AME BC’s 2016 Mineral Exploration Roundup a success

Announcements from B.C. Government and Geoscience B.C. Highlight 33rd Annual Conference

The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia’s (AME BC) 2016 Mineral Exploration Roundup closes today at Canada Place. Centred on the theme of “Innovation in Exploration,” this year’s conference reflected on the importance of stakeholder engagement and effective relationship building and examined creative and innovative approaches to mineral exploration and development in a challenging market. Roundup was attended by more than 5,400 participants representing 33 countries.

“This year’s Mineral Exploration Roundup conference has been a great success thanks to the continued support of our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, delegates, and volunteers. We are excited to see the collaboration and innovation that’s taking place within the industry to ensure long-term success,” says Roundup Organizing Committee Chair Kendra Johnston.

Highlights from the 2016 Mineral Exploration Roundup conference include:

  • Premier Christy Clark’s announcement that the Province will extend the BC Mining Exploration Tax Credit and mining flow-through share program and allow B.C. mines to defer electricity bills to provide relief for mining companies as they wait for commodity markets to recover. Details of implementation are still being finalized.
  • A milestone agreement signed between the Yukon government and the Kaska First Nations, following months of reconciliation and resource development discussions. The agreement creates a framework for negotiations over economic and resource development in southeast Yukon.
  • Geoscience BC’s release of results from its latest airborne electromagnetic survey – “Unlocking the Resource Potential of West-Central British Columbia” – and the first phase of its $2.415 million Search Project. This date will help exploration companies in west-central British Columbia unlock the resource potential in the region.
  • A memorandum of understanding signed between the B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM) and five post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. The memorandum will make it easier for B.C. students to train for careers in mineral exploration and mining.
  • Keynote presentations from Rex Murphy – social commentator, editorialist, and distinctive Canadian voice; Patrick Evans – President & CEO, Mountain Province Diamonds; Randy Smallwood – President and CEO, Silver Wheaton; the Hon. Bill Bennett – B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines; Sean Kerklaan – CEO, Fatigue Science; and Ross J. Beaty – Chairman, Pan American Silver Corp. and President, Sitka Foundation.
  • Technical and Show Case Sessions examining topics like innovation in exploration, the current state of commodities and financial markets, effective engagement practices, and corporate social responsibility.

AME BC President and CEO Gavin C. Dirom says, “Despite the challenging market, the collaborative ideas, news connections, and innovative solutions coming out of this year’s Roundup conference will help shape the future of the industry as it continues to work through the current downturn.”

AME BC’s Mineral Exploration Roundup conference returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre East under the sails of Canada Place from January 23 to 26, 2017. To stay up-to-date on conference details please visit www.amebc.ca/roundup or follow @AME_BC for regular updates.

ABOUT AME BC

AME BC is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME BC represents, advocates, protects, and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in B.C. and throughout the world. AME BC encourages a safe, economically strong, and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events, and tools to support its membership.

ABOUT MINERAL EXPLORATION ROUNDUP

Roundup is held annually in Vancouver, home to 800 mineral exploration and mining companies and 2,400 international service consultants and supplier companies supporting the sector in technical, legal, and financial affairs. Roundup generates $8 million annually for the Vancouver economy. Roundup 2016 attracted more than 5,400 participants from 33 countries.