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The Daily News, Kamloops D1
Mining
Kamloops transforms into a centre for mining excellence By DANNA BACH The Daily News
W
hen mining is mentioned, often the first images that come to mind are of giant holes in the ground, blasting and heavy machinery. But it’s so much more; mining and all of the companies that service the sector, has become a vital piece of this vibrant regional economy, says Venture Kamloops executive director Jim anderson. anderson attended the Kamloops exploration group’s conference in early april, and was pleasantly surprised by what he found. “You see companies based in Kamloops that have 100 employees and you’ve never even heard of them. they’re working all over the world.” “i think there’s an impact that nobody knows, and it’s those companies that service those mines; it’s all those jobs for people who work for companies that are paid by those mines.” Between Kamloops and Cache Creek there are four operating mines, with many others in the exploration and permitting stages. Because there are so many mines in operation locally, anderson says Kamloops is perfectly situated to attract service providers to the mines. “if companies aren’t based where the mines are, there’s a cost factor involved — proximity to the operations is pretty key.” the potential for building on the bustling local mining sector is huge,
Moly-Cop employee Stephen Turpin operates a magnet crane, moving heavy grinding balls used in mining processes.
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IT Could be an eConoMIC hoMe run If we Could realIze all The eConoMIC SpIn offS. -JIM anderSon, VenTure KaMloopS
and Venture Kamloops is capitalizing on that as much as possible. “it could be an economic development home run if we could realize all the economic spin offs,” says anderson. as a result, Venture Kamloops has identified mining and its related suppliers and service providers as one of four key areas to focus on in the year ahead. “We’ve put a lot more money and effort into it this year because the time is right for us.” Certainly, mining has become extremely political, with many strongly vocal about their position on Kghm international’s ajax development, but anderson says that even if that development doesn’t materialize, the existing mines have already created the potential, and it’s that potential that Venture Kamloops is hoping to harness.
w Continued on Page D4
To learn more about mining in B.C. come explore
MINING DAY in Kamloops
MAY 11
2013
presented by:
Exploration Group
l Kam oops
South Central Branch
at the Big Little Science Centre
985 Holt Street, Kamloops BC 11am - 4pm
EVERYONE WELCOME!
FREE TO ATTEND - learn to gold pan with Yukon Dan - recycle your household alkaline batteries - bring your ‘mystery’ rocks to be identified - try New Gold’s Heavy Equipment Simulator
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Saturday
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D2 The Daily News, Kamloops
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The Daily News, Kamloops D3
John Leahy from the Thompson Nicola Paleontology Society examines a 51 million year old leaf plate found in the McAbee Fossil Beds during the 2012 Mining Day exhibit at the BIG Little Science Centre. daily news file photo
Kamloops Mining Day set to educate and entertain H
ands on, interactive and educational — that’s what Kamloops Mining Day is all about. Mining Day marks the official kickoff to Mining Week, which runs April 28 to May 4, and is organized by the Kamloops Exploration Group Society (KEG) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, South Central Branch (CIM). The groups have come together to host the second annual event at the BIG Little Science Centre, 985 Holt St. Because the inaugural event was so well received, organizer Royanna Wild has high expectations for this years’ event. Last years’ event saw approximately 15 displays inside the gym from a variety of different mining-related companies and community groups, including Lafarge, Highland Valley Copper, New Gold and more. “The hands-on displays allow us to interact and see what the mining industry is really about,” Wild says. Back again this year is the ever-popular Heavy Equipment Simulator from New Gold, which allows visitors to see what it’s like to drive the heavy equipment used at a working mine. Wild says 400 people tried out the simulator last year. There will also be heavy equipment outside the centre, as well as a special visit from Yukon Dan, who will teach gold panning techniques and give a little history lesson in the process. “Last year we had 700-800 people coming in. We were so surprised because we didn’t know what to expect,” says Wild, who adds that families made up the bulk of the attendees. The BIG Little Science Centre will also open up for the day. The goal of the event, and of Mining Week as a whole, is to educate and inform.
“There are a lot of positives within our industry, but often when it’s reported you hear the negative aspects,” says Wild. “We’re just trying to show what the mining industry is all about and what type of companies are involved. The event is open to everyone, and admission is free.
Mining Day Community Fair Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. BIG Little Science Centre, 985 Holt St. *Free admission The Paddlewheelers Lions Club will be on site cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for sale. Bring your household batteries to be recycled at the Highland Valley Copper booth. Companies and groups with interactive displays include: w New Gold w Tech Highland Valley Copper w Lafarge w Finning w SMS Equipment w Thompson Nicola Paleontological Society w Thompson Valley Rock Club w Kamloops Museum and Archives w CSC Electric w CIM South Central Branch w Kamloops Exploration Group w KGHM International ASTTBC w ALS Metallurgy w Moly-Cop w TRU Trades w Jim Hebden and his rocks
Above, a youngster tries out the heavy equipment simulator at the 2012 Mining Day at the BIG Little Science Centre. Left, Mike and Jallessa from CSC Electric display samples of copper cable used in the mining industry. Gordon Gore/ special to the daily news
Highland Valley Copper Celebrates Mining Week - As Partners in the Community At Teck Highland Valley Cooper, we consider people, the environment and our communities of interest with every decision we make. For the past 27 years Highland Valley Copper has played a major role in the local economy and the mine employs over 1,300 people. Wages and benefits for the last year totaled $169 million. The spin-off benefit of that money goes towards local services, stores and businesses.
Teck is Committed to Community Investment
In 2012 HVC provided funding through donations and sponsorship in excess of $450,000 to local charitable organizations and education. Through our Community Partnership Initiative an additional $279,000 was contributed to non-profit organizations and other initiatives that strengthen our communities.
