The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) opened Toronto Stock Exchange along with B.C. Minster of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett today as part of the association’s annual mineral exploration and development investment mission to Toronto. “Mineral exploration and development companies continue to define or expand copper, gold, molybdenum, nickel, rare metal and coal deposits in all regions of British Columbia,” says Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. “This investment mission gives these companies an opportunity to increase awareness of British Columbia as we get prepared for an eventual upswing in the markets”. The event is scheduled two weeks before AME BC’s Mineral Exploration Roundup conference held in Vancouver January 25-28.

According to TSX statistics, as of November 30, 2015, 59 per cent of mineral exploration and mining companies listed on TSX and TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) – 785 out of 1,334 companies – are headquartered in British Columbia.

“B.C. continues to be one of North America’s most supportive business climates, and despite the current market challenges, we continue to see new mines being built in B.C.,” says Bennett. “We’re working hard to ensure B.C. remains the competitive, stable jurisdiction it is—one with vast resources, low taxes, and a fiscally responsible government that attracts investment from around the world.”

The market open is one of three industry events for the B.C. contingent in Toronto. The Toronto Stock Exchange open is followed by the annual Explore for More lunch, and the investment mission will conclude with the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame dinner on Thursday, which recognizes the lifetime achievements of Canadians active in mineral exploration, development and mining.

AME BC congratulates Stewart Blusson and Robert Friedland, two 2016 inductees into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame with ties to British Columbia. Blusson, a life member of AME BC from Vancouver, had previously received AME BC’s H.H. “Spud” Huestis Award for excellence in prospecting and mineral exploration in 1997 along with Chuck Fipke for the discovery of diamonds that led to the development of the Ekati mine in the Northwest Territories. Friedland has been involved with the Vancouver mineral exploration and development community for more than 35 years, and since 1987, his company Ivanhoe Capital Corporation has been involved in raising more than $10 billion for resource development projects. 

View AME BC opening Toronto Stock Exchange here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt7ecmZn0jM. 

About AME BC:

AME BC is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia.  Established in 1912, AME BC represents, advocates, protects and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in BC and throughout the world. AME BC encourages a safe, economically strong and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership.