New institute promotes sustainable mining in developing countries – by Derrick Penner (Vancouver Sun – January 29, 2014)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

Joint venture between UBC, SFU and Ecole Polyechnique de Montreal wins $25 million in federal funding

From Vancouver, academics in a new $25-million resource-sector research institute can see how training artisanal miners in Ecuador to use more sustainable practices can lead to better government policies and a more prosperous mining sector.

A pilot project to train small-scale miners in better techniques is one of the initial efforts of the just-launched Canadian International Institute for Resource Extraction and Development, but it is already gaining traction, and in a nutshell sums up what the institute’s job will be.

“Trying to formalize artisanal mining hasn’t worked well,” said Bern Klein, acting executive director of the institute. “You just give someone a piece of paper to do what they’ve always done. But education is transformational.”

Klein said the pilot project capitalizes on research done in the mining school at the University of B.C., which is one of three academic partners in the institute along with Simon Fraser University and Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal.

Read more

First Nations play an increasing role in resource development – by Derrick Penner (Vancouver Sun – Januaruy 29, 2014)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

Mining companies and aboriginal communities need strong relationships if both are to benefit

Between an increase in mining exploration work and development of a potential liquefied natural gas export industry, British Columbia’s First Nations are heavily engaged in consultations over resource projects in the province.

It puts the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, an aboriginal-created advisory body, in an important position at a critical time for aboriginal communities, both in terms of managing the impact of resource projects and realizing benefits.

“We need (the council),” said Ed John, Grand Chief of the B.C. First Nations Summit, “otherwise we don’t have the wherewithal.”

John said First Nations appoint experts to engage with governments, based on the direction of aboriginal leaders, on issues related to legislation and policy.

The council doesn’t negotiate with government, John said, but can offer advice to the First Nations contemplating development, or worried about development.

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: International sustainable mining institute launched

A new Canadian institute that will help developing countries benefit from their mining resources in environmentally and socially responsible ways was officially launched in Vancouver today.

The Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development (CIIEID) is a coalition between the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and École Polytechnique de Montréal (EPM). Institute Interim Executive Director Bern Klein was joined for the launch in Vancouver by UBC’s Vice President Research & International John Hepburn, SFU President Andrew Petter, and EPM CEO Christophe Guy.

“Nations want to develop their mineral, oil and gas resources,” says Klein, also a professor of mining engineering at UBC. “But many lack the regulatory and policy frameworks to make the most of their natural resources, while also considering the needs of affected communities. We want them to have the capacity to use their resources to enhance livelihoods, improve dialogue and mitigate environmental harm.”

In November 2012 the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (then CIDA) announced the award of $25 million to a coalition of the three academic institutions to form the Institute.

Read more

PRESS RELEASE: BC’s Mining Community Kicks Off 2014 Fundraising for BC Children’s Hospital

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwired – Jan. 27, 2014) – Mining for Miracles, BC’s mining community’s longstanding fundraising campaign for BC Children’s Hospital, kicked off this year’s fundraising efforts by launching the Diamond Draw at the Mineral Exploration Roundup Conference January 27 in Vancouver.

A 1.01-carat round brilliant-cut De Beers diamond, valued at $10,940, has been generously donated for the Diamond Draw by De Beers Canada Inc. The entire package is worth over $15,000, and includes gold donated by Teck Resources Limited and a designer setting by Costen Catbalue. Mining for Miracles thanks these supporters for their generosity.

“Mining for Miracles works closely with BC Children’s Hospital Foundation to make donations count. We support research, capital investment and the provision of outstanding health care at the many centres of excellence within BC Children’s Hospital,” says Jason Weber, 2014 chair of Mining for Miracles. “Over the past 26 years BC’s mining industry has raised more than $21.9 million for the children and families who visit the hospital, and 100 per cent of the funds raised by Mining for Miracles go directly to the areas of need.”

In 2014 Mining for Miracles will be raising funds to support the BC Children’s Hospital BioBank. Biobanking is a new and indispensable research tool with the potential to improve treatments and find cures for diseases affecting millions of children around the world.

Read more

B.C. to review environment assessment process – by Vivian Luk (Canadian Press/Global Toronto – January 27, 2014)

http://globalnews.ca/toronto/

VANCOUVER – British Columbia Premier Christy Clark has ordered a review of the province’s environmental assessment process, saying the current system has become too cumbersome.

However, Clark revealed few details about the evaluation project she’s handed over to Environment Minister Mary Polak to undertake.

The premier made the announcement at a mineral exploration convention in Vancouver on Monday, in the middle of a speech about extending a $10-million tax credit program to B.C.’s mining industry for another year.

She said environmental reviews of major projects are crucial, and while the current process is rigorous and transparent, the province’s environmental assessment office can “do better.”

“In my view, it is better to do the hard and rigorous work at the front end and get it right, than to endure decades of questions and debate in acrimony about why and how it was done,” Clark said.

