SEG opposes proposed Notice of Work Fees

As part of SEG's commitment to work on behalf of the minerals industry and our members, we monitor government policy that affects the well-being of the exploration industry and our membership. We work with the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC) and other regional exploration groups to present consistent and well-though-out responses to policy initiatives.

Most recently SEG has developed a firm stand in opposition to proposed Notice of Work fees.  This is an excerpt from SEG’s March 30 response to the proposed fees. The entire letter can be found at http://www.smithersexplorationgroup.com/about/mission/

“Smithers Exploration Group adamantly disagrees with the proposed Notice of Work (NOW) fees because:

• Government has not taken into account the recent sharp increases in front-end costs for mineral exploration that are already having a negative impact. The disincentive of an up-front fee is accentuated for critical early-stage work which is the grassroots of the industry.
• Most prospectors, exploration companies and small mining companies cannot afford the fees because they do not gain income from their exploration work; benefits, if they occur at all, are decades after a property’s first NOW and accrue to the mine developer.
• The additional front-end cost will work against the objectives of multi-year area-based (MYAB) permitting; the benefits of that program will be reduced, leading to inefficiencies and increased workload for both the Government and the industry.
• The NOW fee will amount to “double dipping” by Government for Sand & Gravel and Quarry operators who already pay a fee under the Land Act upon submittal of an application.”

Mining Week Luncheon May 9

The Smithers Mining Week 2014 luncheon will kick off BC Mining Week on Friday May 9 at the Hudson Bay Lodge.  BC Mining Week runs from May 11 to 17 and you can find details of events around the province at http://miningweek.ca/

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.

Date: Friday May 9, 2014

Time: 11:30 to 1:30 pm

Ticket Price:  $25

Purchase:  tickets go on sale April 8 from Smithers District Chamber of Commerce 250-847-5072 or e-mail info@smitherschamber.com (no sales at the door)

Place: Hudson Bay Lodge, Ferguson Room, Smithers

Theme:  Resources for Communities

Program:

• Mining Association of BC -  BC Industry Overview:  CEO Karina Brino
• Resources for Communities Panel – Seabridge (KSM); AuRico (Kemess Underground), Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach; 
• Northwest Community College School of Exploration & Mining 2014 Update -  Coordinator Tlell Glover 

School District 54 Bursary Deadline May 20

In June 2014 SEG will offer a $1000 bursary to a graduate from School District 54 who has a strong interest in science, trades or technology. If some youngster you know is interested in applying, he or she can email outreachsmithersexplorationgroup@gmail.com and we will get back with details.  The deadline is May 20th. It's our way of encouraging young people to consider working with the industry. 

Donation to Britannia Mine Museum Appreciated

As part of our commitment to give back to the community, SEG has donated some exploration equipment to the Britannia Mine Museum near Squamish for use in their earth science school programs. Eventually it will be part of their “Exploration Zone”. The museum has expressed their appreciation for the donation in their most recent newsletter.

The donation includes:

6 compasses
6 hand lenses
6 clinometers
6 magnetic pens
3 rock hammers
5 pairs of safety glasses
6 streak plates 

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

Of course you mustn’t forget the other important industry dates coming up:  Kamloops Exploration Group will host the upcoming KEG Conference & Trade Show happening next week 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

NWCC School of Exploration & Mining job postings

Northwest Community College School  of Exploration & Mining has a number of job postings in anticipation of various summer training programs. Check them out at  http://www.nwcc.bc.ca/employment-opportunities?field_posting_type_value=All&page=1

Miner's Express - Smithers to Dease

With this summer’s field programs looming, we thought some of you will appreciate this information from Northern Thunderbird Air. Starting on Monday, June 2, 2014 Northern Thunderbird Air will be re-commencing the Miner's Express flight 3 days per week - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Service will be between Smithers and Dease Lake.  For Miner’s Express flight bookings, please contact call 1-800-663-3905 or book online at www.flyntair.ca.