Welcome to this packed issue where we will be giving you an exclusive sneak peek into Roundup 2019: Elements for Discovery! Roundup 2018 was a great success and we are looking to build on some new ideas initiated there while we maintain the spirit of the conference, which is really about coming back together in a friendly and casual way that is unique to Roundup. In 2019 we will be hosting the conference back in the Vancouver Convention Centre East. We are looking forward to welcoming you from Monday, January 28, to Thursday January 31, 2019, so mark your calendars! The theme of Roundup 2019 is Elements for Discovery and the program is being finalized now, so stay up-to-date with the latest additions online at amebc.ca/roundup. The trade show and sponsorships are selling fast so if you are interested, contact us to sign up!
In 2017, we saw the first increase in expenditures since 2012 and hope to continue that upward trend! Keep an eye on your email for a link to complete the B.C. Mineral and Coal Exploration survey.
We are always looking forward to profiling members and the great work being done during the field season. AME’s Photo Contest and Social Media contest, #AMEintheField is now open. The entries for the 2017/2018 AME Photo Contest were inspiring. Last year, we received 64 entries including six winning photos. These photos are being used in a variety of media such as our website, social media posts and e-News. You can find more info about the Photo Contest on p. 18. Engaging with government As we move into the fall, our provincial government is planning to introduce legislation related to a number of key policy issues that affect our membership such as changes to the Environmental Assessment Act. AME has been very actively involved on this and a number of other files including the Professional Reliance review, the kickoff of the modernization of land-use planning, a new provincial wildlife strategy and proposed new endangered species regulations, as well as providing specific input on a caribou recovery strategy. With the tremendous amount of engagement going on, including advancing reconciliation with Indigenous groups and incorporating the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples further into all of the work we are doing, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Stevens has joined our team as the new vice-president, Regulatory & Technical Policy. Rob will join Jonathan Buchanan to guide this critical work through a time of tremendous change and opportunity. Rob is a familiar face to AME, serving on the board of directors for a number of years and as chair of the board from 2008 to 2010. His expertise as a geologist and educator will leverage his vast experience in B.C. and globally to advance progressive and practical policy that will benefit our industry and its partners. The whole team at AME, including our invaluable committee volunteers, will be working throughout 2018/2019 to complete our Annual Work Plan, which was recently approved by the board of directors in early September. This plan is based on AME’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, introduced in the last issue of Mineral Exploration and available online at http://bit.ly/AMEstra. Key components of the 2018/2019 Annual Work Plan include continuing to coordinate with our regional exploration groups on outreach and education opportunities, to participate on the Mining Jobs Task Force (another provincial initiative), to continue advancing the BC Regional Mining Alliance (in partnership with the Tahltan Central Government, the Nisga’a Lisims Government and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources) and to create more online tools and training modules for members in key areas such as health and safety, Indigenous engagement, environment and permitting. Also watch for key networking opportunities beyond Roundup 2019 and our annual golf tournament; stay tuned for an enhanced program spread over the fall, winter and early spring months!
Make your voice heard As we wrap up the field season for the year, I would encourage you to participate in the annual British Columbia Mineral and Coal Exploration survey that we deliver through partnership with EY and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. In 2017, we saw the first increase in expenditures since 2012 and hope to continue that upward trend! Keep an eye on your email in early October for a link to complete the survey. Lastly, as always, I would like to acknowledge and thank all our incredible volunteers. Our work continues to meaningfully support our nearly 5,000-strong members because of your dedication, expertise and commitment to this incredible industry—thank you! I wish you all a safe day, every day, wherever your travels take you.