourable distinction
The Britannia Mine Museum in British Columbia received the 2011 Canadian Museum Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Facility Development and Design following a $14.7 million redevelopment project. The museum, located at the site of what was once the British Empire's largest copper mine, has undergone significant upgrades to boost tourism appeal while preserving mining heritage from the 1904-1974 operating period.
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.
Keeping gold heritage alive
A century-old gold mining cabin from Perry Creek in B.C.'s East Kootenay has been restored and repurposed as a goldsmith shop by Cathy Sywulsky and her husband Chris. The couple relocated and rebuilt the 1890s structure to preserve mining heritage while operating The Gold Gallery, which creates jewelry from local materials including gold from regional miners.
Teck Coal is looking to expand
Teck Coal has proposed expanding its Line Creek Operation in British Columbia with two new development areas covering 1,100 hectares. The Phase 2 expansion is expected to yield 52 million metric tonnes of coal over 20 years while utilizing existing mine infrastructure including the power substation, conveyance system, and wash plant.
The elements of education
Teck Metals Ltd.'s Trail, BC smelter hosted the International Zinc Association's 2010 Zinc College conference, marking the first time this major industry event was held in Canada. The Trail facility, one of the world's largest lead-zinc smelters, produced 240,000 tonnes of refined zinc in 2009 primarily for automotive galvanizing applications.