Old-Timers Connect: 21st annual Old-Timer’s Luncheon at Roundup 2011

Posted by AME BC • January 26, 2011 • Printer-friendly

By Jonathan Buchanan
Association for Mineral Exploration BC

The Marine Room at The Westin Bayshore was at capacity for the 21st annual Old-Timer's Luncheon. Members of the mineral exploration community who have made significant contributions to AME BC or the mineral exploration community gathered partly to reminisce but perhaps largely to discuss current projects and today's mineral exploration sector. Although most of the attendees could easily wear the label of retired, in reality, virtually all are actively involved with the work of associations, educational institutions, and companies that are active in BC.

The event opened with the singing of O Canada and a toast to mining in BC. The passing of Bob Pollock, a longtime friend of the industry and AME BC Life Member was also noted.

A highlight of the Old-Timer's Luncheon are presentations of the Frank E. Woodside Past Presidents Distinguished Service awards. The 2010 recipients were Don Coates, the late Chuck Davis, Chris Graf, and Bill Meyer.

Don Coates, recognized for his strong financial support of AME BC over the years, had a successful career in diamond drilling, and formed the Coates Drilling Company in 1969. He illustrated his acceptance speech with the history of drilling - starting with the construction of the Egyptian pyramids; the audience had a laugh when he stated that "DNA samples of saliva on core mean a geologist was on site". He then acknowledged the advances in drilling technology that have made the industry more efficient and safer over the years.

Bill Meyer has made many contributions to AME BC over the years, and enjoyed a successful career with Teck, a company that recongnized that most discoveries, such as Hemlo in Ontario, were made by junior mining companies. He noted that junior miners continue to make most discoveries, as seen in the past year in South America, Africa, Kazakhstan, and Yukon.

Chris Graf was also honoured for his support of AME BC, particularly as a member of the Land Use Committee. Chris has had a successful career in British Columbia, with his companies discovering the Kerr copper-gold project, Wicheeda rare earth deposit, and the Rock Canyon Creek rare-earth fluorite deposit. Despite these successes, he noted that issues regarding land use have not gone away; the banning of mineral exploration in the Flathead and a proposed grizzly protection zone were given as examples. Past chair Lena Brommeland thanked Chris for his efforts - noting that his contributions continue to influence AME BC's advocacy efforts.

The Old Timers will next convene in late July, but it is more than likely many of them will continue to see each other as they plan a busy 2011 exploration season.