Roundup 2008 Summary
Technical Sessions
Short Courses
Corporate Sponsors
Roundup 2008 Abstract (In PDF Format)
Red-Hot Roundup By Julie Domvile
The 25th annual Mineral Exploration Roundup was an unprecedented success. Hosted by the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C. (AME BC), Roundup has, over the past quarter-century, become internationally recognized as the world’s premier technical conference, as evidenced by its record 6,700 delegates from 48 countries. Held at the impressive Westin Bayshore in downtown Vancouver, the conference theme “25 Years: From Discovery to Development” both celebrated the future and honoured the past.
The inaugural Roundup, known then as the Cordilleran Geology and Exploration Roundup, covered three days in January 1984 and drew 700 delegates. Roundup began as a combination of the annual general meeting of AME BC (then the B.C. & Yukon Chamber of Mines) and the open houses put on by the geological divisions of the federal, provincial and territorial governments. The executive, staff and a few volunteers who worked tirelessly organizing that first conference had no idea they were launching what would unequivocally become the “go to” technical conference for the global exploration community.
The chosen timing of the conference, in the last week of January, coincides with the annual release of vital field data from the Geological Survey Branch and kicks off the beginning of the field season. At this year’s event, timing was also a factor in the announcement by Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger that the last week of January, to tie in with Roundup, has been declared Mineral Exploration Week. The declaration salutes the historical and ongoing contribution mineral exploration and mining companies make to the economy of the province in general and to communities in particular.
Roundup 2008, as the event has done continuously for 25 years, provided an exceptional opportunity for delegates to indulge themselves in a week of total immersion in all things related to mineral exploration. The conference “week” has been extended to nine days in order to accommodate the increasing number of short courses that precede the official opening, the outstanding technical sessions, the rotation of displays in the Core Shack, Map Tent and Prospectors’ Tent, as well as the hockey challenge, awards presentations, social events and field trips.
Although the Roundup of today garners outstanding national and international interest and attendance, the conference maintains its focus on topics that are at the heart of exploration in B.C. and brings all aspects of the exploration community together under one roof to learn, share, celebrate and enjoy. One of the features of Roundup that makes it unique is the aura of old home week that pervades the crowded hallways and tradeshow floor.
Inclusiveness is an adjective that can be applied to this conference, and one aspect that is increasingly apparent is the involvement of First Nations. This year the calendar of events included a workshop on “Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples: A Workshop for the Resource Sector,” and “Introduction to Minerals, Mining and Joint Ventures for Aboriginal People Entering the Sector: Everything You Need to Know and Just a Little Bit More” – both sessions were well attended.
Last year Roundup introduced Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing for delegates, and despite some initial squeamishness, many took advantage of the free service; this year, the Second Annual PSA Clinic tested nearly 200 men.
Roundup organizers also look after the interests of their younger and future members. The annual Student-Industry Networking Event brought university students together with industry leaders in an informal setting to chat about careers and employment. About 50 “Roundup Rockhounds” from Lower Mainland elementary schools clad in red T-shirts and yellow hard hats spent the day learning about the exploration and mining industry in B.C.
In 25 years, Mineral Exploration Roundup has grown to become an internationally esteemed, technically acclaimed conference. Congratulations to the Roundup Organizing Committee and staff of AME BC.
Mineral Exploration Roundup 2009 is January 26-29 at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. Registration will commence in September. For any enquiries, phone 604-689-4800 or email roundup@amebc.ca.
Monday Morning Official Opening and 2007 British Columbia, Alaska & Yukon Exploration Reviews In addition to the Opening Ceremonies, this session will provide British Columbia, Alaska and Yukon exploration reviews. Session Chairs: Randy Turner (Diamondex Resources Ltd.) Jason Weber (Rimfire Minerals Corp.)