Read more

Opinion: Exploration developing into strong catalyst for B.C. economy – by Gavin Dirom (Vancouver Sun – January 26, 2014)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

Gavin C. Dirom is president and chief executive officer of the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia.

Although most metal prices remain at or near 10-year averages, over the last two years there has been a major downturn in the venture capital market. With virtually no access to venture capital, the strength, resiliency and experience of the industry were put to the test, and not surprisingly, the resilient mineral exploration and development industry rose to the challenge in 2013.

For many mineral explorers, particularly the junior companies, last year was about building strategic partnerships, entering into joint venture agreements, raising private equity and successfully exploring — not just here in B.C. — but around the world.

There was an estimated 29 per cent drop in global exploration spending for the year 2013. And the majority of respondents to a fall Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia survey reported a decline in their exploration spending. But the industry is well acquainted with the cyclical nature of the business, and many AME BC members have been taking this opportunity to prepare for the next upswing in the markets.

While most have made changes to their exploration programs and reduced spending for the short term, it rarely dampens their optimism for the future.

Read more

Exploration companies cautiously optimistic about 2014 prospects – by Derrick Penner (Vancouver Sun – January 24, 2014)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

Higher mineral prices and higher demand needed to boost financing, officials say

Imperial Metals Corp.’s plans to open its $500-million Red Chris copper/gold mine in British Columbia’s far northwest in early June is one of the bigger reasons for optimism in the mining sector for 2014.

That, coupled with a bounce in resource stocks since the start of the year and the continuing advance of high-profile development projects such as Pretium Resources Inc.’s now famous Brucejack gold deposit, make B.C.’s prospectors more hopeful the industry is making a turnaround.

“It’s a pretty bullish year,” said Gavin Dirom, CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C. “There’s a sense that the worst is behind us. You couldn’t get much worse than 2013, in terms of trying to attract venture capital.” The new mine is particularly important, he said.

Located 80 km south of Dease Lake, Red Chris will become the second new greenfield mine to open in as many years, following Thomson Creek Metals Inc.’s Mount Milligan mine, which started commercial production last fall.

Read more

Resource sector about to witness new era of native empowerment – by Barbara Yaffe (Vancouver Sun – January 22, 2014)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

It all began back in October 2006 when an 82-year-old aboriginal man took his folding chair to a Canfor logging road in northeastern B.C., and got comfortable.

George Behn’s quiet act of protest has led to another signal from the courts that, when resource developments challenge treaty rights, the latter almost always prevails.

Author Bill Gallagher has been documenting aboriginal legal challenges involving development projects going back to 1985. He categorizes the one involving Behn, which concluded last month, as: “Native legal win No. 190.”

He compares the litany of aboriginal victories to a popcorn maker: “The rulings came slowly at first; now they’re at full tilt.” Gallagher believes the court cases tell a story of continued ignorance and naiveté on the part of both business and government.

“It’s as if the (aboriginal) winning streak has made little or no impact on their thinking, in spite of the fact many resource projects have crashed and burned along the way.”

Read more

PRESS RELEASE: Teck Named to the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations List

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jan 22, 2014 (Marketwired via COMTEX) — Today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Teck Resources Limited TCK -2.63% (“Teck”) was recognized as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for 2014 by media and investment research company Corporate Knights. Teck was the only mining company named to this year’s Global 100 list. This is the second straight year Teck has been included on the list.

“This ranking recognizes the dedicated work of our employees, whose commitment to responsible resource development has made Teck a global leader in sustainability,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO. “At Teck, we are focused on ensuring people around the world can enjoy a better quality of life because of mining and the products it helps create. We remain committed to continually improving our sustainability performance and this recognition confirms we are moving in the right direction.”

Launched in 2005, the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations has been recognized as the world’s most credible corporate sustainability ranking in a GlobeScan/SustainAbility survey. The top 100 companies are selected from all publicly traded companies with a market capitalization over USD$2 billion. Companies were evaluated based on a range of sector-specific sustainability metrics, such as water, energy and carbon productivity, and safety performance. For more information about the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations and the full rankings, visit: www.global100.org .

Read more

Coal mining, selenium, and the costs of toxic pollutants – by Mark Hume (Globe and Mail – January 20, 2014)

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

VANCOUVER — Sutton Lake, near Wilmington, North Carolina, isn’t a place many British Columbians have heard about. But it might not be long before it is cited in court documents here, because of a study that quantifies the cost of replacing fish killed by pollutants.

The 1,100-acre lake was created in 1971 on land owned by Duke Energy to cool water coming from the Sutton Steam Plant. To form the lake, the power company had to dam a creek, which the state government approved only on the condition the reservoir was developed as a public fishery.

The company agreed – and soon had created a place where the fishing was so good it became the focus of bass tournaments.

Sutton Lake, however, was also polluted with selenium leaching from coal ash stored in nearby waste pits. And that’s why Sutton Lake is relevant in Canada, where selenium pollution produced by coal, uranium and bitumen extraction is of growing concern.

