AME Roundup 2018 was an amazing experience! I thank every one of you who attended and helped make our 35th annual conference a great success. The hard work and dedication of our volunteers and staff paid off as we welcomed 6,570 attendees from 39 countries at the Vancouver Convention Centre on the Coast Salish territory of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish nations. Thank you to our patron sponsor, Teck, who took the initiative in leading new conversations such as the Reconciliation Breakfast with Chief Dr. Robert Joseph and Karen Joseph. And thanks to all the companies who sponsored the conference this year – a full list of sponsors is available on pages 8 and 9.
At Roundup 2018, we introduced ‘Lyn Anglin, chief scientific officer and vice-president, environmental affairs, of Imperial Metals Corporation, as our new Board chair. This appointment was confirmed following our 106th annual general meeting, where we also convened our new Board of Directors. A hearty thanks to Diane Nicolson, past chair, as well as to the outgoing directors. They each brought commitment, passion and support to the industry and the staff at AME.
As we look forward in 2018, we will build on the relationships forged and reinforced at Roundup 2018 to develop our approach for working on our members’ behalf. We were pleased to have received more than 700 responses to our membership survey during Roundup, and will be working with the results of this survey – together with input from our volunteer Board and committees – to develop our refreshed Strategic Plan and Annual Work Plan.
B.C.’s mineral exploration sector is experiencing a steady rebound, and 2017 marked a 20 per cent increase in spending – the first annual increase since 2012. We look forward to releasing the full report on 2017 with partners EY and the B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources at PDAC 2018. In the meantime, we continue to work with our members to plan for a successful 2018 field season.
Based on our 2017-2018 Annual Work Plan, some 2018 highlights will include:
GOAL: Water Sustainability Act permanent exemption
We have gained a temporary extension to allow for additional consultation, and we expect a permanent exemption in December 2018.
GOAL: Resource recommendation
AME has submitted a detailed paper to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources recommending additional staff for the ministry; as of press time, we are waiting for feedback.
GOAL: Permitting process improvements
As outlined in the last issue of Mineral Exploration, AME facilitated a workshop for industry and staff from three B.C. ministries – the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development; and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation – to improve understanding of the Notice of Work permitting process. Future steps have been identified, and a pilot regional-level workshop with local First Nation participation is being planned for spring 2018.
GOAL: Participate in mining jobs task force
The B.C. government has committed to the creation of a B.C. mining jobs task force; AME is currently expecting an announcement that will be posted at amebc.ca. As both federal and provincial governments are realizing their mandates, AME is also liaising with government leads – both through written submissions and person-to-person discussion – on a variety of topics including professional reliance, environmental and impact assessment, and species-at-risk legislation. AME will continue to be actively involved in government relations, informed by our Strategic Plan, our Work Plan and guidance from our Board and committees.
Looking Ahead
Spring is a time of new beginnings and renewed relationships. Following PDAC, AME will be on the road this spring at regional exploration conferences such as the Kamloops Exploration Group Conference and Minerals North, and local government conferences throughout the province, to meet with our members as well as First Nations communities and elected government officials. We will also be hosting our annual safety workshops (visit amebc.ca to register) and conducting our annual environment, health and safety survey in conjunction with PDAC. I encourage all companies active in or directly supporting mineral exploration to fill out the survey at explorationsurvey.ca. Finally, we will continue our proud tradition of hosting events that not only serve as networking events but are also key to developing lasting relationships – join us on May 23 at our annual golf tournament.
I look forward to connecting with you and wish you a productive spring – wherever your work and travels take you. Have a safe day, every day.
AME’s New Board of Directors
AME appointed its new Board of Directors at AME Roundup. Visit amebc.ca to view photos and biographies.
- ‘Lyn Anglin, chair
- Kendra Johnston, vice-chair
- Rob McLeod, vice-chair
- Edie Thome
- Diane Nicolson
- Gavin Dirom*
- Bryan Cox*
- Don Bragg
- Scott Broughton
- Michael Buchanan
- Stephen de Jong
- Lana Eagle
- David Gale
- Tara Hassan
- Sean Magee
- Kevin O’Callaghan
- Christine Ogryzlo
- Jill Pardoe
- Andy Randell
- Steve Robertson
- Bruce Scott
- Rob Stevens
- Leilah Tate
- Jill Tsolinas
*non-voting