British Columbia’s First 100 Years of Global Discovery

By Patrick Craib

This Monday afternoon, the Stanley Park Ballroom at the Westin Bayshore was packed for Roundup 2012’s technical session on ‘British Columbia’s First 100 Years of Global Discovery.’ Much in the spirit of the session was Mark Edwards, Environment Director for Teck, who gave the audience an in-depth history of the Sullivan mine. As it turned out, at least half the audience had personal experience with the mine at one point or another in their lives. Mark’s presentation focused on the life the Sullivan mine and its connection to the local community Kimberly. Sullivan’s ability to stay innovative allowed it to remain competitive while operating, and remain a force within the community after the mine had closed. Similarly, Jason Sangha, Senior Mine Engineer, Highland Valley Copper presented on the past and future developments atHighlandValley. He touched on many of the same points, such as resource development, community enrichment, and Aboriginal engagement.

Much of the session involved the technical development of geosciences within the Province. The presentations showcased how the history of mineral exploration in British Columbian created the opportunity for fascinating technical and scientific innovations, from geochemistry to terranology, through the 20th century and into present day.

Peter Holbeck, Vice President, Exploration, Copper Mountain Mining was particularly informative in his presentation on volcanogenic massive sulphide ore deposits. His presentation was interesting for someone who does not have a technical background. However, these presentations were much more appreciated by the many geologists in the audience.

A definite highlight of the session was George Cross, Resource Specialist for Haywood Securities, recalled of the role that the Vancouver Stock Exchange and how it influenced world-wide investment, financing . It also created an environment that fostered the development of the province’s groundbreaking mineral explorers. His various speaking points about the social dynamics of the mind-century industry entertained the room and showed that while the industry has come a long way since its early days, it has definitely not lost its colourful character.

While all the presenters spent time emphasizing the “critical role” thatBritish Columbiaplayed in the world mineral exploration and geosciences, as Teck’s John Thompson, Vice President of Technology and Development, put it this was no backward-looking session. What was clear after the presentations were finished was that mineral exploration and mining in this province is anything but dead history. This perspective was epitomized by the final presentation, where Tom Schroeter, President CEO and Director of Fjordland Exploration, Mike Burke, Chief Geologist, Golden Predator Corp, and Shawn Ryan, President, Ryanwood Exploration showed that while gold started the first mineral rush into the province, it is now returning to mark its character in the 21st century.