Sponsored by:TBA
Monday Afternoon Not In My Backyard! Indigenous and Community Perspectives on Resource Development This timely and important session will explore British Columbian, Canadian, and international indigenous and community perspectives on business and resource development. It is becoming widely accepted that we have the research, knowledge, and expertise to address virtually all of the technical, economic, environmental, and engineering challenges that are associated with major resource development. Increasingly the one factor that can delay or even curtail a development project is the real or perceived concerns from local communities and indigenous peoples. The session will provide the opportunity to hear first hand the perspectives that indigenous and community leaders have on exploration and resource development, particularly with respect to consultation and community engagement. Discussions will emphasize what works and what does not in addressing the concerns and gaining the social licence that leads to the sharing of benefits and the certainty the business community needs to proceed with development. Session Chairs: Sue Craig (Northern Freegold Resources), Hans Mathews (Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association) and Geoff Freer (Firth Consulting)
Sponsored by: Hunter Dickinson Inc. Tuesday Morning Public Geoscience - Tools for Discovery! Public geoscience programs provide an important foundation for developing new concepts and knowledge of geology and mineral potential. This work, by dedicated and experienced professionals, frequently encourages new mineral exploration activity and helps in the successful targeting of minerals related investments. This exciting session, presented by geoscientists from the BC Geological Survey, the Geological Survey of Canada, the Yukon Geological Survey and Geoscience BC is expected to highlight public geoscience successes and new resource potential across the Canadian Cordillera achieved through various field programs and research during the preceding year. Public Geoscience – Tools for Discovery! will focus on current Cordilleran bedrock and surficial mapping initiatives and newly acquired geophysical and geochemical datasets, and will present new insights into the economic geology and mineral deposits of the Canadian Cordillera. Session Chairs: Brian Grant (BC Geological Survey), Grant Abbott (Yukon Geological Survey), Carmel Lowe (Geological Survey of Canada) and ‘Lyn Anglin (Geoscience BC) Sponsored by:TBA Tuesday Afternoon Where are the Ore Deposits? Exploration requires knowing where to go search for a particular type of ore deposit. Speakers will address important metallogenic provinces of the world, and how their geologic and metallogenic knowledge has evolved over the years. Potential examples include the African copper belt, the Proterozoic basins, convergent plate margins (continental and oceanic), and continental rifts. Session Chairs: Dick Tosdal (MDRU) and Jeff Wilson (TSX cop) Sponsored by: Teck Cominco Wednesday Morning Canadian Exploration Hotspots Global demand for commodities continues to drive investment in the minerals industry at levels not seen for 25 years, with Canada leading the way in raising exploration capital. The current commodity boom has revived the exploration community in British Columbia and has renewed exploration within Canada’s proven mineral provinces. Increased exploration activity has led to exciting new discoveries and the development of new mining projects in the major export commodities including nickel, uranium, copper, molybdenum, gold and coal. This session looks at the districts and properties that are exciting explorers across Canada with a focus on explorers in Canada’s Cordillera. Session Chairs: Andrew Ham (SRK Consulting) and Tom Schroeter (Fjordland Exploration Inc.) Sponsored by: Imperial Metals Wednesday Afternoon International Exploration Successes The increased flow of venture capital into the minerals sector and burgeoning balance sheets for producers of all mineral commodities and metals have provided an unprecedented level of funding for exploration. This has resulted in exploration geologists stepping out of their comfort zones, both in terms of drilling higher risk targets that they would not have dared to test in the earlier part of this decade, and venturing into countries once regarded as off-limits. The increased intensity of drilling, and the greater risk taking, has generated numerous exciting exploration successes in 2007. Presentations in this session will showcase some of the exploration projects, teams, and approaches that generated exciting drill results. They will also demonstrate that the exploration sector abroad is alive and well. Session Chairs: Neil Adshead (Passport Capital), Tony Scott (Teck Cominco Limited) Sponsored by: TBA Thursday Morning The Secret to Survival – 25 Years and Counting The Mineral Exploration Roundup is 25 years old and continues to build on past successes. This session will feature a group of industry leaders from the past quarter century who were all very much involved in the mineral exploration business at the time of the first Roundup in 1984. They will reveal the secrets of their survival, growth, and success through the tumultuous cycles of the minerals industry since then. What advice would they share and what lessons would they offer to those who will be the industry leaders at Roundup’s golden anniversary in 2033? Speakers will cover a broad spectrum of experience, and will represent major and junior exploration companies, contractors and consultants, service industries, and the legal and financial professions. Session Chairs: Nick Carter, Gerry Carlson (Copper Ridge Explorations Inc.) Sponsored by: Coeur d'Alene Mines Thursday Afternoon Super Cycle or Dot Com Bubble? Investor enthusiasm for commodities has continued over the past year, driven by strong prices and increased merger and acquisition activity. Debate still abounds about where we are in the commodity cycle. Is there a cataclysmic end in sight or will China and India continue to underpin demand while supply is constrained by the long lead times for new mine development? Session Chairs: Randy Turner (Diamondex Resources Ltd.), Nicole Adshead-Bell (Haywood Securities Inc.) Sponsored by:Dundee Securities Corporation
Tuesday Morning Public Geoscience - Tools for Discovery! Public geoscience programs provide an important foundation for developing new concepts and knowledge of geology and mineral potential. This work, by dedicated and experienced professionals, frequently encourages new mineral exploration activity and helps in the successful targeting of minerals related investments. This exciting session, presented by geoscientists from the BC Geological Survey, the Geological Survey of Canada, the Yukon Geological Survey and Geoscience BC is expected to highlight public geoscience successes and new resource potential across the Canadian Cordillera achieved through various field programs and research during the preceding year. Public Geoscience – Tools for Discovery! will focus on current Cordilleran bedrock and surficial mapping initiatives and newly acquired geophysical and geochemical datasets, and will present new insights into the economic geology and mineral deposits of the Canadian Cordillera.