Learn more about our operation by joining us at “Mining Day” in Kamloops May 11, 2013 Big Little Science Center 985 Holt Street • 11am-4pm Learn about Highland Valley Copper’s recycling program. Bring your used household zinc alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt) and we will recycle them at our Teck Trail Operations. We are committed to engaging with communities to ensure that all questions and concerns are being heard. With that in mind we have established a number of channels of communication. We can be reached by Email: hvc.feedback@teck.com or Toll Free Telephone: 1-855-523-3429
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By DANNA BACH Kamloops Daily News
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D4 The Daily News, Kamloops
Cluster of mines draw service providers to city
Moly-Cop
w Continued from Page D1
Moly-Cop is the sole supplier of grinding balls to the vast majority of mining operations in Canada. The solid-steel grinding balls are used in giant tumblers to pulverize ore for easier mineral extraction. The company draws on Kamloops businesses for parts, service and regular maintenance for all it’s operations, and was recently approved for a 3,600 square foot expansion. That physical grown will add an additional 35 high-paying jobs in Kamloops. Currently, Moly-Cop’s payroll exceeds $5 million annually, and with expenditures hitting $6 million a year, Moly-Cop is a key player in the health of the local economy.
Arrow Transportation
Of the company’s 850 employees, more than 200 are based in Kamloops. Arrow moves about 200,000 truckloads per year of wood fibre, mining concentrates, forest products, soils, steel, crude oil, fuel oil, sulphur, fire retardant, building materials, heavy equipment and other products each year. The company spends a significant amount
on parts, supplies, fuel, tires, labour and other items.
Finning
Finning is an 80-year-old B.C. company that is the world’s largest Caterpillar dealer, and opened its Kamloops location in 1965. Today, there are 165 employees at the Valleyview operation, selling and renting some of the most advanced equipment and engines in the world. Finning Canada recently opened a worldclass, state-of-the-art hydraulic hose facility in Kamloops, and has a budget to sell $55 million in parts and service this year.
Trimac
Trimac is headquartered in Calgary (Houston, Texas, in the U.S.) and operates a busy branch in Kamloops on Versatile Drive by the Petro-Canada Travel Centre.It is the largest bulk carrier in North America.This branch has 39 full-time drivers, five part-time drivers, nine mechanics and seven administration staff. Daily news file photo They haul cement, petroleum, copper conArrow Transportations Systems Division Manager, Kevin Gayfer, stands in front of a 2013 centrate, propane and ammonium nitrate. — Source, Kamloops Business March 2013 Freightliner. Arrow employs 200 people locally, and services local mines.
Mining industry partners launch Votemining.ca
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lumbia has 21 major mines, over 30 industrial mineral producers, two smelters and over 350 exploration projects. There are also over 900 companies in B.C. that provide supplies and services to mining operations. In 2010 the B.C. mining industry supported over 37,000 well-paying direct and indirect jobs. In 2011 it provided $9.9 billion to the B.C. economy and $805 million in payments to government to support important social programs, including education and healthcare. B.C. mines also provide the minerals and metals we need for everyday life. Computers, bicycles, transit systems and hydroelectric energy transmission would not be possible without mining. The mining industry will continue to play a key role in the economy of B.C. into the coming years if government and industry work together to support a strong exploration, mining and mineral processing industry that is committed to safety and leadership in environmental stewardship. The Vote Mining coalition urges all British Columbians to let their candidates know how important the mining sector is to our province before Election Day. D001534796
P. 250.377.7727 F. 250.377.7527
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“Good to the Core”
Earlier this month, the Mining Association of BC (MABC), the Mining Suppliers Association of BC (MSABC), the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC), and the Coal Association of Canada (CAC) launched a “Vote Mining” campaign to coincide with the start of the 2013 B.C. provincial election. Through the campaign website www.votemining.ca, the Vote Mining coalition is encouraging British Columbians to join us in asking candidates how they will support a strong and vibrant exploration, mining and mineral processing industry in British Columbia. Votemining.ca makes it easy for British Columbians to identify their candidates and communicate their support for the mining industry. For example, by using the website’s “Take Action” tool users can within minutes create and email a letter addressed to candidates in their electoral district. Votemining.ca also contains mining industry fact sheets, a “voter toolkit” of resources, and information on local and provincial debates. Mining supports jobs and families in communities across our province. British Co-
New Afton Mine: Doing What’s Right The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) recently named the recipients of the 2013 awards for outstanding contributions and excellence in the mining industry. New Gold, New Afton was selected for the Viola R MacMillan Award for company or mine development. This is recognition for demonstrating leadership in management and excellence in best practices in bringing the New Afton mine into production. New Afton was also the recipient of the MABC and Province of BC Mining and Sustainability Award which recognizes excellence with regard to safety, environmental performance and engaging local communities. We have formed many relationships to ensure that there are benefits for our First Nations partners and local communities both now and into the future. New Afton is committed to the local community. We have developed a Miner Training Program to ensure all of our workforce are equipped with the right skills to be safe and productive members of the New Gold team. Approximately 75% of our employees were sourced from and live in the local community. Thank you to everyone in the community who has helped make New Afton a success.
www.newgold.com/careers
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The Daily News, Kamloops D5
Mining industry touches all aspect of daily life
By DANNA BACH The Daily News
South Sahali Elementary School students take notes while listening to Cansel GIS and mapping representative Drew Smith talk about the technology in new GPS systems. The students took part in the annual KEG conference held in early April. The conference drew hundreds to discuss the mining industry.
L
daily news file photo
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People look at mining as something that should be avoided at all costs, but it’s integral to our lives. There’s a real gap of understanding. - Perry Grunenburg, Vice President, Kamloops Exploration Group
greater need for educational forums such as that offered through the Mining Day Community Fair, scheduled for May 11 at the BIG Little Science Centre. “People look at mining as something that should be avoided at all costs, but it’s integral to our lives. There’s a real gap of understanding.”
