Technical Program (November 09, 2009)

OFFICIAL OPENING AND 2009 BRITISH COLUMBIA, ALASKA, YUKON, SASKATCHEWAN & NUNAVUT EXPLORATION REVIEWS

Monday a. m.

In addition to the Opening Ceremonies, this session will provide British Columbia, Alaska, Yukon, Saskatchewan and Nunavut exploration reviews.

COMMODITIES OVERVIEW: FROM THE FRONT END OF EXPLORATION

Monday p. m.

The Commodities Overview session focuses on the key mineral deposits that produce them. Never more relevant than today is the need for companies to focus on “best of breed” deposit types, those that can generate positive cash flows during any economic condition. During the past 100 years, numerous deposit types, and many different districts, have had their “day in the sun” as preeminent global producers. From the experiences of seminal geologists, and the approaches of the leading global mining companies, this session will present a series of “past, present and fu- ture” overviews on the deposits types, and/or districts, which have dominated global supply for the key commodities. In short, what were our key producers in the past, which deposits will see their companies through the current cycle, and where will our industry’s attention need to be focused in the future.

THE POWER OF PUBLIC GEOSCIENCE

Tuesday a. m.

Public geoscience programs provide an important foundation for developing new concepts and knowledge of geology and mineral potential. This work, conducted by dedicated and experienced professionals, encourages new mineral exploration activity and helps in the successful targeting of minerals related investments. Geoscientists from the British Columbia Geological Survey, the Geological Survey of Canada, Geoscience BC, and the Yukon Geological Survey present recent successes from field and research programs throughout the Canadian Cordillera. Talks will highlight results from current Cordilleran bedrock and surficial mapping initiatives and interpretations of geophysical and geochemical datasets and compilation projects, and will present new insights into the economic geology and mineral deposits of the Canadian Cordillera. Virtually all new public geoscience data is delivered online through world-class tools such as MapPlace and MapMaker Online.

BRITISH COLUMBIA MINERAL EXPLORATION AND MINING HIGHLIGHTS

Tuesday p. m.

In 2008, British Columbia maintained its status as Canada’s only molybdenum producer, its largest copper producer and the largest exporter of coal. The Province also produces gold, silver, zinc, and lead, as well as a number of industrial mineral and dimension stone products. Exploration and deposit appraisal expenditures in B. C. in 2008 remained high, at $367 million. While down from the recent peak in 2007 of over $415 million, 2008’s exploration expenditures are still a long way up from a mere $25 million in 1999. B. C.’s share of exploration spending in Canada was 14.9 %, down slightly from 16.6% in 2007, but still well up from the low of 5.7% in 2001. This session will present a number of talks on selected B. C. exploration programs, advanced development projects, and important mining operations. Exploration, development, and mining of metallurgical coal, and B. C.’s three most important metallic (molybdenum, copper, and gold), deposits will be highlighted.

CANADIAN EXPLORATION HIGHLIGHTS

Wednesday a. m.

The commodity boom turned to bust towards the end of 2008 and has remained volatile though 2009. While exploration budgets have tightened, Canada remains an attractive resource- rich, stable jurisdiction, and explorers have continued to make new discoveries and develop mining properties. This session looks at some of the Canadian projects that have excited the industry and market during 2009.

“I STILL DON’T GET IT?” INCORPORATING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICES INTO EXPLORATION PROGRAMS

Wednesday p. m.

In today’s social and political environment more is expected from front line field geologists and project managers than ever before. Not only must they be competent in the science of geology, they also need to have a high level of computer, organizational, and budgeting skills as well as knowledge of sound safety and environmental practices. They also continue to be called on to ensure positive relationships are developed early with project stakeholders and communities. This task requires more than a basic appreciation of communication skills. To a large extent, project success will depend upon geologists being able to effectively integrate all these considerations into exploration project planning and execution.

This technical session will cover the nuts and bolts of integrating sustainability into early to late stage exploration projects. Talks will provide practical instruction on: integrating sustainability issues, such as social responsibility, environmental protection and community consultation into project planning, as well as outlining techniques and approaches to communication, consultation, and environmental data collection. Case studies and hypothetical examples will be used to demonstrate the “Do’s and Don’ts” of sustainable mineral development.

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDIES: RISK TO REWARD

Thursday a. m.

Since the globalization of the mining industry there are very few jurisdictions where mining companies havenít ventured in search of new mines. This session attempts to focus on a variety of factors which influenced, positively or negatively, decisions to enter an area to explore, discover, and hopefully develop a mine. The recent worldwide economic downturn has increased the risk, narrowed the preferred countries, and diminished the target types companies might consider spending their hard-earned cash on. What are the key components that influence moving forward?

INTERNATIONAL EXPLORATION SUCCESSES

Thursday p. m.

The global financial crisis may have dented 2009 exploration budgets for some, but the record spending of the last few years is still paying dividends. Companies committed to continuing exploration are finding that disciplined groundwork on greenfields projects over the last few years is now paying off with exciting drill results. This session will showcase some of the exploration projects, teams, and approaches that grabbed the industry’s attention during 2009. They will also demonstrate that the exploration sector abroad is alive and well.