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Exploration.
What we constantly see when interviewing individuals for stories in Canadian Mining & Energy is that the people in the exploration industry are an optimistic bunch. These passionate prospectors confess that this character trait is esse...
161 stories
Underground for four generations
The Muir family represents four generations of miners in British Columbia, working from the historic Sullivan Mine to their current operations at the Lucky Friday gold mine near Cranbrook. The family continues traditional underground mining methods while maintaining environmental stewardship at their summer mining operation.
Yukon rush
Bill Sheriff, chairman of Predator Mining Group, highlighted unprecedented opportunities in Yukon gold exploration and announced the formation of the Yukon Gold Mining Alliance (YGMA) to provide credibility standards for legitimate mining companies. Two member companies, Golden Predator and Redtail Metals Corp., are positioned with significant deposits including Golden Predator's three advanced projects and Redtail's Marg deposit which will be fast-tracked to production.
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.
High hopes for isotopes
Uravan Minerals is pioneering an innovative uranium exploration technique using lead isotope ratios to identify drill targets in the Athabasca Basin. The company has conducted research at the Cigar Lake deposit and is now applying this geochemical approach to drill targets at its Outer Ring project, potentially revolutionizing exploration methods in the basin.
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.
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.
The Yukon’s most important joint venture
Profile of prospector Shawn Ryan and his business partner wife Cathy Wood, who discovered White Gold, the Yukon's biggest find since the Klondike Gold Rush. Ryan launched Ryan Gold Corp. to advance his innovative soil sampling program across approximately 35,000 claims representing 20% of active claims in the territory.
Drilling for diamonds
Shore Gold continues exploring the Star-Orion South diamond project at Fort a la Corne, Saskatchewan, under the direction of George Read who has over 30 years of diamond exploration experience. The project involves diamond-bearing kimberlites discovered in 1989, located 60 kilometres east of Prince Albert, which Read describes as having 'extremely good probability of becoming a major diamond mine'.
The calling of the earth
Profile of Austrian-born geologist Klaus Lehnert-Thiel who made several major discoveries in northern Saskatchewan including uranium at Key Lake and Maurice Bay, diamonds near Fort a la Corne, and gold at Bingo deposit. At 72, he remains involved with Golden Band Resources as they ramp up production at Roy Lloyd Mine.
Investing in the future
49 North Resources, founded by Tom MacNeill in 2005, provides seed capital funding to junior exploration companies in Saskatchewan. The firm's biggest success was helping Athabasca Potash grow from $300,000 enterprise value to a $341 million BHP Billiton acquisition in three years.
Uranium on the cranium
Cameco Corporation's director of new business David Thomas discusses his 16-year career with the uranium mining giant, highlighting his work on key projects like the McArthur River uranium mine and international exploration opportunities. Thomas emphasizes Saskatchewan's bright mining future driven by abundant uranium and potash resources.
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.
Where the action is
Profile of Mike Burke, head of mineral services for the Yukon Geological Survey, highlighting his role in recent discoveries including Shawn Ryan's White Gold strike that assayed 59 grams per tonne gold. Burke credits Yukon's devolution and mining-friendly administration for the territory's current exploration boom.
Creating a new blueprint
Manitoba's mining prospects are gaining attention from investors and exploration companies. The Snow Lake Mine has been recently reactivated, highlighting renewed interest in the province's mineral potential.
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.
Wake up and smell the java
Kaminak Gold Corp. reported exceptional drill results from its Coffee Property, with four consecutive successful holes including 17 g/t gold over 15m at Supremo Zone. The company has identified 11 gold zones with 90% of the property still unexplored, driving share price from $0.70 to $3.38.
Positioned to be a player
William Sheriff, CEO of Golden Predator Corp., is positioning his company as a leader in Yukon exploration with six active drilling projects including Gold Dome, Clear Creek, and Brewery Creek. Sheriff compares the Yukon to Nevada during its gold boom and expects projects to rank themselves after this year's drilling program.