A time to take stock: new AME BC pres

• Published in: Northern miner Vol. 94; no. 49
• Main Author: Dirom, Gavin C
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Toronto, Ont Glacier Resource Innovation Group 26.01.2009
• Subjects: Business conditions; Mineral exploration; Mining industry; Recessions; British Columbia Canada
• ISSN: 0029-3164

January is a "taking stock" month for B.C.'s mining and exploration community - a process that begins with the mid-month release of the latest provincial exploration expenditures and employment numbers, which are further scrutinized at month's end at the annual Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver. The success of these initiatives will depend on our collective will to strengthen B.C.'s status - and by extension, Canada's status - as an international centre of mining and exploration excellence. We must continually expand our technical knowledge and expertise, implement world-leading environmental, health and safety standards, forge new social and economic partnerships at home and abroad, engage local communities and First Nations at the earliest possible stage, attract more young people to our industry, and better communicate its social and economic benefits to the general public and governments. AME BC is doing its part to usher in a new era in mineral exploration by working with all levels of government to improve permitting and maintain B.C.'s competitive advantages in securities regulation, taxation, and flow-through share programs, including the creation of private-sector investment incentives to explore the mineral potential of pine beetle-ravaged areas. We're looking at ways to improve access to credit and capital in weak financial markets. And in the visionary style of W.A.C. Bennett, past premier of B.C., we're encouraging the building of new roads, power lines and infrastructure in remote, mineral-rich areas of the province.