AME Awards pay tribute to the remarkable achievements, contributions and innovation of individuals and teams by showcasing the impact of their leadership on the mineral exploration and development industry.
The AME Awards are named in honour of eminent persons recognized for their distinguished service, leadership and contributions and recognize excellence in geoscience, prospecting, financing, social and environmental responsibility, health and safety, innovation and outstanding service to AME and the mineral exploration and development community. The AME Awards are presented at AME’s annual Celebration of Excellence Gala.
If you know an individual or team worthy of an award, nominate them by Monday, October 4.
Award nomination process
Your nomination letter should be brief and provide the AME Awards Committee with specific information detailing how the contributions of the individual or company match the award criteria.
Keep it short (half- to one page, bullet points OK) and avoid describing their work history unless it directly relates to the award criteria.
Describe in plain language the achievements of the nominee(s), as they relate to the specific award. Include examples of innovation, leadership, teamwork and challenges that were overcome.
Before you submit the nomination, make sure you have:
Your nomination letter
Name and contact details for the nominee(s)
Name and contact information for at least two supporters
You must be an AME member, or a member of an associated exploration and/or mining association, to nominate an individual or company for an AME Award. Submit your nomination here.
Supporters of the nomination will be sent your nomination letter and asked to confirm that they support the nominee(s) and if they would like to add any information.
Award evaluation and decision process
AME Award nominations are reviewed and evaluated by the Awards Committee, a diverse group of industry representatives.
During their review, equal importance is placed on the nominee(s) meeting the specific criteria for each award (What did they do?), alignment with AME’s purpose and guiding principles (How did they do it?) and the positive impact of their achievement on the exploration and development industry (What was the impact?).
The Awards committee uses a nomination summary and evaluation matrix specific to each award to aid in the transparency of decision-making.
The Awards committee’s recommendations are reviewed and approved by the AME Board of Directors.
For Excellence in Prospecting & Mineral Exploration in BC and/or Yukon
Awarded to those who have made a significant contribution, directly or indirectly, to enhance the mineral resources of British Columbia and/or the Yukon Territory through the original application of prospecting techniques or other geoscience technology.
The Award is open to individuals engaged in any phase of prospecting and mineral exploration in BC and/or Yukon, nominated by an AME member or a member of an associated exploration and/or mining association.
When being considered for the AME H.H. “Spud” Huestis Award, nominees will be assessed on their role in projects that demonstrate strong evidence of:
A significant contribution and/or advancement to the enhancement of mineral resources in BC and/or Yukon
The original application of prospecting techniques, or other geoscience technology, contributing to that advancement.
The impact of their contributions/advances on the mineral exploration and development industry.
Alignment with AME’s Purpose, Mission, Guiding Principles and Core Values
2021 Recipient: Theodore (Ted) W. Muraro
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Theodore (Ted) W. Muraro is the recipient of the AME 2021 H.H. “Spud” Huestis Award for significant contributions to enhancing the mineral resources of BC or Yukon. Ted has devoted more than 60 years to the mineral exploration industry. His most notable contribution was the 1965 discovery of a gold occurrence that eventually became the Snip gold mine in northwest BC.
Past Recipients
Al Archer
Mark Baknes
Ed Balon
Stu Barclay
Wade Barnes
Lawrence Barry
Peter Bernier
Peter Bradshaw
Ron Britten
Bern Brynelsen
Ron Burk
Rob Carne
Rob Carpenter
Bob Cathro
Jared Chipman
Ted Chisholm
Eric Denny
Doug Eaton
Carl Edmunds
Robert Etzel
Craig Finnigan
Chuck Fipke
Peter Fox
Charlie Greig
Richard Haslinger
H.H. “Spud” Huestis
Seymour Iles
Arthur John
John Stollery
Franc Joubin
Ken Konkin
Egil Lorntzsen
Bruce Mawer
Patrick McAndless
John McDonald
Jim McDougall
Ken McNaughton
Alan McOnie
Tom McQuillan
Gordon Milbourne
David Moore
Ursula Mowat
Peter Ogryzlo
Myron Osatenko
Mark Rebagliati
Andy Robertson
John Robins
Chris Rockingham
Shawn Ryan
Michael Savell
Adam Simmons
Alex Smith
Tim Smith
Bill Smitheringale Sr.
Efrem Specogna
Karl Springer
Cam Stephen
StunBlusson Dirk Tempelman-Kluit
Alan Wainwright
Harry Warren
Lorne Warren
Bill Wengzynowski
Peter Fischel
AME Murray Pezim Award
For Perseverance & Success in Financing Mineral Exploration
Awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to advancing the financing of a mineral exploration or development project.