Read more

Bennett resists calls for wider review of coal project – by Wendy Stueck (Globe and Mail – January 14, 2014)

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

VANCOUVER — British Columbia will review parts of a proposed coal export project under its jurisdiction but is unlikely to weigh in on other concerns, including whether Port Metro Vancouver should export more U.S.-mined thermal coal, provincial Mines Minister Bill Bennett said.

“As a minister who believes in natural resource extraction and understands the very important connection between resource development and the Canadian economy in general and the B.C. economy in particular, I don’t think we can pick commodities or pick particular industries and say, ‘Well, we don’t like that – we’re not going to do that one,’” Mr. Bennett said Tuesday.

“The rules and regulations and standards apply to everyone,” he added. “And if you want to build something or do something in B.C. and you can meet those rules and regulations and standards, then it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or what commodity you’re dealing with – if you meet those standards, you should get a permit for what you want to do.”

Read more

Mining skills shortage in B.C. in 2014 and beyond – by John Roozendaal (Vancouver Sun – January 9, 2014)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

John Roozendaal is president of VMS Ventures.

British Columbia is known as a world-class centre of mining excellence, and Canada’s largest producer of copper, exporter of coal and the only producer of molybdenum. Mining has a production value of approximately $8.6 billion each year and currently employs over 30,000 people across the province.

The B.C. government recognizes the importance of mining. The BC Jobs Plan has set a target of opening eight new mines, and expanding nine existing mines by 2015. This will be supported by the 850 mining and exploration companies based in Vancouver — including ourselves — which account for more than half of the mining companies across Canada as a whole.

However, there is one major sticking point that could prevent these goals from being achieved: We are facing a skills shortage in the industry, and this will only escalate over the coming years as more mines are built and the need for skilled labour intensifies.

A shortage of 60,000 to 90,000 skilled workers is expected by 2017 according to The Mining Association of Canada, with B.C.’s mining industry requiring over 17,000 new employees within the next ten years.

Read more

B.C. Liberals stain their ‘mining-friendly’ reputation – by Vaughn Palmer (Vancouver Sun – January 7, 2014)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

VICTORIA — The B.C. Liberals have decided not to challenge a court judgment that found two cabinet ministers and a senior official guilty of procedural unfairness in rejecting a proposed $2.5-billion mining project at Morrison Lake northeast of Smithers.

“We’re not going to appeal,” Mines Minister Bill Bennett said in an interview Tuesday, pretty much conceding that the court’s criticism of the government conduct was correct.

The decision means that Pacific Booker Minerals, would-be developer of the open-pit copper, gold and molybdenum mine, will finally have a chance to defend its proposal against last-minute objections that led to it being denied an environmental approval certificate back in September 2012.

Those included impact on sockeye salmon in Morrison Lake, part of the Skeena River headwaters, and opposition from local First Nations. The public company, whose shares trade on the TSX Venture exchange, will also be making its pitch to a different ministerial lineup than the one that turned it down 18 months ago.

Read more

Doorway to opportunity: B.C. coal town hopes for revival – by Brent Jang (Globe and Mail – December 27, 2013)

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C – Inside the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., a set of two large doors symbolize past pain and future optimism for the coal industry in northeastern British Columbia and the region’s ties to Asia.

After years in storage, the doors finally went on display this past summer, with the entrance handles together forming the Quintette coal project’s logo. The Quintette mine opened in 1982 and supplied Japanese steel mills, but it closed in 2000 amid low coal prices.

The local economy seemed so depressed that the mine’s owner, Vancouver-based Teck Resources Ltd., donated the doors for museum purposes because the company’s executives thought the closing would be permanent and no longer needed for the glass office building on Quintette’s sprawling site near Tumbler Ridge.

“These doors originally were worth roughly $100,000 and they are quite heavy,” said Richard McCrea, curator at the Peace Region Paleontology Research Centre, which houses the gallery. He marvels at the thick aluminum doors, featuring a pewter exterior with artwork that depicts trucks at an open-pit mine in British Columbia and blast furnaces used for steel making in Asia.

Read more

Lawsuit filed in Washington state claims B.C. [Teck] smelter’s toxins caused disease – by Dene Moore (Canadian Press/Vancouver Sun – December 21, 2013)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

A Washington state woman has filed a class-action lawsuit against Teck Resources (TSX:TCK.B), claiming toxic pollutants from the company’s smelter in southeastern British Columbia are to blame for her breast cancer diagnosis and other health ailments.

Barbara Anderson is a longtime resident of Northport, Wash., a small community about 30 kilometres south of Teck’s lead and zinc smelter in Trail.

The lawsuit filed in the Eastern District Court says Anderson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and inflammatory bowel disease in 2010.

“Teck negligently, carelessly and recklessly generated, handled, stored, treated, disposed of and failed to control and contain the metals and other toxic substances at the Trail smelter, resulting in the release of toxic substances and exposure of plaintiff and the proposed class,” says the claim, filed Thursday.

Read more