B.C. Mining Fast Facts w The average number of individuals employed by B.C. mining companies increased in 2011 from 8,195 employees to 9,310 employees w Hiring requirements for all mining sectors in B.C., over the next 10 years, are projected to be 16,770 workers under a baseline scenario w Employ ment: salar y and benefits amounted to $1,077 million in 2011 an increase of 22 per cent over the 2010 level w Average 2011 employee earnings in-
creased by 7 per cent to $115,700 per employee up from $108,100 in 2010 w Capital expenditures increased by 135 per cent from $1,252 million in 2010 to $2,943 million in 2011. Surface construction comprised $996 million and $1,608 million on machinery and equipment w Vancouver is the world’s leading centre of expertise for mineral exploration. Some 1,200 exploration companies are located in B.C., most in the greater Vancouver area. - Source, Mining Association of B.C.
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ike it or not, we’re all connected to the mining industry. Mining exists, says Kamloops Exploration Group (KEG) Vice President Perry Grunenburg, because there’s a vast market for the metals and minerals extracted, and demand is at an all time high. “There are going to be metals extracted somewhere on this planet because there’s someone who wants to consume them.” If there weren’t consumers, there would be no profit, and there would be no mines. “It’s not something you can detach yourself from.” Certainly, the industry is a political one, especially in Kamloops, which may soon have an open pit mine on the outskirts of town in the form of KGHM International’s Ajax property. But from the perspective of the KEG, there’s a disconnect between what the working mine does and the end result — the products we require for daily life. Grunenburg says his group is more interested in the exploration side of mining, but they can’t work in a bubble. “We have to be aware of the acceptance of mining otherwise our exploration is pointless. That’s why it’s important when we get to the end stage that some of those (mines) need to go ahead in order for us to bother with the exploration.” Mining Week, he says, is a perfect time to remind people about how important the industry is to the local, provincial, and national economy. “We’re reminding people that mining does exist and it’s an integral part of how we live our lives.” Having a Mining Day exhibit is like having a food show, he says. “People go to see where it’s coming from … we’ve got to remind people.” And now with the Ajax development such a hot-button issue, Grunenburg says tension is high and there seems to be a
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D6 The Daily News, Kamloops
photos courtesy of kamloops museum & archives
Above, a gold-dredging operation at Tranquille Creek, which was abandoned in 1904. Right, The Iron Mask Mine near Kamloops, first mined for copper ore and gold in the late 1800s.
Mining: Part of the past, vital to the future A look back at the rich history of mining in the South Central Interior
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District Up to 1914, Mary Balf. In the Southern Central Interior, the mining sector got its start almost 100 years ago with the historic Iron Mask Copper-Gold Mine, developed just south of Kamloops, according to the Mining Association of B.C. (MABC). The Iron Mask Copper-Gold Mine was among scores of copper claims in the Kamloops area in the late 1800’s, but it was the most famous and the only one that achieved steady production. Iron Mask was located along an old road to Jacko Lake and was staked in 1896 by George Breeden, William Ford and Robert Lyons, who sunk the first shaft on the north side of Iron Mask Hill. The first batch of ore that was extracted from Iron Mask was sent to a copper smelt-
er in Wales, 20 or so tons for a profit of At this time, most mining activities in about $200. Not a lot of copper ore was British Columbia took place underground. produced in those early years, only about “This major development lead people and 100 tons by the time the property was companies to investigate the possibility of closed in 1900. open pit mines in B.C.,� said Schroeter. “The shafts were timbered; the hoisting He added that after Bethlehem came of the ore was done by a 12-h.p. engine op- Lornex, an open pit copper-molybdenum erating a one-ton skip dumping automatimine, approximately 80 kilometres south cally into the surface cars,� wrote former west of Kamloops. Lornex started producKamloops archivist Ken Favrholdt in a tion in 1972. 1987 article for the Kamloops Museum “Another open pit mine in the area was and Archives. the Valley, which commenced production The property in 1981,� said was bought by the Schroeter. B.C. Exploring Highland Valley Syndicate, which Copper was born owned a nearby out of an amalgaclaim and by 1903, mation between Up until a decade ago highland 100 tons per day Lornex and Valley valley copper was the fifth were coming out in 1986. of the mine. “Up until a delargest open pit mine in the At one point, cade ago Highland world. there was talk of Valley Copper was building a smelter the fifth largest - Tom Schroeter, president and CEO of in Kamloops (the open pit mine in Fjordland Exploration nearest one was in the world,� said Tacoma), but that Schroeter. facility never materialized. Highland Valley Copper is currently one By 1909, Iron Mask Mine was a massive of the region’s largest employers with more operation producing 300 tons of copper than 1,250 full-time workers. ore per day. Because of the region’s rich mining hisThe mine became unprofitable as uncov- tory, Kamloops has skilled mining personering new veins of ore became more diffinel, mining consultants, assay labs, mining cult. The mine shut down in 1920. suppliers and infrastructure. This signifiOver the next decade the mine recant concentration has resulted in a cluster opened and changed hands but it strugof industries that have located to Kamgled to return successful quantities of ore. loops to support mining operations. Following the World War II, ownership According to PricewaterhouseCoopers continued to change hands and several (PwC), mineral exploration, development geotechnical surveys and drillings continand mining accounted for more than 3,400 ued in the decades to come. jobs and contributed $800 million to the “From the 1930s to the 1950s there were local economy across the Okanagan region a lot of Ma and Pa small type underground in the interior of B.C. mines in the southern central interior,� New Gold’s New Afton is the region’s said Tom Schroeter, president and CEO of newest mine, it is expected to begin proFjordland Exploration. duction this summer. The New Afton Mine “Up until the late fifties, mining was has already generated more than 400 new pretty well restricted to vein type underjobs in Kamloops, or about 675 jobs includground mining.� ing contractors. H.H. “Spud� Huestis was one of many Two proposed projects in the region inwell-known prospectors in B.C. Huestis clude KGHM International’s Ajax mine and was the first to find minerals up in the Yellowhead Mining’s Harper Creek project. Highland Valleys in 1958. Mineral exploration and mining is a $7.9 He formed Bethlehem Copper Corporabillion industry in British Columbia in tion, which started open pit production of 2010 according to PwC. Mining has been a copper, gold, molybdenum and silver in regional economic strength in Kamloops 1963. for decades.