Public Geoscience – Tools for Discovery! will focus on current Cordilleran bedrock and surficial mapping initiatives and newly acquired geophysical and geochemical datasets, and will present new insights into the economic geology and mineral deposits of the Canadian Cordillera.
Session Chairs: Brian Grant (BC Geological Survey), Grant Abbott (Yukon Geological Survey), Carmel Lowe (Geological Survey of Canada) and ‘Lyn Anglin (Geoscience BC)
Tuesday Afternoon Where are the Ore Deposits? Exploration requires knowing where to go search for a particular type of ore deposit. Speakers will address important metallogenic provinces of the world, and how their geologic and metallogenic knowledge has evolved over the years. Potential examples include the African copper belt, the Proterozoic basins, convergent plate margins (continental and oceanic), and continental rifts.
Session Chairs: Dick Tosdal (MDRU) and Jeff Wilson (TSX cop)
Sponsored by: Teck Cominco
Wednesday Morning Canadian Exploration Hotspots Global demand for commodities continues to drive investment in the minerals industry at levels not seen for 25 years, with Canada leading the way in raising exploration capital. The current commodity boom has revived the exploration community in British Columbia and has renewed exploration within Canada’s proven mineral provinces. Increased exploration activity has led to exciting new discoveries and the development of new mining projects in the major export commodities including nickel, uranium, copper, molybdenum, gold and coal. This session looks at the districts and properties that are exciting explorers across Canada with a focus on explorers in Canada’s Cordillera. Session Chairs: Andrew Ham (SRK Consulting) and Tom Schroeter (Fjordland Exploration Inc.)
Sponsored by: Imperial Metals
Wednesday Afternoon International Exploration Successes The increased flow of venture capital into the minerals sector and burgeoning balance sheets for producers of all mineral commodities and metals have provided an unprecedented level of funding for exploration. This has resulted in exploration geologists stepping out of their comfort zones, both in terms of drilling higher risk targets that they would not have dared to test in the earlier part of this decade, and venturing into countries once regarded as off-limits. The increased intensity of drilling, and the greater risk taking, has generated numerous exciting exploration successes in 2007. Presentations in this session will showcase some of the exploration projects, teams, and approaches that generated exciting drill results. They will also demonstrate that the exploration sector abroad is alive and well.
Session Chairs: Neil Adshead (Passport Capital), Tony Scott (Teck Cominco Limited) Sponsored by: TBA Thursday Morning The Secret to Survival – 25 Years and Counting The Mineral Exploration Roundup is 25 years old and continues to build on past successes. This session will feature a group of industry leaders from the past quarter century who were all very much involved in the mineral exploration business at the time of the first Roundup in 1984. They will reveal the secrets of their survival, growth, and success through the tumultuous cycles of the minerals industry since then. What advice would they share and what lessons would they offer to those who will be the industry leaders at Roundup’s golden anniversary in 2033? Speakers will cover a broad spectrum of experience, and will represent major and junior exploration companies, contractors and consultants, service industries, and the legal and financial professions. Session Chairs: Nick Carter, Gerry Carlson (Copper Ridge Explorations Inc.)
Sponsored by: Coeur d'Alene Mines
Thursday Afternoon Super Cycle or Dot Com Bubble? Investor enthusiasm for commodities has continued over the past year, driven by strong prices and increased merger and acquisition activity. Debate still abounds about where we are in the commodity cycle. Is there a cataclysmic end in sight or will China and India continue to underpin demand while supply is constrained by the long lead times for new mine development? Session Chairs: Randy Turner (Diamondex Resources Ltd.), Nicole Adshead-Bell (Haywood Securities Inc.)
