AME BC Opens Toronto Stock Exchange

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 15, 2015) - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) and BC Minster of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett opened Toronto Stock Exchange as part of the association's trade mission to Toronto. "Mineral explorers and developers based in BC are known for their resilience, innovation and optimism," says Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. "As we begin a new year in 2015, and in the lead-up to AME BC's Mineral Exploration Roundup 2015 conference, we are getting the word out that BC is open for business and well positioned for the next upturn in the minerals cycle." According to TMX statistics, 58 per cent of mineral exploration and mining companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange - 865 out of 1,492 companies - are headquartered in British Columbia.

"BC's mineral exploration and mining industry plays an integral part in our province's economic prosperity, and has helped build British Columbia over the past 150 years," says Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines. "British Columbia's untapped resources offer some of the best investment opportunities for resource development over the coming decade and beyond."

The market open is one of three industry events for the BC contingent in Toronto. The Toronto Stock Exchange open is followed by a business lunch at the Toronto Region Board of Trade, and the day will conclude with the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame dinner, which recognizes the lifetime achievements of Canadians active in mineral exploration, development and mining - both at home and abroad.

AME BC congratulates the four 2015 inductees into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. AME BC nominated inductee Peter Bradshaw, an AME BC Life Member and member of its Corporate Social Responsibility Committee for accomplishments that touch every category of achievement for nomination: exploration; building the corporation; technical contribution; supporting contribution and mining in society. AME BC also salutes the achievements of AME BC Life Member Mackenzie Watson, past AME BC E.A. Scholz Award recipient Ron Netolitzky and past AME BC Murray Pezim Award recipient Ian Telfer in being named to the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

View AME BC opening the Toronto Stock Exchange here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-oHl-ay5T0.

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.