PLEASING PROSPECTS: Ross Stanfield (L) and Craig Kennedy are involved in the organization of the upcoming Minerals South Conference being held in Fernie. —photo by Tanya Laing Moore

Fernie will host a gathering of some of the brightest minds in the technical aspects of mining from around British Columbia and the world between November 6 and 9, 2007. The event, held last year in Nelson, B.C., is in its third year; Ross Stanfield, president of the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines (EKCM), believes that it is an excellent opportunity for members of the exploration and mining industry to gain new insights and perspectives.

“I think the important thing is taking a new, fresh look at something that you know,” said Stanfield. “Every now and then you need someone to bend your head a little bit and subsequently, you’re more likely to get that epiphany. It’s just a new way of looking at available information that’s very important. When you bring outside experts in, it’s just a way of getting that fresh look.”

Resources in the Rockies
The focus of this year’s event, Resources in the Rockies, will provide attendees with an opportunity to gain insights from a number of different sources. Among the presenting associations are the University of Victoria, Laval University and several independent mining and exploration operations from the region. Margot McMechan and Wayne Goodfellow of the Geological Survey of Canada will speak on the geology of the southeastern BC Rockies Purcell Basin, as well as SEDEX deposits: key geological and genetic attributes and exploration in Cordilleran sedimentary basins. Stanfield was enthusiastic about the calibre of presenters.

“In this particular case, we’re very fortunate because we’ve got world-class geologists and geoscientists: Geological Survey of Canada personnel, Geological Survey of BC, Geoscience BC—a lot of experts in their field,” said Stanfield. “We’re focusing that expertise on the type of geology we have in this region. Subsequently, they bring new ideas, new ways of looking at it, energy, (and) we get a chance locally to highlight the uniqueness of our area, the spectacular geological potential—and also to learn from these people.”

While Stanfield spoke highly of the visiting presenters, he is also proud of the expertise that exists in the Kootenays.

“We have world-class experts in this region,” he said. “We’re really fortunate: in our particular region, we have a lot of career professionals that are amongst world leaders in terms of knowledge and understanding—certainly of the geology of this region. We have some tremendous people here as well.”

The conference will highlight some of the promising projects in the southeastern region of B.C., including the MAX molybdenum mine, Ruddock Creek, Purcell Basin mineral properties and more.

Minerals South takes place at the Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge and Park Place Lodge, and over 200 registrants are expected for the event.

MINERALS SOUTH CONFERENCE: The conference will feature several workshops and discussions covering a range of topics. For a complete list of events and speakers, visit www.ekcm.org.

• Tuesday, November 6: A one-day short course entitled Mineral Deposit Alteration will be presented, led by R. Tosdal and G. Dipple with the mineral deposit research unit from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

• Wednesday, November 7: The official opening of the Resources in the Rockies conference occurs, followed by technical presentations.

• Thursday, November 8: Technical presentations will be held throughout the day.

• Friday, November 9: Field trips will be conducted to operating mines in the region.