Sponsored by:Dundee Securities Corporation
NI 43-101 Presented by AME BC, Robert Holland (BC Securities Commission), and Craig Waldie (Ontario Securities Commission)
Dates: Friday, January 25, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 4:30pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Stanley Park Salons 1 & 2
Course Overview: These two half-day courses are free to attend. There will be separate registration for each half-day session. The morning session will review the basics of NI 43-101 for those looking for an introduction to the principles and requirements of mining related disclosure regulations. The morning session will include the following: • Role of the qualified person • Disclosing mineral resources, mineral reserves and other estimates • Technical report triggers • Certificates and consents of qualified persons • Compliant technical reports - what is required • Disclosure requirements of the TSX and TSX Venture Exchanges The afternoon session will provide a more advanced look at NI 43-101 and will review what can be learned from Canadian mining industry disclosure and filing practices in 2007. Topics will include the following and more: • Learn from others - examples of good disclosure practices • Technical disclosure in mining prospectus filings - getting it right the first time • Technical reports: the good, the bad, and the ugly • OTC BB and Pink Sheet mining issuers - targeting the problem • How not to annoy the regulators
Applied Volcanology and Breccias for the Explorationist – Working from Description to Interpretation Presented by AME BC, David Cooke (CODES, University of Tasmania), Andrew Davies (Teck Cominco Limited), Bruce Gemmell (CODES, University of Tasmania), Jocelyn McPhie (CODES, University of Tasmania), and Kirstie Simpson (CODES - MDRU) Dates: Friday, January 25, 2008 to Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Stanley Park Ballroom, Salon 3 Course Overview: This three-day short course will provide the participant with fundamental skills required to work in volcanic systems, mineralized hydrothermal breccia systems, and the complicated situations where these two systems overlap. The course begins with instruction in basic fundamental physical volcanology skills including understanding eruption, fragmentation, transport and depositional processes, and the resultant volcanic deposits. The course then moves to subsurface hydrothermal environments and the range of brecciation processes and products that can be formed. In both sections, emphasis will be placed on the use of descriptive, non-genetic terminology and subsequent use of key textures, deposit characteristics, and relationships to assist in genetic interpretations. Specific topics will include the description and interpretation of volcanic and subsurface hydrothermal breccias, effects of hydrothermal alteration, and applications to exploration. This course involves many practical exercises that illustrate important textures, processes, and relationships, and uses rock suites collected from volcanic and breccia systems around the world. Sponsored by: Hecla Mining Company Exploration & Mining 101 Presented by AME BC and Dr. Rob Stevens (BCIT) Dates: Saturday, January 26, 2008 and Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Salon D Course Overview: This two-day course will present an overview of mineral exploration and mining for non-technical personnel working in this exciting industry (investor relations personnel, accountants, lawyers, management, administrative support, and investors). Topics that will be discussed include geology and mineral deposits, exploration methods, drilling, resource and reserve calculations, and common mining methods. The course includes an overview of how to read technical news releases, understand drill and assay results, and evaluate exploration properties and companies. Case studies using companies and properties in the news will augment the material presented. This course is adapted from the popular 4-day course called Exploration and Mining for Investment Advisors and Investors offered by AME BC and the BC Institute of Technology. Sponsored by: Snowden Squeezing More out of Rocks Presented by AME BC, Ken Hickey (MDRU), and Dick Tosdal (MDRU) Dates: Saturday, January 26, 2008 and Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Stanley Park Salons 1 & 2 Course Overview: Deformation plays a critical role in the formation and subsequent modification of epigenetic ore deposits. The application of structural geology in exploration requires both an understanding for the structural processes active in the deposit environment, as well as an appreciation of how to recognize, record, and interpret the products of deformation. This two-day course combines lectures directed towards exploring how structural features develop and examining their context in ore deposits. The course will span ore-forming environments from the near-surface brittle regime to deep, ductile systems. Topics will be illustrated with short case studies selected from a range of worldwide deposits. Kimberlites: Geological Principles Relevant to Evaluation, Resource Classification and Mining Presented by Mineral Services Canada Inc., Scott-Smith Petrology Inc., and SRK Consulting Dates: Saturday, January 26, 2008 and Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Salon E Course Overview: Day one of this two-day short course will lay the foundation for the application of geological principles to the evaluation, resource classification, and mining of kimberlites, post discovery. Day one topics will include an introductory overview of the nature of kimberlite; the structure and composition of the mantle; indicator mineral chemistry; diamonds: age, origin, characteristics and value; interpretation of diamond data in kimberlite exploration and evaluation; kimberlite petrography and the concept of diamond carrying capacity; and Mantle Mapper: integration of petrography, mineral chemistry, and diamonds in early stage evaluation of kimberlites. Day two of the short course will focus more specifically on the geology of kimberlite intrusions and the relevance of this to later stage economic evaluation and classification of kimberlite resources. Day two will close with a review of the relevance of geological factors in mine planning and production. Specific topics to be covered on day two will include: volcanological principles relevant to kimberlite emplacement; kimberlite emplacement models – the nature and characteristics of type one, type two and type three kimberlites; the economics of kimberlite emplacement; principles of resource classification; resource classification case studies; and geological factors relevant to kimberlite mining. Extracting Geology from Geophysics: The Application of Physical Rock Properties to Improve Exploration Targeting Presented by CAMIRO, Mira Geoscience, UBC MDRU-GIF, Quantec, DGI, Schlumberger, and