From 2004 through 2019, the mineral exploration industry saw what seemed like constant change – as mergers changed the corporate world and commodity price volatility was the norm. The BC & Yukon Chamber of Mines became the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia, and its annual Roundup conference grew in size and scope. Through this time, Jim Gray served the association as treasurer and chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. Gray, partner at the accounting firm De Visser Gray LLP, devoted countless hours overseeing AME’s finances and providing guidance. The year before Gray became treasurer, the association sold its building on West Hastings Street, which provided AME with a degree of financial security, and Gray advised the board in the establishment of the Contingency Reserve Fund mechanism in the AME accounts to allow for the planned use of this and other historical surpluses. He has guided AME’s investments through several financial cycles with an eye to keeping AME’s assets well managed while also providing the association with the financial means to effectively advocate on behalf of mineral explorers.
The AME board recognized Gray with the Gold Pan Award in 2009 for his dedicated service for AME. Now, 10 years later, we bid farewell to our longtime treasurer as he steps down from the post. We wish him all the best!