The Award is open to individuals engaged in the financing of any phase of mineral exploration and development, nominated by an AME member or a member of an associated exploration and/or mining association.
When being considered for the AME Murray Pezim Award, nominees will be assessed on:
Their significant contribution to the mineral exploration and mining community as individual(s) engaged in the financing.
The impact of these contributions on the mineral exploration and development industry.
Alignment with AME’s Purpose, Mission, Guiding Principles and Core Values
2021 Recipient: David Harquail
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David Harquail is the recipient of the AME 2021 Murray Pezim Award for significant contributions to the mineral exploration and mining community by a financier. Under David’s stewardship, Franco-Nevada has provided billions of dollars in capital to the mineral industry to advance projects throughout Canada and internationally.
Past Recipients
Richard Barclay
Mike Beley
John Brock
Peter Brown
Channing Buckland
David Elliott
Cal Everett
Ned Goodman
Lukas H. Lundin
Bob Hunter
Clive Johnson
Adolf H. Lundin
John McCluskey
Ronald Netolitzky
Mark O’Dea
Murray Pezim
Robert A. Quartermain
Rick Rule
Terry Salman
Eric Sprott
Ian Telfer
John Tognetti
Steve Todoruk
AME David Barr Award
For Excellence in Leadership and Innovation in Mineral Exploration Health & Safety
The nominee(s) will have demonstrated one or more of the following: leadership and innovation excellence in exploration safety (individual or company); improvement in safety performance from year to year (company); and/or demonstrated efficient and compassionate behavior in dealing with an unfortunate accident (individual or company).
The Award is open to any company, organization or individual that is involved with the mineral exploration and development industry, nominated by an AME member or a member of an associated exploration and/or mining association.
When being considered for the AME David Barr Award, nominees will be assessed on:
Leadership and innovation excellence in exploration safety (individual or company)
Improvement in safety performance from year to year (company)
Efficient and compassionate behavior in dealing with a tragic incident (individual or company).
The impact of their contributions on the mineral exploration and development industry.
Alignment with AME’s Purpose, Mission, Guiding Principles and Core Values
The Tahltan Emergency Management Committee is the recipient of the AME 2021 David Barr Award for its leadership and innovation in mineral exploration health and safety. The Committee is recognized for creating an inclusive and agile forum to facilitate communication between Indigenous communities and industry in northwest BC. The Committee demonstrated exemplary leadership during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the wildfire season.
Past Recipients
Individuals
David Barr
Brennan Dyck (Paycore Drilling)
Graham Ennis
Janice Fingler
Doug Flynn
Dave Green
Michael Gunning
Gordon Maxwell
Bill Mercer
Ian Paterson
Chad Smith (Paycore Drilling)
Lise Tompson-Cyr
Harvey Tremblay
Companies
Boart Longyear
Diamonds in the Rough Emergency Rescue Organization, Inc.
Geotech Drilling Services Ltd.
Imperial Metals Corporation
AME Colin Spence Award
For Excellence in Global Mineral Exploration
Awarded to those who have made a significant contribution, directly or indirectly, to enhance the mineral resources within Canada (exclusive of British Columbia and/or the Yukon Territory) or in foreign countries through the original application of prospecting techniques or other geoscience technology.
The Award is open to individuals engaged in any phase of prospecting and mineral exploration within Canada (exclusive of BC and/or Yukon) or globally, nominated by an AME member or a member of an associated exploration and/or mining association.
When being considered for the AME Colin Spence Award, nominees will be assessed on their role in projects that demonstrate strong evidence of:
A significant contribution and/or advancement to the enhancement of mineral resources within Canada (exclusive of BC and/or Yukon) or in foreign countries.
The original application of prospecting techniques, or other geoscience technology, that contributes to the advancement.
The impact of their contributions/advances on the mineral exploration and development industry.
Alignment with AME’s Purpose, Mission, Guiding Principles and Core Values
2021 Recipients: R. Bob Singh and Chris Taylor
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R. Bob Singh and Chris Taylor are the recipients of the AME 2021 Colin Spence Award for a significant mineral discovery outside BC or Yukon through the original application of prospecting techniques or other geoscience technology. They are being honoured for their pivotal role in discovering the multi-kilometre LP Fault gold zone at the Dixie property in the Red Lake district, northwestern Ontario, for Great Bear Resources Ltd.