the Geological Survey of Canada. Conveners: Tom Lane (CAMIRO), John McGaughey and Nigel Phillips (Mira Geoscience) Dates: Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:20am - 4:30pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Oak room Course Overview: This one-day short course will present the principles and technology of collection of physical rock property data and how this data can be utilized to interpret subsurface geology and target drilling for exploration success. Borehole specialists from mining (DGI) and petroleum (Schlumberger) will discuss the latest capabilities in borehole logging tools. Mira Geoscience, Quantec, and UBC MDRU-GIF will explain how rock property data is used to interpret subsurface geology from geophysical surveys and integration of this data into constrained 2D and 3D interpretations. The afternoon session will present case histories of applications to copper-gold porphyries, and uranium, nickel, and interpretation of regional geology. The workshop will communicate to the explorationist the importance and power of physical rock property data for geological interpretation and targeting in the subsurface. A web queryable national rock property database, whose development was supported by industry, the Geological Survey of Canda, and several provincial geological surveys will be introduced. Course presentations and additional information on available technologies will be provided in a manual. Kimberlite Volcanology: Understanding and Interpreting Kimberlite Geology from a Modern Volcanological Perspective Presented by AME BC, Raymond Cas (Monash University), and Kelly Russell (University of British Columbia) Dates: Friday, February 1, 2008 and Saturday, February 2, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Chairman Room Course Overview: This two-day course will provide participants with an overview on the geology and volcanology of kimberlites from a new, modern, and volcanological perspective. The course will include a review of what is known about kimberlite geology and identify some of the major problems in the interpretation of the formation, infilling, and deposit characteristics of kimberlite bodies. The problems associated with the pervasive alteration overprint affecting most kimberlites (in terms of understanding what preserved textures are secondary) and relicts of original emplacement textures will be addressed. The course will teach participants how to: a) deal with kimberlite rocks from a volcanological perspective; b) identify the types of volcanic deposits within a kimberlite body; and c) extract volcanic processes from altered or preserved kimberlite deposits. Understanding Mineralization Controls: Applied Structural Geology to 3D Modelling and Mining Presented by AME BC and SRK Consulting Dates: Friday, February 1, 2008 and Saturday, February 2, 2008 Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Oak Room Course Overview: Understanding the structural geological controls on ore deposition and geometry is a critical feature in 3D modelling of mineral deposits. Structural geological controls impact near-mine exploration, resource delineation and estimation, geotechnical domaining, hydrogeology, and in some cases metallurgy. This two day course is designed to deliver practical tools for industry geologists to interpret structural data and convert structural and geological data into 3D geological models and domains (e.g. in resource estimation: geology defines the resource not grade alone). The low-jargon course is highly practical and interactive through a combination of PowerPoint presentations and practical exercises, with case studies from exploration, mining, geotechnical, and resource projects drawn from the collective global experience of SRK structural geologists. Day one will provide a review of structural data collection and examine the tools and methods for interpreting structural data (e.g. sectional interpretation-‘joining the dots’). Day two investigates the application of structural geology to 3D modeling of ore bodies and geology, and its impact in resource estimation (e.g. gross geometric controls; continuity/variability of ore zone contacts and grade) and mining (e.g. dilution factors; geotechnical domains). A workbook containing copies of all presentations and exercises will be provided to participants for their future reference. Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples: A Workshop for the Resource Sector Presented by Bob Joseph, Indigenous Corporate Training *Onsite registration for this course will be available on a first come first serve basis at the door prior to the start time of 9:00 am. Dates: Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Marine Room Course Overview: This course was developed in collaboration with the corporate sector and Aboriginal peoples, and it is designed to help individuals and organizations work more effectively with Aboriginal people. Aboriginal issues like land claims and self-government represent some of the biggest change, challenges, risks and exciting opportunities for organizations today. With some tried and proven approaches individuals and organizations can position themselves to take advantage of the major change under way in Canada now. Sponsored by: AME BC and Mining Industry Human Resources Council
Applied Volcanology and Breccias for the Explorationist – Working from Description to Interpretation Presented by AME BC, David Cooke (CODES, University of Tasmania), Andrew Davies (Teck Cominco Limited), Bruce Gemmell (CODES, University of Tasmania), Jocelyn McPhie (CODES, University of Tasmania), and Kirstie Simpson (CODES - MDRU)
Dates: Friday, January 25, 2008 to Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Stanley Park Ballroom, Salon 3 Course Overview: This three-day short course will provide the participant with fundamental skills required to work in volcanic systems, mineralized hydrothermal breccia systems, and the complicated situations where these two systems overlap. The course begins with instruction in basic fundamental physical volcanology skills including understanding eruption, fragmentation, transport and depositional processes, and the resultant volcanic deposits. The course then moves to subsurface hydrothermal environments and the range of brecciation processes and products that can be formed. In both sections, emphasis will be placed on the use of descriptive, non-genetic terminology and subsequent use of key textures, deposit characteristics, and relationships to assist in genetic interpretations. Specific topics will include the description and interpretation of volcanic and subsurface hydrothermal breccias, effects of hydrothermal alteration, and applications to exploration. This course involves many practical exercises that illustrate important textures, processes, and relationships, and uses rock suites collected from volcanic and breccia systems around the world.