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ritish Columbia’s mining and mineral exploration industry has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s and it continues to have a promising future. The Hudson’s Bay Company first started producing coal on Vancouver Island in the 1840’s. The Fraser River gold rush in the 1950’s increased B.C.’s population and infrastructure, which lead to more exploration and new mineral deposit discoveries. Kamloops was not the center of the rush, but Tranquille Creek was the site of a very early discovery and in 1858 many miners appeared in the region while most passed through on their way to the Cariboo. At least 200-300 Chinese prospectors worked at Tranquille Creek during the Cariboo rush of the late 1850s making as much as $4 per day, according to A History of the
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The Daily News, Kamloops D7
Future looks bright for local mining sector T
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he Thompson-Okanagan-Cariboo has long been an active region for exploration and mining according to a 2012 report prepared by the B.C. Ministry for Energy and Mines. The region contains roughly 36 industrial mineral mines, 56 rock quarries, 480 sand and gravel pits, and 704 placer mines that all contribute to local economies. With five major operating mines the Thompson- Okanagan-Cariboo region hosts roughly half of the province’s metal mines. Two mine openings in 2012 and large expansions in the last few years have bolstered the local economy in a time when other industries have contracted. Construction was completed in 2012 at the New Afton gold-copper mine of New Gold Inc. and it opened oftended mine life to Read the full report at: ficially ahead of 2026. http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/ schedule in June. The Located West of Geoscience/PublicationsCatalogue/ development cost of Williams Lake, the ExplorationinBC/Documents/2012_ the mine is approxiMount Polley copper RegSumExpln/Thompson.pdf mately $765 million mine of Imperial and is expected to Metals Corporation daily news file photo achieve a mill rate of continued to search Trevor Fulcher, who worked for Abacus Mining & Exploration Corp. on what is now the 11,000 tonnes per for resources outside KGHM-Ajax project looks at a sample rock with chalcopyrite, malachite and bornite. day (t/d) in 2013. This operation ushered in its main producing Springer pit. a new era of large tonnage underground The QR mine of Barkerville Gold Mines mining, utilizing block cave techniques that Ltd. has operated sporadically in recent years are anticipated to be closely studied by other and was shut in November 2011 due to depleBritish Columbia projects with higher grade tion of sustaining quantities of ore. In early resources at depth. In September the compaDecember, mining resumed in the West zone ny celebrated its achievement with an Open with the intention to produce gold late in the Day attended by more than 1,800 people year. The mill was awaiting shipments of from the Kamloops area as well as governnew ore from the Bonanza Ledge mine, near ment officials (Figure 4.2). Wells, which is under development. The Copper Mountain copper mine near In May, Huldra Silver Inc began a small Princeton has been in production since Auscale, high grading, test operation at its Treagust 2011 and is operated by a partnership of sure Mountain project located south of MerCopper Mountain Mining Corporation (75%) ritt, in upper Tulameen River. The Treasure and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (25%). Mountain deposit is described as a stacked An increased mining rate has occurred to op- series of high-grade silver-lead-zinc veins in timize mill throughput closer to 35,000 t/d Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of the Pasayand enhance copper recovery. A multi-year ten Group. Vein material is mined underexploration program is actively upgrading ground and transported to Merritt for conresources, testing ore depths and mineraliza- centrating. tion outside the current mine plan. Outlook for 2013 Near Williams Lake, the Gibraltar copperMining operations should officially commolybdenum mine, operated by Taseko mence at the Bonanza Ledge and Basin Coal Mines Limited and Cariboo Copper Corp, was nearing the conclusion of the third phase projects. As mine evaluation projects submit required baseline studies, the next stages of of the Gibraltar Development Plan to modernize the mine. By the end of 2012 the com- the review process will be triggered. A Federal decision on New Prosperity is expected in pany will have invested $700 million. Once 2013. completed the mine is expected to be CanaMost of the exploration projects that were da’s second largest copper producer. active in 2012 have generated positive results The Highland Valley Copper copper-moand thus remain on track for advancement, lybdenum mine near Logan Lake is operated barring downturns in metal markets or crises by Teck Highland Valley Copper Partnership in international finance. If markets improve, (97.5% Teck and 2.5% Highmont Mining Canada - Ph: +1 (250) 573 7770 grassroots exploration should pick up in the Company Ltd) and the largest base metal Eagle Bay Assemblage near Barriere and in mine in Canada. At the time of the report, West - kray@molycop.ca the Quesnel terrane between Merritt and construction was underway on a $475 milEast - alajeunesse@molycop.ca Princeton. lion mill optimization that is part of an ex-
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D8 The Daily News, Kamloops
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Yukon Dan brings ‘gold fever’ to the masses
e took a winding road to find his path, but Yukon Dan, also known as Dan Moore, is certain he’s found the right one. Moore started out as a commercial fisherman, risking his life fishing for halibut, prawns and salmon, but when that industry faltered in the early 90s, he took to the road, literally, and drove from Prince Rupert to Dawson City, Yukon where he started his journey along Bonanza Creek. “I got there on July 8, 1991. I remember it like it was yesterday,” says Moore from his home in Langley. He started picking morel mushrooms just to get some cash, but soon found work at a souvenir shop in Dawson City that offered gold panning tours on Bonanza Creek. While Moore hadn’t done much panning, he gave it a shot, had a knack for it, and became a tour guide on Bonanza for the next three seasons. That experience, “turned me into a miner,” he says, and from there he began working for others, prospecting their claims and getting paid in gold. It wasn’t until 1997 Moore began spreading his knowledge in schools and at community events, and these days he’s a hot commodity. Why is he so popular? “Because I spread gold fever instantly,” he says, explaining that all he has to do is hand someone a gold pan full of dirt, and the minute they catch a glimpse of yellow at the bottom of the pan, his job is done. “I’ve seen many people with gold fever in their eyes. It’s a magnet. It’s money.” That, coupled with the price of gold, which despite fluctuations is still high, and the popularity of shows like History’s Yukon Gold, and The Discovery Channel’s Gold
Yukon Dan, also known as Dan Moore, can often be found teaching students, including Andrew Harrison, right, how to pan for gold. He was in Kamloops last April at Kamloops Senior Secondary during Science Day. He’ll be at the Kamloops Mining Day Community Fair on May 11. DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO
Rush Alaska, gold, panning and prospecting are keeping the precious metal top of mind. At the same time Moore teachings panning and prospecting, he’s also unraveling a bit of history. “I cover our Canadian heritage. Our 2013 lifestyle, everything we use comes from mining. Our fridge, our stove, the food you eat and the toothpaste you use — without
mining these kids wouldn’t be in this classroom sitting at those desks.” It’s an eye opener for the children, he says, and it’s exciting. His is a presentation they won’t soon forget. Visit Yukon Dan at the KEG-CIM Mining Day Community Fair at the BIG Little Science Centre, 985 Holt St. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 11.
