SOMETHING MORE
THAN ROCK TALK

Terrace is hosting Minerals North 92,
incorporating a district-wide Trade Fair
and a public forum on mining —

T.. fourth annual Minerals North
Conference will offer the best of the last three plus a
whole lot more. On the agenda, of course, will be the
usual talks and meetings geared specifically to the
mining industry, But in addition, Minerals North 1992
will feature an 80-booth general interest Trade Show
and a public forum where anyone can ask questions
and express concerns on mining and land use issues.

The Minerals North concept began in 1987 with
the resurgence of mining activity in Northwestern
British Columbia. Mining companies based primarily in
the lower mainland were passing over or through
Northwest communities on their way to claim areas in
the remote mountains, with little awareness or realiz-
ation of the goods, services and amenities available to
them in the local cities and towns. A way was needed
to close this gap.

In April 1989, therefore, the first annual Minerals
North conference took place in Terrace. The conference
brought mining executives and the Northwest supply
and service industry together and also established a
lasting link between Vancouver- based mining com-
panies and a Northwest labour force that had previous-
ly gone unnoticed.

It was a billed as a huge success. Contacts were
made, views were shared and many seeds were
planted. It was the beginning of a new dialogue
between the Terrace business community and the
Northwest mining industry. As well, it was the
beginning of a more informed Northwest public.

Alaska is lobbying the mining industry with a
"vengeance", we learned in 1989. And if we wanted to

be a part of it, it was time we do a little lobbying of our
own. The provincial government was doing a few
things, but according to mining representatives at that
conference, they weren't doing nearly enough.

Infrastructure: roads, hydroeleciricity, airstrips,
upgraded airports — these are vital, say mining
executives. In 1989, Newhawk Mines president Don
McLeod said that the government's habit of commis-
sioning studies rather than taking action may be giving
Alaska the leading edge.

Has the situation changed since then?

We also learned in 1989 that the mining business
isn’t all adventure, glory and huge profits. On the
contrary, the mining industry is a high risk, high
stakes game. Only one exploration project in a thou-
sand actually produces a mine, said district geologist
Dave Lefebure in 1989.

But that’s only a part of the story, he added. With
all the expense of uncovering that single mine, it’s
productive life will likely only be around five to 15
years... If international markets remain strong.

This creates what is often described as a “boom or
bust” industry, and that often confuses the average
bystander, If it’s that risky, why do it? If you missed
the 1989 conference, you can find the answer to that

. question at Minerals North 1992.

Another valuable lesson learned from the 1989
conference was the value of the mining industry to
surrounding communities. In general, there are four to
five spin-off jobs for every job in an active mine. Can
we increase the number of spin-off jobs to five, six or
more? Drop by Minerals North 1992 to find out.

The most important lesson arising from that first

B.C. Mining Week/ Terrace Reveiw — February 28, 1992 15