Mining News: Northern Neighbors: BC continues support of public geoscience

British Columbia Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett June 4 said the province will provide C$5 million in funding to Geoscience BC, a non-profit society formed in 2005 to help further mineral and energy geoscience initiatives in British Columbians. The data collected by Geoscience BC provides the public and industry with advanced knowledge of mineral and energy development potential in the province. The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia, which advocated for the formation of Geoscience BC, welcomed the continuation of provincial support. “Compared to other areas around the world, BC truly has a competitive edge with regard to its publicly available geoscience data that facilitates mineral exploration and development,” said AME BC President and CEO Gavin Dirom. “The continued funding announced today will help maintain the province’s competitive advantage, particularly when commodity and market conditions improve and foster an upswing in mineral exploration.” Geoscience BC plans to continue TREK – Targeting Resources through Exploration and Knowledge –a major project focused on B. C.’s Interior Plateau region. TREK also includes research into geothermal potential in the region.

- Shane Lasley