AME BC Hosts Exploration Days at Britannia Mine Museum

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC). Established in 1912, AME BC represents thousa

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC). Established in 1912, AME BC represents thousands of members from the mining and minerals industry who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in B.C. and throughout the world. Through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships, AME BC promotes a healthy environment and business climate for the mineral exploration industry.

AME BC will host a three-day event for Exploration Days at the Britannia Mine Museum from Thursday, April 19 to Saturday, April 21. During these days, students and the general public will be able to take part in a variety of interactive activities demonstrating what life as a mineral explorer is like. Activities will explore how modern techniques such as geological mapping and aeromagnetic surveys (the metal detector in the sky) have led to the evolution of exploration, and how water is treated and cleaned at Britannia Mine. Tours of the EPCOR Britannia Mine Water Treatment Plant will also be available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

On Saturday, April 21, professional gold panner Yukon Dan will be back to give hands-on gold panning demonstrations.

Visitors can enjoy the usual crowd favourites such as the underground mine train and gold panning, tour the historic 20-storey Mill building, check out the company gift store, and kids can amuse themselves in the childrens play area while parents enjoy a relaxing coffee.

To learn more about AME BC, visit www.amebc.ca. The AME BC Exploration Days at the Britannia Mine Museum is free for members or with regular museum admission.

The Britannia Mine Museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with regular guided tours of the underground mine throughout the day (last tour at 4 p.m.)

The Britannia Mine Museum is a mining legacy site and a vibrant, internationally recognized education and tourist destination located between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky highway. It is both a National Historic Site and a B.C. Historic Landmark, and was established in 1974 as a non-profit organization to celebrate the contributions of mining and minerals to society, the history of the storied Britannia Beach community and the ideas and practices of environmental renewal and sustainability. It promotes mining awareness through entertaining, experiential education programs, important historic collection preservation and insightful public engagement that allows guests to leave with a better understanding of mining in BC; past, present and future.

www.britanniaminemuseum.ca.