Visit Yukon Dan Kamloops Mining Day Community Fair, Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. BIG Little Science Centre, 985 Holt St. *Free admission
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The Daily News, Kamloops D9
Sustainability key to success at Highland Valley
Mine focuses on reclamation efforts; re-homes several feral horses on the property
A
Left, Highland Valley Copper’s reclamation efforts have turned this former tailings pond to wetland. Below, the mine’s Feral Horse Management Plan placed 13 feral horses with adopters.
t Highland Valley Copper (HVC) sustainability is central to the operation. Success at the mine depends on its ability to establish safe environments for workers and collaborative relationships with communities. There are a variety of programs ongoing at HVC to address these sustainability goals.
Reclamation Efforts
The mining process at HVC creates several types of disturbances to the land. These include open pits, waste rock dumps, tailings ponds and dams, roads and pipelines and building and other facilities. Reclaiming towards productive end land uses is an important aspect of the mining operation and therefore land reclamation is being carried out on areas of the property where no further mining activities are planned. Highland Valley Copper’s reclamation activities are driven by the end land use plan, which identifies various land use areas that must be developed across the site at the end of mine life. One of which is areas for wildlife habitat. Desired objectives include browse, thermal and visual cover and travel corridors for ungulates that connect the residual forest patches. Planting naturally occurring conifer and deciduous trees and shrubs in beneficial areas across the mine site creates these areas. Although millions of trees have been planted over the years, there have been many challenges in getting the trees to survive and successfully establish. The material that is being reclaimed (tailings and overburden material) often has poor soil structure, leading to limited water holding potential, and is low in organic matter, limiting its nutrient availability. These characteristics, combined with dry summers and highly exposed terrain, have resulted in difficulties in getting trees and shrubs to establish. As well, success in establishing grassland areas on adjacent sites has created habitat for many animals such as deer and moose that browse on the seedlings, therefore limiting their survival. The grasslands also limit tree survival as they complete with trees for moisture and nutrients and draw small mammals such as marmots and voles that will girdle the seedlings. To address some of these factors, HVC set up a two-hector trial on one of the inactive tailings ponds. In the trial, biosolids and woodchips were incorporated into the tailings material, with the aim of improving soil structure and enhancing nutrient and moisture availability. The mine has been receiving biosolids from Metro Vancouver since 1996 for use in its reclamation program, and woodchips are obtained
HVC Awarded Highland Valley Copper was recently handed the TRU Distinguished Alumni: Community Milestone Achievement Award. This award recognizes the accomplishments of a group whose collective efforts have created an institutional milestone and made a unique contribution to the lives and goals of TRU students and Alumni. Students often train on equipment donated by Highland Valley Copper and several TRU Alumni are employed in trades and professional fields. from logging in the area as well as from the property-wide wood recycling program. A layer of woodchips was put on top of the amended tailings to act as mulch. A wildlife fence was put up around the outside of the trial area, with a chicken wire layer at the ground level to keep wildlife and marmots out. This protected the young seedlings and also encouraged wildlife to use the other nearby areas that were more established. The trial was planted in the spring with a mix of deciduous species including aspen, wild rose, willow, cottonwood and dogwood. Initial data was collected on the density and height of the trees as well as analysis of the soil and seedling leaves. The site
will be monitored over the next few years to determine the success of the various aspects of the trial. If successful, this method of site preparation will be used on additional areas across the mine site.
Feral Horse Management
The Highland Valley Feral Horse Management Plan initiative got underway in January 2012, involving several stakeholder groups including the BC SPCA. The issue of an increasing population of feral horses in the Highland Valley was to be addressed collectively, taking into account the concerns of all the stakeholders. It was decided to undertake a capture pilot of up to 20 horses. A re-homing sub-committee was struck, which developed a plan for the
passive capture and re-homing process. The Feral Horse Capture Pilot began on Nov. 22. Twenty horses were captured, examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, dewormed and marked for identification. Adoption Day was scheduled for Dec. 2, at which time the prospective adopters were invited to attend to select the horses they wished to adopt. Thirteen horses were selected for adoption. It became apparent to the re-homing committee that there were not enough adopters identified to re-home all the horses captured. Several of the captured horses were considered to be too old to be candidates for adoption, i.e. 13-19 years old. These horses were released back onto the range.
