Rock Talk and Annual General Meeting report

Rock Talk 2014 attracted more than 60 delegates for an excellent 3 days of training, technical presentations and core shack. Thanks to the organizing committee, the speakers and sponsors for all your work and support.

The annual general meeting drew a large crowd, something that hasn’t always been the case.  You can view the minutes from the agm at https://www.smithersexplorationgroup.com/files/Feb_19_2014_SEG_AGM_Minutes.pdf 

The agm generated some discussion about the industry and SEG’s role in promoting the work we’re all so proud of.  Part of that work is Lorie Farrell’s Outreach Initiative, funded through the Association for Mineral Exploration BC. 

We want to thank everyone who stepped up this year to serve on the SEG board:

2014 Executive          

President: Rob Maurer
Vice President: Jeff Kyba and Mathias Westphal
Secretary: Tlell Glover
Treasurer: Shkendie Kaba

2014 Directors:

Norma Jean Adzich
Richard Beck
Rob Boyce
Jessy Chaplin 
Daryl Hanson
Anastasia Ledwon
 Andrea Ross 
Justin Schroff
Danielle Smyth
Paul Wojdak  

Mining Week Luncheon May 9

The Mining Week 2014 luncheon will kick off BC Mining Week on Friday May 9 in Smithers at the Hudson Bay Lodge.  Every year Smithers Exploration Group and the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce co-host a luncheon in connection with BC Mining Week.  The lunch brings together the minerals industry and members of the larger community who support the industry to get the latest updates on the industry across the province and the northwest.

Details on the lunch will be available in early April at http://www.smithersexplorationgroup.com/events/mining-week-luncheonict  and tickets will go on sale in mid-April through the Chamber of Commerce.  If your company is interested in helping sponsor the lunch, please contact me at cogryzlo@telus.net   Your support helps keep our ticket price down, so more people can attend.

KEG April 8-9 and Minerals North 2014 May 21 - 23

Of course you mustn’t forget the other important industry dates coming in the spring:  Kamloops Exploration Group will host the upcoming KEG Conference & Trade Show happening April 8th - 9th in Kamloops. Please head to www.keg.bc.ca for more information. For questions about registration, please email kegconference@gmail.com. 

The 2014 Minerals North Conference will be held in Vanderhoof May 21st to the 23rd. SEG will have a booth and of course you can get your copy of the 2014 directory at the booth. For details on the conference go to www.mineralsnorth.ca.   You can register for Minerals North 2014 at http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/event/mineralsnorth.asp

Mines Act Permit Fees Consultation March 31

SEG recently took part in a conference call with AME BC on the government’s proposal to implement mines act permit fees. Please consider sending the government your comments on the proposed fees between now and the end of March.

Mines Act Permit Fees

currently, there are no fees charged for issuing Mines Act permits. The 2012 Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy committed that the Province would explore cost-recovery options in order to ensure the permitting process remains timely and efficient. Activities permitted under the Mines Act range from exploration work and sand and gravel operations to large-scale production metal and coal mines.
 
The Ministry of Energy and Mines is developing options for a sustainable funding model which recognizes the value of government’s authorization activities to industry and the overall benefits of a well-regulated mineral exploration and mining sector to British Columbians.
 
The discussion paper provided below outlines the types of fees under consideration for Mines Act permit applications, as well as the process under consideration for establishing appropriate rates. This discussion paper will be available for comment until March 31, 2014.  http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Permitting-Reclamation/Documents/Mines_Act_Fee_Discussion_Paper_February_2014.pdf
 
Please submit comments and feedback by email to mapa.fees@gov.bc.ca or by mail to:
Chris Smith
Director, Policy and Regulatory Reform
c/o BC Ministry of Energy and Mines
PO Box 9320 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9N3
 
Prior to introducing any permit fees, the Mines Act would need to be amended to give the Ministry of Energy and Mines the authority to charge these fees. Regulations would then be required to set fee amounts and payment processes. It is anticipated that fees could be in place by fall 2014.