Sponsored by: Hecla Mining Company
Exploration & Mining 101 Presented by AME BC and Dr. Rob Stevens (BCIT)
Dates: Saturday, January 26, 2008 and Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Salon D Course Overview: This two-day course will present an overview of mineral exploration and mining for non-technical personnel working in this exciting industry (investor relations personnel, accountants, lawyers, management, administrative support, and investors). Topics that will be discussed include geology and mineral deposits, exploration methods, drilling, resource and reserve calculations, and common mining methods. The course includes an overview of how to read technical news releases, understand drill and assay results, and evaluate exploration properties and companies. Case studies using companies and properties in the news will augment the material presented. This course is adapted from the popular 4-day course called Exploration and Mining for Investment Advisors and Investors offered by AME BC and the BC Institute of Technology.
Sponsored by: Snowden
Squeezing More out of Rocks Presented by AME BC, Ken Hickey (MDRU), and Dick Tosdal (MDRU)
Dates: Saturday, January 26, 2008 and Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Stanley Park Salons 1 & 2 Course Overview: Deformation plays a critical role in the formation and subsequent modification of epigenetic ore deposits. The application of structural geology in exploration requires both an understanding for the structural processes active in the deposit environment, as well as an appreciation of how to recognize, record, and interpret the products of deformation. This two-day course combines lectures directed towards exploring how structural features develop and examining their context in ore deposits. The course will span ore-forming environments from the near-surface brittle regime to deep, ductile systems. Topics will be illustrated with short case studies selected from a range of worldwide deposits.
Kimberlites: Geological Principles Relevant to Evaluation, Resource Classification and Mining Presented by Mineral Services Canada Inc., Scott-Smith Petrology Inc., and SRK Consulting
Dates: Saturday, January 26, 2008 and Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Salon E
Course Overview: Day one of this two-day short course will lay the foundation for the application of geological principles to the evaluation, resource classification, and mining of kimberlites, post discovery. Day one topics will include an introductory overview of the nature of kimberlite; the structure and composition of the mantle; indicator mineral chemistry; diamonds: age, origin, characteristics and value; interpretation of diamond data in kimberlite exploration and evaluation; kimberlite petrography and the concept of diamond carrying capacity; and Mantle Mapper: integration of petrography, mineral chemistry, and diamonds in early stage evaluation of kimberlites.
Day two of the short course will focus more specifically on the geology of kimberlite intrusions and the relevance of this to later stage economic evaluation and classification of kimberlite resources. Day two will close with a review of the relevance of geological factors in mine planning and production. Specific topics to be covered on day two will include: volcanological principles relevant to kimberlite emplacement; kimberlite emplacement models – the nature and characteristics of type one, type two and type three kimberlites; the economics of kimberlite emplacement; principles of resource classification; resource classification case studies; and geological factors relevant to kimberlite mining.