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D10 The Daily News, Kamloops
Retirement, expansion means industry set to hire
In 2011, more than a third of employees surveyed would be eligible to retire within the next five years
W
hat does the mining labour force look like? According to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council’s (MiHR) annual study examining the prevailing labour market trends affecting the mining industry in Canada, the future competitiveness of the industry will depend on its ability to attract and retain people. MiHR’s latest national report (2011) estimates that the industry will be required to hire or replace over 112,000 workers by 2021, under a baseline scenario. A greater challenge emerges if there are not enough workers available to support the industry’s expanding hiring requirement, and ultimately its promising future. Last year, more than one-third of employees at companies surveyed would be eligible to retire within the next five years,
“
in b.c., close to half of the mining labour force could be eligible for retirement by 2020. With more than 20 major operating mines, 300 mineral exploration projects and 30 new aggregate mines, at least 15,000 new workers might be needed to meet the labour requirements. - Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)
and even though there is an anticipated decline in mining jobs as a result of factors such as productivity gains, it is still forecasted that there will be hiring requirements of more than half of the current industry workforce by 2020. This could mean recruitment initiatives to fill up to 100,000 jobs nationwide. In B.C., close to half of the mining labour force could be eligible for retirement by 2020. With more than 20 major operating mines, 300 mineral exploration projects and 30 new aggregate mines, at least 15,000 new workers might be needed to meet the labour requirements. The good news is that a growing labour market resource already exists in close proximity to active mines and development sites: a young and rapidly expanding aboriginal population. According to the 2006 census, 48 per cent of aboriginal people are less than 25 years old, com-
daily news file photo
Mine staff sample each bucket load as a truckload of concentrate is hauled away from the New Gold New Afton Mine. Future competitiveness of mines, like New Afton, will depend on their ability to attract and retain skilled workers.
pared to 31 per cent for the non-aboriginal cohort. Between 2001 and 2026, more than 600,000 Aboriginal youth will be entering the labour market. In particular, the 15-29 age group is projected to grow by 37 per cent compared to six per cent for the general Canadian population. The census also found that aboriginal employment in the mining industry is increasing rapidly: • 4,515 aboriginal people worked in the mining industry in 2006. This represents a 43 per cent increase from 1996 and is likely to have increased again between 2006 and 2012. The largest aboriginal work forces were reported in Saskatchewan (20.7%), Ontario (17.2%) and British Columbia (14.4%) • Aboriginal workers accounted for an estimated 7.5 per cent of the mining workforce in 2006 versus 3.6 per cent in 1996, a growth trend that is also expect-
ed to continue. With this booming demographic, and given that over 1,200 aboriginal communities are located within 200 miles of mineral properties, many mining companies are taking steps to promote aboriginal inclusion in mining by increasing aboriginal employment and training opportunities: • Respondents to MiHR’s 2010 National Employer Survey indicated that, on average, 12 per cent of their work forces selfidentify as being of aboriginal descent. • Over half of respondents specifically target aboriginal peoples in their attraction, recruitment, retention and advancement activities. • Approximately 40 per cent of respondents said that they had agreements in place that commit the organization to specific levels of employment or targeted business development and spending on aboriginal communities.
Mining companies are not only entering into agreements with individual aboriginal communities, they are participating with aboriginal organizations and other partners in efforts to recruit, train and place aboriginal workers in mining projects. For example, The BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BCAMTA) develops and delivers skills training and staffing programs, with a focus on matching local workers with local mining jobs. This collaborative effort with aboriginal communities, mining and exploration companies, industry associations, government and educational institutions has already resulted in over 900 aboriginal people enrolled in training and 230 employed. -Source: Forging Ahead — The Mining Industry in British Columbia 2011, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
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The Daily News, Kamloops D11
Heavy equipment training turns field into RV park This field, adjacent to Softball City in Rayleigh is being developed into an RV Park. Those working on the project are receiving Heavy Equipment Operator Training.
Training for aboriginal candidates may lead to employment in the mining industry
T’
kemlups Indian Band (TIB) recently signed an agreement with B.C. Aboriginal Mine Training Association (AMTA) to transform a vacant field into an RV Park adjacent to Softball City. What’s innovative about the arrangement is that 48 aboriginal candidates will receive Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) training while working on a community development project. The benefits are multi-layered with positive outcomes for many. “Our vision for the Rayleigh Field Project is to extend our economic development arm in partnership with AMTA, the City of Kamloops and the Province of British Columbia, through meaningful land development in the area known as Softball City. Capturing economic activity through a campground and RV Park is another example of TIB creating partnerships in training with AMTA and putting our People first,” says Chief Shane Gottfriedson of T’kemlups Indian Band. The project is located at 5935 Yellowhead Hwy., with training and construction running from April 15 to Sept. 20. British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association will offer six, eight-week ITA accredited Heavy Equipment Operator training
programs (one of two ITA accredited programs in B.C.) that include a four-week Road Builders certification and four-weeks on-site, on-equipment training. Instruction services have been contracted to TRU, which has been a preferred supplier of training of AMTA for the last three years. The training is funded through AMTA and partners. While AMTA has committed to work with the needs of industry, this project also meets the needs of the community. Previous training sessions have been held on mining sites in preparation for placement of aboriginal candidates in mining careers and this project partners to develop commercial land for a First Nations government. It’s the type of project that AMTA hopes to replicate around the province and already has on an HEO project with Williams Lake Indian Band. The mission of AMTA is to become the best team in Canada empowering First Nations to create economic health for themselves and their communities through skills training, education and career opportunities. With five offices across the province, AMTA has trained, supported and placed over 500 aboriginal candidates in sustainable employment.
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The B.C. Aboriginal Mine Training Association recently signed a memorandum of understanding with NVIT to bring skills training to Merritt.
Mine training bound for Merritt “This is a huge success story, especially for Kamloops,” Gavin Dirom, president of the Association for Mineral Exploration, told the Kamloops Exploration Group conference in early April. The program received a fresh lease on life in 2012, when the federal government renewed its funding for another three years. Fully one-quarter of the mining workforce is scheduled to retire within the next five years. With 1,200 aboriginal communities within 200 kilometres of mining projects, AMTA offers mutual benefits. With campuses in Merritt and Vancouver, online courses and community-based program deliveries across Canada, NVIT serves more than 1,400 students annually.
