Minerals North 2015 slated for end of May

Minerals North was held in Vanderhoof in 2014. — Photo courtesy Minerals North

Mackenzie, B.C., will play host to the 2015 edition of Minerals North. The conference and trade show will take place at the Mackenzie Recreation Centre May 27 to 29, with a pre-conference session on the May 26 that is open to both locals and delegates.

Conference coordinator Sue Clark said Minerals North is not a technical conference, but an opportunity for northern communities to showcase their capacity to service the mineral industry.

“It is also an opportunity for community leaders, the mining sector, and First Nations to learn about each other's issues and goals,” she said. “It is open to anyone interested in the mining landscape in northern B.C.”

Mackenzie is attractive in many ways, but it is not a big city. Located about 200 kilometres north of Prince George, Mackenzie has a population of 4,000. About 400 people—which represents 10 per cent of the town's population—are expected to attend the three-day event.

“While there are not enough hotel rooms, there are lots of alternatives,” said Clark. “Many are staying at Camp Watters, bringing their RVs, or staying with billets in Mackenzie. There is enough room for all when using these options.”

The conference has also blocked rooms in Prince George “for those who want a more luxurious accommodation option,” said Clark. “And we are in the process of arranging a shuttle to take these folks to and from the event."

Minerals North has been taking place every year for more than 20 years. The event moves from year to year between communities in the region of B.C. that is north of Highway 16. In addition to 2015, Mackenzie has hosted the conference in 1994, 1998 and 2006. Mackenzie won the right to host this year's conference by submitting a winning bid to the Minerals North Association.

“The association doesn't actually put on the conference,” Clark said. “That is the job of the community that wins the bid. The association was formed to ensure the conference's continuity, evaluate community bids and award the conference to the successful proponent.”

Minerals North chair Christine Berndt said the conference agenda is close to being finalized.

On May 26, a day before the official kick-off, Robert Stevens, associate dean of engineering and natural resources at British Columbia Institute of Technology, will present a one-day course called Mining Essentials. The course will provide an overview of mineral exploration and mining for anyone involved in or interested in the industry who does not have a technical background in geology or mining. The course will tie together and explain the relevance and importance of the various parts of the industry. It is open to delegates, students and the public.

Mining Essentials will be followed on Wednesday, May 27, with a short course on geochemical sampling by Wayne Jackaman and Dave Sacco of Noble Exploration Services Ltd. The course will consist of a half day of theory and a half day of practical experience. The course is open to delegates, students and the public. Also on Wednesday there will be available tours of Mount Milligan, a producing copper and gold mine 85 kilometres northwest of Mackenzie.

Minerals North 2015 officially opens Wednesday evening with a reception and entertainment.

On Thursday, May 28, Paul Jago of the Omineca/Northeast Region and Jeff Kyba, Skeena District, will present regional geological updates. Gavin Driom, president and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC, and Karina Brino, president and CEO of the Mining Association of BC, will also speak Thursday morning.

Other speakers include Jeff Nugent, chief operating officer of the Industry Training Authority BC; Andrea Clifford, director of business development of Geoscience BC; and Lyn Anglin, chief scientific officer at Imperial Metals Corporation, who will talk about the Mount Polley mine. There will also be representatives of various projects in the exploration phase who will speak about their projects, as well as mining sector talks with Aurico Gold, Red Chris Mine and Mount Milligan Mine.

On Friday, May 29, there will be a keynote presentation by Geroy Simon, three-time Grey Cup winner. Other features on Friday include a First Nations cultural workshop with the McLeod Lake Indian Band; an education workshop by the Centre for Training Excellence in Mining; and a luncheon keynote address by Bill Bennett, B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines

Throughout the conference Yukon Dan will be doing gold panning demonstrations for students and delegates.

Minerals North was held in Vanderhoof in 2014 and will take place in Smithers in 2016.

Minerals North keynote speaker

Geroy Simon is a retired professional football player who played 15 seasons in the Canadian Football League,12 of them with the BC Lions.

Simon won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award in 2006. He also won Grey Cup championships with the Lions in 2006 and 2011, and with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2013.

As of the 2013 CFL season, Simon was the all-time career leader in CFL receiving yards with 16,352 yards, first in pass receptions with 1,029, and third in touchdown receptions with 103.

Simon lives in Langley, British Columbia, during the season with his wife Tracy and their two children Jaden and Jordan.

For the 100th Grey Cup in 2012, Canada Post used his image on a series of commemorative postage stamps. The image was also used on presentation posters and other materials to promote the Grey Cup game and other celebrations associated with the centennial.

Geroy Simon is a retired professional football player who played 15 seasons in the Canadian Football League,12 of them with the BC Lions.

Simon won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award in 2006. He also won Grey Cup championships with the Lions in 2006 and 2011, and with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2013.

As of the 2013 CFL season, Simon was the all-time career leader in CFL receiving yards with 16,352 yards, first in pass receptions with 1,029, and third in touchdown receptions with 103.

Simon lives in Langley, British Columbia, during the season with his wife Tracy and their two children Jaden and Jordan.

For the 100th Grey Cup in 2012, Canada Post used his image on a series of commemorative postage stamps. The image was also used on presentation posters and other materials to promote the Grey Cup game and other celebrations associated with the centennial.