Extracting Geology from Geophysics: The Application of Physical Rock Properties to Improve Exploration Targeting Presented by CAMIRO, Mira Geoscience, UBC MDRU-GIF, Quantec, DGI, Schlumberger, and the Geological Survey of Canada. Conveners: Tom Lane (CAMIRO), John McGaughey and Nigel Phillips (Mira Geoscience)
Dates: Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 8:20am - 4:30pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver,
Oak room Course Overview: This one-day short course will present the principles and technology of collection of physical rock property data and how this data can be utilized to interpret subsurface geology and target drilling for exploration success. Borehole specialists from mining (DGI) and petroleum (Schlumberger) will discuss the latest capabilities in borehole logging tools. Mira Geoscience, Quantec, and UBC MDRU-GIF will explain how rock property data is used to interpret subsurface geology from geophysical surveys and integration of this data into constrained 2D and 3D interpretations. The afternoon session will present case histories of applications to copper-gold porphyries, and uranium, nickel, and interpretation of regional geology. The workshop will communicate to the explorationist the importance and power of physical rock property data for geological interpretation and targeting in the subsurface. A web queryable national rock property database, whose development was supported by industry, the Geological Survey of Canda, and several provincial geological surveys will be introduced. Course presentations and additional information on available technologies will be provided in a manual. Kimberlite Volcanology: Understanding and Interpreting Kimberlite Geology from a Modern Volcanological Perspective Presented by AME BC, Raymond Cas (Monash University), and Kelly Russell (University of British Columbia) Dates: Friday, February 1, 2008 and Saturday, February 2, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Chairman Room Course Overview: This two-day course will provide participants with an overview on the geology and volcanology of kimberlites from a new, modern, and volcanological perspective. The course will include a review of what is known about kimberlite geology and identify some of the major problems in the interpretation of the formation, infilling, and deposit characteristics of kimberlite bodies. The problems associated with the pervasive alteration overprint affecting most kimberlites (in terms of understanding what preserved textures are secondary) and relicts of original emplacement textures will be addressed. The course will teach participants how to: a) deal with kimberlite rocks from a volcanological perspective; b) identify the types of volcanic deposits within a kimberlite body; and c) extract volcanic processes from altered or preserved kimberlite deposits. Understanding Mineralization Controls: Applied Structural Geology to 3D Modelling and Mining Presented by AME BC and SRK Consulting Dates: Friday, February 1, 2008 and Saturday, February 2, 2008 Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Oak Room Course Overview: Understanding the structural geological controls on ore deposition and geometry is a critical feature in 3D modelling of mineral deposits. Structural geological controls impact near-mine exploration, resource delineation and estimation, geotechnical domaining, hydrogeology, and in some cases metallurgy. This two day course is designed to deliver practical tools for industry geologists to interpret structural data and convert structural and geological data into 3D geological models and domains (e.g. in resource estimation: geology defines the resource not grade alone). The low-jargon course is highly practical and interactive through a combination of PowerPoint presentations and practical exercises, with case studies from exploration, mining, geotechnical, and resource projects drawn from the collective global experience of SRK structural geologists. Day one will provide a review of structural data collection and examine the tools and methods for interpreting structural data (e.g. sectional interpretation-‘joining the dots’). Day two investigates the application of structural geology to 3D modeling of ore bodies and geology, and its impact in resource estimation (e.g. gross geometric controls; continuity/variability of ore zone contacts and grade) and mining (e.g. dilution factors; geotechnical domains). A workbook containing copies of all presentations and exercises will be provided to participants for their future reference. Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples: A Workshop for the Resource Sector Presented by Bob Joseph, Indigenous Corporate Training *Onsite registration for this course will be available on a first come first serve basis at the door prior to the start time of 9:00 am. Dates: Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Marine Room Course Overview: This course was developed in collaboration with the corporate sector and Aboriginal peoples, and it is designed to help individuals and organizations work more effectively with Aboriginal people. Aboriginal issues like land claims and self-government represent some of the biggest change, challenges, risks and exciting opportunities for organizations today. With some tried and proven approaches individuals and organizations can position themselves to take advantage of the major change under way in Canada now. Sponsored by: AME BC and Mining Industry Human Resources Council
Kimberlite Volcanology: Understanding and Interpreting Kimberlite Geology from a Modern Volcanological Perspective Presented by AME BC, Raymond Cas (Monash University), and Kelly Russell (University of British Columbia)
Dates: Friday, February 1, 2008 and Saturday, February 2, 2008 Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Chairman Room
Course Overview: This two-day course will provide participants with an overview on the geology and volcanology of kimberlites from a new, modern, and volcanological perspective. The course will include a review of what is known about kimberlite geology and identify some of the major problems in the interpretation of the formation, infilling, and deposit characteristics of kimberlite bodies. The problems associated with the pervasive alteration overprint affecting most kimberlites (in terms of understanding what preserved textures are secondary) and relicts of original emplacement textures will be addressed. The course will teach participants how to: a) deal with kimberlite rocks from a volcanological perspective; b) identify the types of volcanic deposits within a kimberlite body; and c) extract volcanic processes from altered or preserved kimberlite deposits.
