The Canadian Mining Hall of Fame was conceived by the late Maurice R. Brown, former editor and publisher of The Northern Miner, as a way to recognize and honour the legendary mine finders and builders of a great Canadian industry. The Hall was established in 1988. For more information about the extraordinary individuals who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, please go to their home website: http://mininghalloffame.ca/
James O’Rourke began his career as a mining engineer working on a new generation of mines being developed by visionary industry leaders during the expansionary post-war decades. This rare experience set the stage for a successful career as a mine-maker, company builder and advocate of progressive industry partnerships. He exemplifies the optimistic spirit of his native British Columbia, where he played leadership roles in the development of the Quinsam coal mine, the Cassiar asbestos mine, the Huckleberry copper mine, and the Similco copper mine, later revived and expanded as Copper Mountain, among other endeavors.
In addition to building companies such as Princeton Mining and Copper Mountain Mining Corporation, he forged strong partnerships with Pacific Rim trading partners, setting a precedent for other companies and industries to follow as part of the Pacific Gateway initiative.