Past Recipients
David Adamson
Garrett Ainsworth
Ben Ainsworth
Callum Baxter
Ross J. Beaty
David Broughton
Terry Bursey
Charles Forster
Michael Gunning
Dr. Tom Henricksen
Sello Kekana
Alistair McCreedy
Crystal McCullough
Fraser McCorquodale
Joe Piekenbrock
Duane Poliquin
Morgan Poliquin
Jeff Pontius and the International Tower Hill team
Mark Rebagliati
Ian Russell
Roman Shklanka
Bob Sibthorpe
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse
Matthew Wunder
Dr. Moira Smith
AME Robert R. Hedley Award
For Excellence in Social and Environmental Responsibility
Awarded to those who have made significant contributions or advances in the realm of social or environmental responsibility, including contributions that increase equity, diversity and inclusion.
The Award is open to individuals or companies engaged in any aspect of mineral exploration and/or development, who have been nominated by an AME member or member of an associated exploration and/or mining association.
When being considered for the AME Robert R. Hedley Award, nominees will be assessed on their role in projects that demonstrate strong evidence of:
A significant contribution and/or advancement in social and environmental responsibility, including contributions that increase equity, diversity and inclusion.
The impact of their contributions and advances on the larger mineral exploration and development industry.
Alignment with AME’s Purpose, Mission, Guiding Principles and Core Values
2021 Recipient: Silvana Costa
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Silvana Costa is the recipient of the AME 2021 Robert R. Hedley Award for excellence in social and environmental responsibility, sponsored by ERM. Silvana’s commitment to, and leadership in, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in the global mineral exploration and mining industry have led to the evolution of responsible practices, improved risk management and mutually beneficial outcomes. Her work has resulted in shared value creation between industry and rural, remote and Indigenous communities in BC and abroad.
Past Recipients
Aboriginal Mentoring & Training Association
Matt Andrews
Anne Ball
Britannia Mine Museum
Doug Brown
Robert L. Carpenter
Jim Cooney
Susan Craig
Judi L’Orsa
Justin Himmelright
Patrick McAndless
Harvey McLeod
Elizabeth Miller
Monica Moretto
Brent Murphy
Teck Resources Limited
Ian Thomson
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse
Chief John French
Chief Donny Van Somer
Dennis Izony
Chris Rockingham
AME Innovation Award
For Innovations Beneficial to Mineral Explorers
Awarded to those engaged in the development of innovative tools and/ or processes beneficial to prospectors, mineral explorers and/or developers that may lead to the discovery or benefit the development of a project in British Columbia, Canada or globally.
The Award is open to individuals or companies engaged in the development of innovative tools and/or processes, who have been nominated by an AME member or member of an associated exploration and/or mining association.
When being considered for the AME Innovation Award, nominees will be assessed on their role in projects that demonstrate strong evidence of:
The development of an innovative tool or process.
The benefit or impact of these tools or processes on the larger mineral exploration and development industry.
Alignment with AME’s Purpose, Mission, Guiding Principles and Core Values
2021 Recipient: Gregory Dipple
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The AME Innovation Award was proposed by the Awards Committee and approved by the AME Board of Gregory Dipple is the inaugural recipient of the 2021 AME Innovation Award for a significant innovation or technical advancement that benefits mineral exploration in BC or worldwide. Greg is recognized for his research on mineral carbon sequestration. His work in this field is ground-breaking and has established a sound scientific basis to support the low-emission extraction of minerals and metals globally for decades to come.
AME Special Tribute Award
For Significant Contributions Influencing or Advancing the Mineral Exploration and Development Industry, Concepts or Practices in BC.
Awarded to those who have made significant contributions or advances that have influenced or advanced the mineral exploration and development industry or mineral exploration concepts or practices in British Columbia.
The Award is open to individuals or companies engaged in any aspect of mineral exploration and development, who have been nominated by an AME member or member of an associated exploration and/or mining association.
When being considered for the AME Special Tribute Award, nominees will be assessed on their role in projects that demonstrate strong evidence of:
Advancement in mineral exploration concepts and/or practices.
Their level of influence on the advancement of the concepts and/or practices.
The benefit or impact of these concepts and/or practices on the larger mineral exploration and development industry.
Alignment with AME’s Purpose, Mission, Guiding Principles and Core Values
2021 Recipient: Ron Bernbaum
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Ron Bernbaum is the recipient of the AME 2021 Special Tribute Award for service to the minerals industry in BC. As the founder of PearTree Canada, Ron is being acknowledged for his role in creating the Charitable Flow-Through financing mechanism. Introduced in 1972, flow-through shares are a tax-based financing incentive that gives Canada a distinct advantage over global competitors in attracting risk capital for mineral exploration and development.
