Mineral Exploration

S umm e r 20 17 23 Guiding the staž and volunteer committees to advocate for issues important to the exploration industry is the priority for the leader of AME. Dirom recalls with pride the hard work of the ad hoc Permitting Fees Committee that successfully lobbied the B.C. government to exempt all prospecting and exploration activities from any Mines Act permit fees. "It was at the discussion paper stage and moving quickly toward becoming a law," he says. "We were able to stop it and buy some time to reflect. We then engaged government, and relatively quickly succeeded in having explorers and prospectors exempted from permit fees." Energizing exploration in the north of the province has also been a key issue during Dirom's reign. As part of a coalition, he invested considerable time facilitating strategic discussions, listening to concerns, managing expectations and building support for the Northwest Transmission Line and Site C projects. "The transmission line is important infrastructure that was built in the north- west to the benefit of so many communities and projects," he says. "I'm just glad I was connected to it and played a role in getting it done, and now it's energizing Red Chris Mine." There are some lighter moments that Dirom will take away, too. One of his fondest memories involves his daughter, Heather, throwing a pie in his face while Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett encouraged her during Teck's Celebrity Pie Throw to raise money for BC Children's Hospital. Watching the industry come together for events like that holds a special place in his heart. "If you're acting on the core values and principles of the folks you represent, then you can't go too far wrong," he says, advising his replacement to "listen, plan, then engage," particularly on the more controversial issues. The outlook for the mineral exploration industry in B.C. is certainly looking brighter today. Never one to take all the credit, Dirom is pleased with the key role the association has played during the extended downturn to help make B.C. an attractive mineral exploration and development destination, recognized worldwide. "With signs of positive conditions returning – such as people reinvesting and exploring more grassroots-level projects in the province – it's rewarding to know that in a small way, we helped shape that climate of opportunity." Heather Dirom gets some encouraging words from Bill Bennett before giving dad a pie at the Teck Celebrity Pie Throw, 2015. For ALL your CONSTRUCTION & TRANSPORTATION needs in Northwest BC

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