Pierre Lebel of Imperial Metals is Honoured as the Mining Person of the Year for 2012 as Mining Week Celebrations Begin on April 29, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 30, 2013) - The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) recognized Pierre Lebel as the Mining Person of the Year for 2012 at the Mining Week opening gala in Vancouver, B.C. last night. Mr. Lebel has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing and promoting the mining industry in British Columbia and recognition by his peers and MABC is much deserved.

Pierre's many activities and achievements span more than 3 decades of contributing to building and supporting BC's mining industry. From his early days with E&B Exploration to Chairman of Imperial Metals with two operating base metal mines in B.C.(Mount Polley, Huckleberry), Mr. Lebel continues to invest and grow the mining industry at the helm of four advanced projects (Red Chris, Ruddock Creek, Catface, Sterling). Mr. Lebel is also Past Chairman of MABC (2006-2007) and a long serving member of the Executive Committee. Also significant is Pierre's commitment to growing the understanding of our industry in society through encouraging industry, government and communities to engage and work in a collaborative and positive manner. Pierre has made considerable contributions to community and business entities including Canada Place, Lions Gate Hospital, Business Council of B.C. and the Mining Association of Canada.

"The mining industry needs people like Pierre who not only grow the industry, but also make a point of personally contributing to the community by sharing their knowledge and expertise" said Karina Briño, President and CEO of MABC, "it is wonderful to be able to recognize the contributions he has made so far in his career, and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next from him", she added.

Pierre was awarded AME BC's E.A. Scholz Award in 1998 in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of mining operations in British Columbia and/or Yukon.

The Mining Person of the Year Award is an initiative of the MABC to publicly recognize an outstanding individual who has shown leadership in advancing and promoting the mining industry in British Columbia. The annual Award is presented during Mining Week every year.