AME BC Celebrates Environmental Assessment Approval for Brucejack Mine Project in BC

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 2, 2015) - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) celebrates the March 26 environmental assessment approval of Pretium Resources Inc.'s Brucejack mine project located in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. BC Environment Minister Mary Polak and Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett issued an Environment Assessment Certificate that allows for the project to proceed.

"The environmental approval of the Brucejack project demonstrates another successful step in the responsible exploration and development of BC's mineral resources that continue to attract significant investment and provide benefits to all British Columbians," says David McLelland, Chair of AME BC. "Furthermore, the announcement today that Pretium Resources Inc. and the Nisga'a Nation have entered into a Cooperation and Benefits Agreement demonstrates the ability of companies to successfully advance projects in BC through proactively and meaningfully engaging local aboriginal communities." The Brucejack mine would generate more than $1.4 billion in federal and provincial taxes over an 18 year mine life according to a feasibility study completed in June 2014.

"We are very pleased that Pretium's Brucejack mine project has received its environmental assessment approval," states Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. "The development of this world-class deposit into a high-grade underground gold mine is expected to create several hundred high-paying jobs in BC, including more than 500 at the construction stage and 300 during mine operations. And along with Seabridge Gold's nearby KSM project, which received environmental assessment approval last year, our industry is clearly demonstrating that it is successfully engaging with First Nations, local communities and governments at all levels - in both BC and neighbouring Alaska - to develop mine projects responsibly."

The Brucejack project is located in an area in northwestern BC known as the Golden Triangle, which contains more than 935 mineral occurrences, including ten potential new mines (such as Brucejack) that could provide over 4,000 direct jobs and $18 billion in capital investment. The region is served by the Northwest Transmission Line, which was commissioned in August 2014. Further details about the Golden Triangle are covered in the Spring 2015 issue of AME BC's Mineral Exploration magazine at http://digital.canadawide.com/i/468124.

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.