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An aboriginal skills training initiative that gained an early foothold in Kamloops could have a new home at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. The Merritt post-secondary institution signed a memorandum of understanding in April with the B.C. Aboriginal Mine Training Association (AMTA). Established three years ago to serve the interests of aboriginal workers and the mining sector, AMTA proved its potential with operations such as New Gold, Teck Resources and Gibraltar Mine. Last month, it reached a milestone — placing 500 workers in mining careers across B.C. It now has 1,400 candidates in the wings. Mining overall is the largest private-sector employer of aboriginals in the country.
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D12 The Daily News, Kamloops
British Columbia mining industry by the numbers
Despite fluctuations in the global markets, B.C.’s mining industry remains strong; outlook healthy
W
hat does the mining industry in B.C. look like? Each year, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP issues a report on the mining industry. Here is a look at the 2011 numbers: w The average number of individuals employed by B.C. mining companies increased in 2011, from 8,195 employees to 9,310 employees and continues to be an area of focus for the resource industry. Average 2011 employee earnings increased 7 per cent to $115,700 per employee, up from $108,100 in 2010. w Gross mining revenues increased 25 per cent from 2010, to $9.9 billion in 2011 (2010: $7.9 billion). The $2.0 billion increase was almost all attributable to higher metallurgical coal prices and increased coal shipments. w Exploration spending by survey participants, which includes greenfield exploration (when exploration companies look for resources away from existing known sources. Essentially they look for resources in a new, untapped area), and exploration on developing and producing properties, increased 113 per cent from
$203 million in 2010 to $431 million in 2011. Of these expenditures, $339 million were focused on properties under development, $15 million on producing properties, and $77 million on greenfield exploration. Total mineral exploration expenditures in British Columbia, estimated at $322 million in 2010, increased to $463 million in 2011, an increase of 44 per cent. w Capital expenditures increased by 135 per cent, from $1,252 million in 2010 to $2,943 million in 2011. Expenditures primarily added to machinery and equipment assets and surface construction, another encouraging indicator of positive expectations for the B.C. mining industry. Projects under construction account for almost $1 billion of the total capital expenditures. w The PricewaterhouseCoopers’ survey of mining companies in the province shows the total salary and benefits were $1,077 million in 2011, which is a 22 per cent increase over the 2010 level of $886 million. The average number of employees increased from 8,195 in 2010 to 9,310 in 2011 (increase of 14 per cent).
KGHM International focuses on heath, safety and community
K
GHM International has a history of responsible mining. Its success comes from a culture focused on more than production. Instead, it operates with a culture focused on the health and safety of its employees, the betterment of communities near its operations and protection of the environment. KGHM International makes it a priority to be a part of the community and to contribute to growth and sustainability wherever it operates. Volunteerism, sponsorships and partnerships are important parts of how KGHM International is helping communities thrive. Each of KGHM International’s min-
ing operations have given back through community improvement projects such as the repair and reopening of a swimming pool, the paving of a public road, and drilling water wells to increase water supply. Each operation has sponsored and partnered with organizations to provide opportunity for individual and community growth including sports, arts, education, and health programs. KGHM International believes in protecting the environment and mitigating any potentially harmful effects. The company is currently operating one mine and developing another in the very arid climate of Chile. The latter is located within three ki-
lometers of a large community. Both mines have been successful at dust control and suppression during their daily operations. KGHM International’s two U.S. sites have monitoring programs for not only air quality but surface and groundwater to ensure it meets environmental standards and protects neighbouring communities. And, in Canada, KGHM International’s Sudbury sites collect and divert underground run off from operations. The water is fully contained for reuse excess pumped to a wastewater treatment plant. These are just some of the ways KGHM International demonstrates its commitment to the environ-
ment. KGHM International became the operator of the Ajax Project in September 2012. With that came the responsibility of finishing the necessary work needed to complete the Environmental Assessment (EA) application. The EA process will give answers to questions regarding the environmental concerns and give guidance to how KGHM International will continue to meet regulatory standards, just as it has at its other sites. At the same time, the company continues to be involved in the community and aims to prove its committed to Kamloops.
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On April 21, Canada released its list of the 24 eligible job areas for which it’s seeing professionals as part of its renewed federal skilled-worker program, opening in May. The federal government had suspended the intake of the program in July 2012 in order to return thousands of applications and revamp the program, the Canadian Press reports. On May 4, the program will accept new applicants who have at least one year of continuous work experience or an offer of employment or fit into the PhD stream. There is also a minimum language threshold and an educational credential assessment for those who apply. The list of extractive industry professionals includes: w Engineering managers w Geoscientists w Civil engineers w Mechanical engineers w Chemical engineers w Mining engineers
w Geological engineers w Petroleum engineers The overall cap for applications is 5,000 with sub-caps of 300 applications in each job category. “The government’s focus remains on jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Kenney. “Under the new Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canada will be able to attract the skilled immigrants our economy requires, who are the most likely to succeed and contribute their full skill set to the Canadian economy. “As a result of the actions taken by the Government to deal with the massive backlogs and unacceptably long wait times, FSW applications will be processed in approximately one year,” Minister Kenney said. “We will not be able to remain competitive and attract the skilled immigrants we need if we allow backlogs and wait times to grow again. That’s why we are capping application intake and focusing on specific occupations that are experiencing labour shortages in Canada.”
