Mine Reclamation Award Winners Announced

NEWS RELEASE

Best Practices in B.C. Mine Reclamation Planning and Closure Showcased at Vancouver Reclamation Awards Reception

VIEW THE FULL REPORT ON 35TH ANNUAL MINE RECLAMATION AWARDS

Vancouver, B.C. – The British Columbia Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation (TRCR) presented the 35th annual B.C. Mine Reclamation Awards on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 in Vancouver, B.C.

Press Release - 2011 Reception of 2010 Reclamation Award Winners

(L-R) Ben Chalmers, Outgoing Chair BC TRCR; Harold Bent, Northgate Minerals; David Morel, Ministry of Energy and Mines

The recipient of the 2010 British Columbia Jake McDonald Annual Mine Reclamation Award is Northgate Minerals Corporation for their outstanding reclamation achievements at the Kemess South Mine, located approximately 300 km northwest of Prince George. Northgate has demonstrated ongoing commitment to achieving reclamation success at Kemess South. Throughout reclamation the company has taken a holistic approach that centers around the philosophy that adequate landscape preparation will help lead to self-sustaining ecosystems.

“Northgate Minerals and their reclamation staff have demonstrated exemplary adaptive management practices at the Kemess South Mine,” said Ben Chalmers, outgoing Chair of the Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation. “The commitment to achieving successful reclamation is setting a benchmark for reclamation efforts at mines in BC.”

Thompson Creek Mining Ltd. was awarded for reclamation efforts in the metal mine category for their Endako Mine, located approximately half way between Prince George and Smithers. Thompson Creek Mining Ltd. staff are commended for recognizing the value in direct placement of salvaged soil. The re-vegetation results are impressive and provide an example for other sites across the province.

Lafarge Canada Inc. received the Sand and Gravel Reclamation Award for the Abbotsford Gravel Sales Ltd. site. Lafarge is commended for its innovative practices, partnership development and commitment to progressive reclamation that is returning mined areas back to agricultural land while increasing the gravel available for mining.

British Columbia is a global centre of excellence for the reclamation of both historic and operating mineral exploration and mine sites. Mineral exploration and mining in B.C. employ over 26,000 people and contribute over $7 billion annually to the B.C. economy. There are currently 20 major coal and metal mines in operation in B.C. The Mine Reclamation Symposium provides a forum for sharing knowledge that ensures today’s practices benefit the environment both now and into the future.

About the Technical & Research Committee on Reclamation (TRCR):

The TRCR originated, and first became active, in the early 1970s in response to a demonstrated need in the British Columbia mining sector for greater government-industry communication in the area of environmental protection and reclamation. Membership is drawn from industry, provincial and federal government agencies, exploration and mining associations, and universities and colleges. The Committee meets to discuss matters of joint concern and interest, exchange experiences, plan activities, and prioritize research needs. It sponsors the B.C. Mine Reclamation Symposium and studies on reclamation-related issues.

For more information, contact Ben Chalmers, outgoing Chair, B.C. Technical & Research Committee on Reclamation at bchalmers@mining.ca or 613-293-5111 or contact the award recipients directly.