Past Recipients
‘Lyn Anglin
Michael Beley
Peter Bradshaw
Michael Burke
Dick Campbell
Nick Carter
Bob Cathro
Jeff Franzen
Gabrielse Hu
Ian Graham
Lew Green
Val Greenwood
Greater Vancouver Mining Women’s Association (GVMWA)
Dr. Norman Keevil
David Lefebure
El Longeran
Terry Macauley
John MacDonald
Jack McClintock
Harlan Meade
Jan Muller
Doug Oldenburg
Jack Patterson
Bill Plumb
Andy Randell
John Reesor
Jim Roddick
Don Rotherham
Alastair Sinclair
Jack Souther
Colin Spence
John Thompson
Ian Thomson
Howard Tipper
Dick Tosdal
John Wheeler
Geoff Whiton
Late Julia Lane
Highway 37 Electrification Coalition
AME Frank Woodside Gold Pan Award
For Distinguished Service to AME
Awarded for distinguished volunteer service to the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia resulting in a profound impact on the success or direction of the Association.
The Award is open to any AME member in good standing who has been nominated by an AME member or a member of an associated exploration and/or mining organization.
When being considered for the AME Frank Woodside Gold Pan Award, nominees will be assessed on the following:
Their distinguished volunteer service to the Association.
The impact of their service on the success or direction of the Association
Alignment with AME’s Purpose, Mission, Guiding Principles and Core Values
2021 Recipient: Michael Gray
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Michael Gray is the 2021 recipient of the Frank Woodside Gold Pan Award for distinguished service toAME. During the 25 years that Mike has supported AME, he has been a tireless supporter for the mineral exploration industry, instrumental in communicating industry needs and opportunities to government leaders and the finance community to help BC maintain its distinction as a centre of excellence in mineral exploration and mining.
Past Recipients
Brian Abraham
Jim Allen
Jerry Asp
David Barr
Arne Birkeland
Robert Boyd
Don Bragg
John Brock
Lena Brommeland
Bob Brown
Bruce Brown
Barbara Caelles
Alex Christopher
Don Coates
Fraser Crocker
George Cross
Bogart Cross
Vivian Danielson
Chuck Davis
J. Greg Dawson
Gerry Delane
Glen Dickson
Gavin E. Dirom
Jeffrey P. Franzen
Gary Giroux
Chris Graf
Diane Gregory
Greg Hawkins
Rick Higgs
Vic Hollister
Sheila Holmes
Steve Irwin
Ed Kimura
Jurgen Lau
Maureen Lipkewich
Grant Luck
Terry Macauley
Bill Meyer
Marilyn Mullan
John Murray
John Newell
Gary Nordin
Christine Ogryzlo
Dan Pegg
Barry Price
Tom Shroeter
Alistair Sinclair
Hans Smit
Art Soregaroli
Colin Spence
Bob Spencer
Wayne Spilsbury
Sheila Stenzel
Cam Stephen
Ron Stokes
John Thompson
Linda Thorstad
Dean Toye
Randy Turner
Geoff Whiton
Sandford Woodside
Victoria Yehl
Randall Yip
Maurice (Moe) J Young
Anne J.B Thompson
Jim Oliver
AME Outreach Education Fund
The AME Outreach Education Fund is a corporate endowment dedicated to increasing the public’s appreciation and understanding of BC’s mineral exploration and development industry through the advancement of public education and community programs.
2021 Winner: MineralsEd
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An annual $20,000 fund will be available for distribution in the form of scholarships (excluding personal scholarships for post-secondary, geology-related education) and monetary funding with a minimum of $1,500 per award for proposed public education and training programs focused on mineral exploration. The amount of funding for each application will be based not only on the merits of the proposed project and funding requests, but also on the number of quality applications in a given year.
Eligibility: This award is open to charitable organizations in BC focused on education and outreach projects relating to mineral exploration and development.
Applicants who have been successful in previous years are welcome to submit new applications. Multiple applications for funding in a given year from one source, if they are of excellent quality and stand-alone projects, will be considered.
*Please note AME Staff, Board, and Committee Members are not eligible to apply. The Vancouver Foundation has the right to deny funding, and all applications will be reviewed in order to meet its criteria.
AME Honourable Service Roll
The Honourable Service Roll was established in 2006 to recognize and honour current and former AME members for their long-serving support and significant contributions to AME’s initiatives, activities, and Committee participation.
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New deserving candidates will be nominated annually by AME members and the Membership Liaison committee, recommended to the AME Board for approval, and presented at the Annual General Meeting.
Eligibility
All outgoing Directors, Executives and staff of AME contingent on their service contributions to the organization during their tenure in office and/or previous to their appointment or election.
All recipients of Frank Woodside Past Presidents Distinguished Service Award.
AME Committee members who have madesignificant contributions to the organization and mining industry. Simply being a member of a committee and attending the committee meetings or luncheons does not qualify for Honourable Service Roll consideration.
Current and former AME members who have made a significant monetary, sponsorship,or innovative initiative/activity for AME.
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