For the Townsman
More than 100 people from B.C.’s mining and natural resource sector will gather in Cranbrook to network, exchange ideas and technologies, discuss current mining climate and issues, and share knowledge at the annual Minerals South Conference and Trade Show, taking place November 7 to 9 at the Heritage Inn Hotel and Convention Centre.
The conference is organized by the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines (EKCM), a non-profit organization actively promoting sustainable resource extraction interests in southeastern British Columbia.
EKCM President Jason Jacob says the conference is not only a chance to showcase industry innovation and cutting-edge technologies being developed and implemented in the region, but it is also offering professional development and business/employment opportunities for individuals and companies in the area.
“This conference offers suppliers, workers, post-secondary students, and employers a chance to gain new knowledge and connections and keep up-to-date on the latest regulations,” says Jacob. “In addition to technical presentations on projects in the Kootenay area, Minerals South offers mining companies and suppliers a common venue to discuss solutions to mining and exploration-related issues.”
As part of the conference, a free public presentation will take place at 7:00 pm. on November 7. at the Heritage Inn Ballroom. Presenter is Guy Santucci, with his Paleontology talk on “A Short History of the Fort Steele Rifle Range Site”.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Other Minerals South highlights include a one-day short course on November 7, 8 am to 4:30 pm presented by Louise Corriveau - NRCAN, Jean-Francois Montreuil – Red Pine Exploration / MacDonald Mines Exploration, and Nicolas Piette-Lauziere - UBC.
The short course titled “Geological footprint of metasomatic iron-rich and alkali-calcic mineral systems as a guide for exploring IOCG and affiliated critical and precious metal deposits” introduce new tools to for mineral exploration.
Nov.8 and 9 will feature two full days of technical talks, a trade show, displays of paleontology fossils, and a showcase of field specimens of rocks, minerals and high-grade ore. Below BC will also be in the rock room and the public is welcome to bring any rocks or fossils that they would like identified by a professional geologist.
“And then we have the school program, which will run on Wednesday this year,” says Jacob. “We are pleased to have a geologist from Minerals Ed, she will be working with two classes of local students that will be attending the conference. They will be doing “Cookie Mining activity” before they continue onto viewing the trade show.”
Also new to this year’s Mineral South 2023 on Friday November 10th is a Core Shack that will have drill core on display from various exploration companies displaying and explaining their projects and the potential of their drilling turning from exploration into a full-fledged mine. This interesting event is open to the public with the Core Shack opening from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The East Kootenay Chamber of Mines organizes and hosts the Minerals South Conference and Tradeshow every two years, alternating with the Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC, located in Nelson. It is the EKCM’s primary fundraiser.
To register or find out more visit www.ekcm.org.