AME BC Pleased to See New Funding for Geoscience BC

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 22, 2014) - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) today welcomed the announcement by the provincial government to commit $3 million in new funding for Geoscience BC. The Hon. Bill Bennett, BC Minister of Energy and Mines, made the announcement today at the Minerals North 2014 conference in Vanderhoof, BC.

"We congratulate Geoscience BC on receiving new funding to support its important work in mineral and energy geoscience," said Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. "Over the past nine years, Geoscience BC has demonstrated great success in partnering with governments, industry and academic institutions to deliver world-class results that provide the public and industry with advanced knowledge of BC's mineral and energy development potential. We thank Minister Bennett for his vision and leadership and the provincial government for its continued commitment to Geoscience BC."

"Geoscience is the basic scientific research that drives our industry and the public's understanding of the Earth," said David McLelland, Chair of AME BC. "Geoscience BC's projects have inspired mineral exploration in various regions of the province, such as reviving interest in the mineral development potential of northern Vancouver Island. We look forward to the organization's continued work to stimulate further investment in mineral exploration throughout the province."

Geoscience BC was formed in 2005 following the provincial government's announcement of $25 million in funding at AME BC's Mineral Exploration Roundup 2005, and was the result of advocacy work led by AME BC's Geoscience Committee. The provincial government most recently provided funding of $11 million for Geoscience BC in May 2011.

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.