Mineral Exploration is the official publication of the Association of Mineral Exploration British Columbia.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/325035
Chair's Message David McLelland Photograph : AME BC S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 7 Recent announcements have seen major B.C. mineral and coal producers scale back their workforces. At the same time, for example, demand for coal is expected to increase 50 per cent globally over the coming 15 to 20 years. This is, to me, analogous of our times, and very Dickensian: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolish- ness . . ." These famous lines open Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities and make me think of both the current opportuni- ties and challenges we face in the min- eral exploration sector. We look forward from a place of rich natural endowment with optimism, anticipating growing markets and global demands, while deal- ing with resistance from environmental non-government organizations, public opinion and governments. We must address the challenges facing our sector as they are serious and require action. We may not like resistance, but, in all cases, resistance creates energy. While the anti-extractionists and other pres- sures push against us, they have not suc- ceeded in slowing the ultimate miner – global consumption. They have only restricted the development of supply. This resistance galvanizes our industry and raises the value of our members' work and products. This is our oppor- tunity to implement our strategic objec- tives, to help us stay the course and to influence positive change. Recently, the provincial govern- ment proposed fees for issuing Mines Act permits, an issue that affects many of our members. It also has the potential to derail our slow but steady progress in encouraging prospecting and exploring for new deposits in B.C. In an efficient and organized manner, an ad hoc com- mittee solicited members' views on and reactions to the proposed changes. These proposed changes have united our indus- try in their opposition with prospectors and explorers, metal and coal producers, suppliers, placer miners and their respec- tive associations expressing their com- mon concern. As a result of the engage- ment of volunteers, board members and staff, AME BC responded to the govern- ment's proposal with its own recommen- dations, which are available for viewing on the AME BC website. This was a valu- able opportunity to educate our mem- bership, industry and the public about the policy relating to permitting and its impact on exploration in B.C. Our members have given A ME BC the clear objectives contained in our Strategic Plan, and these are imple- mented by our staff and many energetic volunteers. Our association continues to develop with vital networking opportu- nities such as our golf tournament and Speaker Series, which we hosted this past spring. Mineral Exploration Roundup 2015 at our new venue promises to be an inno- vative and exciting event featuring an expanded trade show, showcase sessions, and increased opportunities for social and business networking. I look forward to seeing you under the sails. In the meantime, I look forward to working with you, as members of AME BC, to continue our work as the lead asso- ciation for mineral exploration in B.C. ■ David McLelland is chair of the AME BC board of directors and operates Auracle Geospatial Science Inc. We must address the challenges facing our sector as they are serious and require action. We may not like resistance, but, in all cases, resistance creates energy. p06-07_ChairsMessage.indd 7 14-05-26 1:36 PM