Vancouver hosts annual convention — Drillers discuss variety of topics

Computerization, regulation and foreign projects were among the many topics discussed at the 52nd annual meeting and convention of the Canadian Drilling Association, held here recently.

Technical papers dealt with such matters as diamond drilling in Mongolia and the contribution of the Vancouver Stock Exchange in the area of exploration and development.

Donald Craig of Boart Longyear discussed the evolution towards paperless transactions for businesses as a result of advances in computer technology. He warned companies that unless they embrace new technology, they will be left behind in the 21st century.

A total of 105 delegates from across Canada attended the 3-day event, which was the first to be held under the association’s new name. The name was changed from the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association in order to reflect not only diamond drilling but environmental and reverse-circulation drilling as well.

At the annual general meeting, Dare Fowler, senior executive of Boart Longyear, was elected president, replacing outgoing John LeBlanc, while Richard Kemshall was elected vice-president.

A highlight of the convention was the presentation of safety plaques, awarded each year to drilling firms and mining companies with the lowest lost-time injury frequency.

This year’s recipients include Bradley Bros. (Surface Class A); St. Lambert Drilling Co. (Surface Class B); Forage B.F.M. (Underground Class A); and Forage Moderne (Underground Class B).

The Henry Skowronski Memorial Award went to Forage B.F.M., while the Mining Award went to Falconbridge in Sudbury, Ont.

British Columbia Mines Minister Anne Edwards wrapped up the technical sessions by describing the positive impact her government’s mineral strategy programs have had on the province. These programs are designed to stimulate mineral exploration and enhance the industry’s ability to compete internationally.

The association’s accomplishments in 1994 included a 23% rise in membership; the publication of a booklet called Directory of Goods and Services for the Drilling Industry; updating of the Safe Work Methods Handbook (to be published this year); and publication of Policy for Overseas Work, designed to help members working in foreign lands.