The northern half of the province has the majority of B.C.'s mining activity - both active mines and proposed plays - making Minerals North one of the most hotly anticipated resource conferences in British Columbia each year.
For the 2015 edition, the conference is being held in one of the small town hotbeds of mining only two hours north of here: Mackenzie. It is on that municipality's doorstep that the active Mount Milligan Mine is located, plus close to burgeoning proposals for an underground gold mine (Kemess North) and rare material niobium (Aley), plus the transition point from lake barge to train car for the goods from the proposed Carbon Creek coal project.
"The tradeshow is sold out," said Minerals North organizers. More than 80 booths are being readied inside and six more key exhibitors have outdoor displays.
There are a few preliminary events today to start the conference off.
The official setup for the main event happens Wednesday with some preliminary events offered (a general interest course on Geoscience BC, a tour of Mount Milligan Mine, opening reception at 6 p.m.).
Then a full range of activities happens on Thursday and the first half of Friday.
Friday morning also has a slate of activities, then tear-down and departure occurs Friday afternoon.
Some of the highlights on the agenda include a local industry update by regional geologists Paul Jago (Omineca Northeast District) and Jeff Kyba (Skeena District); an update on key regional mining projects like Mount Polley, Aley, Serengeti, Kiska, Red Chris, New Gold-Blackwater and others; talks on new technology like mapping and ground surveys using unmanned aerial vehicles by John Rankin, Geoscience BC data by Andrea Clifford, environmental assessments by industrial firm Amec Foster Wheeler, and many more; plus content on First Nations industrial relations, safety, education, and the Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett.
There are also fun yet topical presentations by Barkerville Historic Site, goldpanning demonstrations by Yukon Dan, a performance by steampunk rockabilly band Punk Drunk Cabaret, an art show with a mining theme, and the keynote address by Grey Cup winning CFL superstar Geroy Simon.
Although the Minerals North event is happening in Mackenzie, many delegates are staying in Prince George hotels and commuting to the event daily, benefiting the local economy of both communities.
For those in Prince George wishing to travel to and from the event there is complimentary express coach service, while seat supplies last. The Ramada Hotel is the P.G. muster point.
"Complimentary bus service will be provided thanks to the generosity of Northern Spirit Transportation," organizers said.
"Seats have been reserved for conference delegates staying at the Ramada Hotel. The balance of the seats will be available to others commuting to and from Prince George, and reserved on a 'first come - first served' basis."
To reserve your seat please contact the organizers at [email protected].
Complimentary shuttle bus schedule:
Wednesday
Depart P.G.: 7 a.m. Arrive Mackenzie:
9 a.m. (in time for mine tour)
Depart Mackenzie: 9 p.m. Arrive P.G.:
11 p.m.
Thursday
Depart P.G.: 6:30 a.m. Arrive Mackenzie: 8:30 a.m.
Depart Mackenzie: 10 p.m. Arrive P.G.: Midnight
Friday
Depart P.G.: 6:30 a.m. Arrive Mackenzie: 8:30 a.m.
Depart Mackenzie: 1:30 p.m. Arrive P.G.: 3:30 p.m.