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The Daily News, Kamloops D13
Air of confidence around exploration, mining
Kamloops Daily News
I
f some of the lustre is gone from B.C.’s mining rush, somebody forgot to tell delegates converging for the Kamloops Exploration Group convention, held on April 9. Despite a shortfall in investment capital — a lingering hangover from the economic malaise of the past four years — there was an air of confidence amid the talk and sprawling trade show at the Coast Kamloops Convention Centre. Gavin Dirom, president and CEO of the Association of Mining Exploration, summed up a robust sector — 1,000 B.C.based companies — determined to attract investment capital. “We still are the largest cluster in the world and there are 2,400 companies supporting that sector,” Dirom said. “We have a huge province and it’s still vastly unexplored. There’s huge potential out there.” Investment figures reflect the change. Last year, $2.5 billion was invested in the sector, down from $2.9 billion in 2011. B.C.’s modern-day gold rush continues for projects at an advanced stage, but it’s slowed for projects in the exploration and development stages. “Certainly, we’ve been able to attract capital to the province,” Dirom added. The trade show itself resembled a mining boomtown, spilling out of the ballroom and into neighbouring salons. Local operations, including New Gold, KGHM and Northern Trailer, were elbow-to-elbow with mining and support companies marketing high-tech products and services. Yellowhead Mining is developing the Harper Creek copper-gold-silver deposit near Vavenby in the North Thompson. The open-pit mine has the potential to become one of Canada’s largest copper projects. T. Greg Hawkins, chairman and interim CEO, said the company has entered its project “screening” phase with the provincial government prior to environmental assessment. “This time next year, we hope to be in construction,” he said.
“
We have a huge province and it’s still vastly unexplored. There’s huge potential out there. - Gavin Dirom, president & CEO, Association of Mining Exploration
It’s not a slam-dunk, though. B.C. Hydro has promised a new transmission link to the North Thompson — to which Premier Christy Clark has also committed as part of the B.C. Jobs Plan — but the Crown corporation has been back and forth on the electrical upgrade, Hawkins said. “It’s all about jobs,” he said, and Yellowhead is a bright light for a region that has weathered tough times. The operation would employ 400 workers directly with a spinoff factor two to three times that — 1,200 to 1,600 jobs. And those jobs aren’t down the road, geographically speaking. Barriere and Clearwater have subdivisions ready to develop if the new transmission line goes in, Hawkins noted. “We’re already getting job applications,” said Iain Brown, Yellowhead’s head of corporate relations and strategy. “A lot of people want to come back and work at the mine. It’s all community-based. That’s why the community is so supportive.” Yet the critical hurdle isn’t power, it’s money, Hawkins said. “That’s what we’re working on.” Richard Beck of UTM Exploration, a Smithers-based company, sees a silver lining in the investment cloud. UTM offers an integrated package of exploration and geological services, services suited to the undercapitalized market. This year, of 1,484 junior mining companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, more than 500 will disappear because they have less than $200,000 in the bank, he said, citing a report by mining analyst John Kaiser. Kaiser has raised the spectre of a possible collapse in the junior mining sector,
daily news file photo
Retired former Granby Mining engineer and safety worker Noel Kirby, left, talks shop with Yellowhead Mining Inc., VP operations Alastair Tiver during the Kamloops Exploration Group Conference held in early April.
which could be disastrous for B.C. since 60 per cent of the TSX Venture Exchange listings are junior mining companies based in the province. Still, the well is far from dry, having attracted $5.2 billion last year. “For my business, this dire market is actually helping,” Beck said. “These companies don’t have the means of getting out in front to save their (mineral) claims, and that’s what I provide. We have to be reactive. We get phone calls at the last minute.” Bruce Madu, the globetrotting director of mineral development with the B.C. Geological Survey, has grown well acquainted with the drive for investment since he left Kamloops 19 months ago. A former regional geologist, he now showcases B.C. mining to the world. “Our nation is in the crosshairs of foreign investment,” he said. “We are getting more foreign investors looking at grassroots projects.”
Talk inevitably turned to Ajax, not only because of its local profile, with the site just over the hill, but due to the controversy the proposal has encountered. A petition supporting an environmental assessment for the project was circulating at the conference. “Yes, it’s close to town, but of course, the town is expanding into the mining area,” Dirom said in his presentation. “It’s a chicken and egg thing. “Obviously it’s a very contentious and quite political, but we’re working hard to keep politics out of our industry,” he added. While the momentum may have slowed since last year, the trend has to be viewed in context. Miners and prospectors still refer to the lean years of 1991 to 2000 as “the Dark Ages.” B.C.’s share of Canadian and global exploration was five per cent at its low ebb; now it’s 20 per cent, Dirom noted. “And we’re trying to maintain the trend.”
How Canadian mining can maintain its global competitive edge By Anthony Halley InfoMine After a terrible week for commodities and mining shares, Mining Association of Canada president Pierre Gratton laid out a competitiveness road map for miners in Quebec and across Canada in a speech to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations Wednesday, April 24.
Canada is currently a top-five producer of aluminum, diamonds, nickel, platinum, potash, steel-making coal, uranium, and zinc. Gratton warned that in today’s mining world “investment dollars are highly mobile and global competition is fierce.” If Canada is to retain its place as a “global mining powerhouse,” it must focus on the following key areas, according to Gratton:
w Maintaining low inflation w Reducing debts w Preserving and improving competitive tax levels w Staying as a strong free trader/resisting protectionism w Deepening engagement in emerging markets, especially in China w Improving the regulatory framework for mining projects, while keeping envi-
ronmental protection a top priority w Addressing the looming skills crisis in the mining sector (145,000 new workers needed over the next decade to replace retirees and to fill new positions) w Investing in critical infrastructure to support new mining projects, such as ports, all-weather roads and rail -Sources: The Mining Association of Canada; Bloomberg
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D14 The Daily News, Kamloops
KGHM International Ajax Project
Committed to Kamloops just as we are to the other communities in which we operate. Carlota, Arizona t Partially funded the cleanup of a neighboring mine t Donated to repair and reopen of community pool
Franke, Chile t Uses dust suppression sprays and covered stockpiles to maintain air quality t Helped local economy by partnering to resurface 50 km of public road
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