AME BC Celebrates Commissioning of Northwest Transmission Line

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 13, 2014) - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) today celebrated the opening of the Northwest Transmission Line in Terrace in northern British Columbia.

"Today's official commissioning of the Northwest Transmission Line gives us the opportunity to reflect on how so people from industry, First Nations, communities and the provincial and federal governments have worked together to make this nation-building infrastructure possible," stated Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. "Today presents an opportunity to celebrate the hard-earned efforts of those who have contributed to this legacy project over the past ten years, to thank the provincial and federal governments for their leadership in providing funding, and to recognize and thank the hundreds of men and women who helped construct the power line over the past two years."

The Northwest Transmission Line connects much of northwestern BC with clean, renewable energy, taking communities off diesel power, and providing renewable energy to the BC Hydro electrical grid. The transmission line has the potential to serve communities as well as current and proposed mine projects in an area the size of France. This area, renowned to the mineral exploration and development community as the Golden Triangle, has more than 935 mineral occurrences, including ten potential new mines that could provide over 4,000 direct jobs and $18 billion in capital investment.

Glen W. Wonders, AME BC's Vice President, Technical & Government Affairs, noted that the transmission line crosses the traditional territory of several First Nations. "We acknowledge that this transmission line is in the traditional territory of the Nisga'a Nation, Kitsumkalum First Nation, three Gitxsan Houses, Gitanyow Nation, Skii km Lax Ha, Kitselas First Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, Lax Kw'alaams Indian Band and Tahltan Nation. Many AME BC members have developed close business and personal relationships with Aboriginal communities in the area that may be served by the Northwest Transmission Line, and it is our expectation that mineral exploration and development projects will continue to be a major source of employment for local First Nations. Canada's mineral exploration and mining industry is the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal peoples, and this is evident in the area served by the Northwest Transmission Line. The transmission line provides the necessary infrastructure to keep and create local jobs in northern BC and provide significant benefits for multiple generations."

About AME BC:

AME BC is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME BC represents, advocates, protects and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in BC and throughout the world. AME BC encourages a safe, economically strong and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership.