Fjordland Exploration’s President Tom Schroeter will present an overview of mining in BC and the Yukon at the PDAC March 4, 2013.  The presentation, BC and Yukon: Gateway to the Pacific – Can/Will Momentum be Sustained?  will highlight some of the opportunities, strengths and challenges facing the industry in two of Canada’s most important mining jurisdictions that are attracting increasing investment from domestic and foreign companies.  The presentation is part of PDAC’s new technical session Canada in 2013: A Cross-Country Check-up of Exploration and Development Successes and Potential Problems that provides a “reality check” of the mining exploration business across Canada from an industry perspective. Don’t forget International Mining’s revue of Canadian suppliers to the global mining industry in the April issue of the magazine.

The following important topics about the BC and Yukon exploration and mining industries will be covered:

• Overview of Major New Discoveries and Mines
• Transportation and Power Infrastructure: Existing, Proposed and Opportunities
• Land Claims: Key Issues and Challenges
• Global Warming’s Effect on Exploration
• The Mining Manpower-Labour Market Mismatch
• The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment
• Environment/Permitting/Regulations: Successes and Challenges
• Taxation Incentives
• Public Awareness and Stakeholder Education
• “New” Discoveries vs “Old” Discoveries with New Names?
• The Effect of Changing Commodity Prices on Project Economics
• How the Outcome of the Upcoming BC Election Will Affect the Industry.

A copy of the presentation will be available on Fjordland’s website after the PDAC.

British Columbia is a world-class centre for exploration and development. Half of Canada’s proposed new mines (greater than 25) are in the province.  Potential new mines and major mine expansions, totaling over 50 over the next five to six years, will require in excess of C$30 billion in capital expenditures and will create over 15,000 new jobs.  More than 1,200 (65%) of Canadian exploration companies and 2,400 service companies are based in BC. Moreover, in 2012, companies operating in British Columbia raised approximately 40% (C$5.3 billion) of all Canadian exploration dollars, with projects in BC accounting for about 20% of exploration expenditures in Canada.  Exploration spending during 2012 reached a record C$680 million. A full abstract of Tom Schroeter’s talk is available at http://www.pdac.ca/pdac/conv/2013/pdf/ts/canada-schroeter.pdf.

Monday, March 4, 2013, BC/Yukon presentation by Tom Schroeter 4-4:30 pm at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Tom Schroeter is both a mining and geological engineer with over 40 years experience related to the mining industry in Canada.  He has established a reputation as one of the most respected and expert authorities on British Columbia’s geology and mineral deposits.  After working in the private sector with a variety of mining companies, he worked with the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, based in Smithers and Vancouver, for nearly 35 years.  Throughout his career, Tom has been highly involved in the industry including as a member of several mining associations and committees.  In recognition of Tom’s achievements and commitment to the industry, he has received numerous industry awards. He is President/CEO of Fjordland Exploration, Senior Technical Advisor of Consolidated Woodjam Copper Corp and a Director of AME BC (Association for Mineral Exploration BC).