B.C. celebrates Mining Week

The highlight of British Columbia’s Mining Week (May 23-27) was the opening of Mining House, which combines three associations under one roof to increase public service.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 27 was attended by provincial Mines Minister Anne Edwards and George Rideout, parliamentary secretary to the federal minister of Natural Resources.

The historic Chamber of Mines building on West Hastings Street was renovated and is now home to the Mining Association of B.C., the B.C. and Yukon Chamber of Mines and the Mining Suppliers, Contractors and Consultants Association of B.C.

“The coming together of these associations reflects this year’s theme of partnerships,” Edwards said. Also on hand for the event were two locally based “ambassadors” of the national “Keep Mining in Canada” campaign — Greg Waller of Cominco and Michael Hitch of Teck.

Both stressed the need for all industry associations to work together to improve the investment climate and stem the flow of mining investment from Canada to other parts of the world. Since 1991, Canada has fallen to fourth from first place in its ability to attract investment for new mines. The opening followed the annual awards luncheon, during which Franc Joubin was presented the H.H. “Spud” Huestis Award for having contributed to the development of mining in British Columbia and the Yukon.

Joubin, a member of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, spent several years in the Bridge River area overseeing the merger of the famous Bralorne and Pioneer gold mines. The award also recognizes his second career, assisting Third World countries in defining their mineral resources.

At the luncheon, Thomas Brazil of the McKenzie Chamber of Commerce was named Mining Person of the Year for his efforts as a non-industry supporter of mining. Sherry Elchuk of the B.C. Museum of Mining and Glenda Malcolm of Brenda Mines were jointly named Mining Industry Person of the Year, and the district of Tumbler Ridge was named Mining Community of the Year.