Understanding Mineralization Controls: Applied Structural Geology to 3D Modelling and Mining Presented by AME BC and SRK Consulting
Dates: Friday, February 1, 2008 and Saturday, February 2, 2008 Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Oak Room
Course Overview: Understanding the structural geological controls on ore deposition and geometry is a critical feature in 3D modelling of mineral deposits. Structural geological controls impact near-mine exploration, resource delineation and estimation, geotechnical domaining, hydrogeology, and in some cases metallurgy. This two day course is designed to deliver practical tools for industry geologists to interpret structural data and convert structural and geological data into 3D geological models and domains (e.g. in resource estimation: geology defines the resource not grade alone). The low-jargon course is highly practical and interactive through a combination of PowerPoint presentations and practical exercises, with case studies from exploration, mining, geotechnical, and resource projects drawn from the collective global experience of SRK structural geologists. Day one will provide a review of structural data collection and examine the tools and methods for interpreting structural data (e.g. sectional interpretation-‘joining the dots’). Day two investigates the application of structural geology to 3D modeling of ore bodies and geology, and its impact in resource estimation (e.g. gross geometric controls; continuity/variability of ore zone contacts and grade) and mining (e.g. dilution factors; geotechnical domains). A workbook containing copies of all presentations and exercises will be provided to participants for their future reference. Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples: A Workshop for the Resource Sector Presented by Bob Joseph, Indigenous Corporate Training *Onsite registration for this course will be available on a first come first serve basis at the door prior to the start time of 9:00 am.
Day one will provide a review of structural data collection and examine the tools and methods for interpreting structural data (e.g. sectional interpretation-‘joining the dots’). Day two investigates the application of structural geology to 3D modeling of ore bodies and geology, and its impact in resource estimation (e.g. gross geometric controls; continuity/variability of ore zone contacts and grade) and mining (e.g. dilution factors; geotechnical domains). A workbook containing copies of all presentations and exercises will be provided to participants for their future reference.
Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples: A Workshop for the Resource Sector Presented by Bob Joseph, Indigenous Corporate Training
*Onsite registration for this course will be available on a first come first serve basis at the door prior to the start time of 9:00 am.
Dates: Sunday, January 27, 2008 Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Marine Room Course Overview: This course was developed in collaboration with the corporate sector and Aboriginal peoples, and it is designed to help individuals and organizations work more effectively with Aboriginal people. Aboriginal issues like land claims and self-government represent some of the biggest change, challenges, risks and exciting opportunities for organizations today. With some tried and proven approaches individuals and organizations can position themselves to take advantage of the major change under way in Canada now.
Sponsored by: AME BC and Mining Industry Human Resources Council
Introduction to Minerals, Mining, and Joint Ventures for Aboriginal People Entering the Sector: Everything You Need to Know and Just a Little Bit More Presented by AME BC
Dates: Monday, January 28, 2008 Time: 9:15am - 12:00pm Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Marine Room Course Overview: This Session, open to All First Nations Delegates, will provide an open and honest forum for discussion of issues that affect First Nations choosing to enter the mining and minerals sector. The session will primarily emphasize practical issues associated with entering the mining industry. Topics will Include: - A short discussion on the Landscape for First Nations Entering into the Minerals Sector - A brief “Mining 101 Session” - An Overview of Considerations for First Nations Joint Ventures - A working discussion and question and answer session For information on waiting lists for all courses please contact Mary Hughes at mhughes@amebc.ca
For information on waiting lists for all courses please contact Mary Hughes at mhughes@amebc.ca
Thank you to all of our 2008 sponsors!
Abacus Mining and Exploration Corp. AMEC Aurora Energy Resources Blackstone Ventures Inc. Coeur d'Alene Mines Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. Fronteer Development Group Entrée Gold Inc. Genuity Capital Markets Golder Associates Ltd. Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP Haywood Securities Inc. Hunter Dickinson Inc. Hy-Tech Drilling Ltd. Imperial Metals Corporation Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. Indonesia Mining Pte., Ltd. Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. Knight Piésold Consulting KPMG International Major Drilling Group Int'l Inc. Miller Thomson LLP Mining Association of British Columbia New Gold Inc. Northern Trailer Ltd. Paradigm Capital Inc. Peak Gold Ltd. Placer Gold Design PricewaterhouseCoopers Research Capital Corporation Silver Standard Resources Inc. Silver Wheaton Corp. Skygold Ventures Limited Snowden Group
Atna Resources Ltd. Bank of Montreal BCGOLD Corp. Calibre Mining Corp. Commander Resources Ltd. Discovery Group Fugro Airborne Surveys Global Catalyst Group Ltd. Japan Airlines Jinshan Gold Mines Mining Industry Human Resources Council Okanagan Springs PI Financial Corp. Rimfire Minerals Corporation Rescan Environmental Services Roca Mines Inc. SouthGobi Energy Resources Terrane Metals Corp. Triex Minerals Corporation
Please click here for the 2008 Roundup Abstract Document
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