Minerals South Conference In Cranbrook

From Nov. 2 to 4 professionals from across Canada’s mining and natural resource sector will gather at the 18th Annual Minerals South Conference and Trade Show in Cranbrook to network, exchange ideas, discuss the current mining climate, and share knowledge and technologies.

The conference, which will be held at the Heritage Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, is organized by the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines (EKCM), a non-profit organization actively promoting resource extraction interests in southeastern British Columbia. To register, become a sponsor, or learn more, visit www.ekcm.org.

EKCM President Jason Jacob notes this year’s conference is the first major resource sector conference in B.C. since the start of the pandemic and it provides an important and timely chance for mining companies, industry innovators, and suppliers to discuss current mining and exploration-related issues and opportunities.

“There’s obviously been a lot that’s happened in the last 18 months, and certainly we’ve seen some major industry opportunities, changes and challenges,” said Jacob. “The industry has stayed strong, overall, throughout the last couple years, but a key conversation that will be happening at this event will be, looking forward, how do we continue to invest in this sector and keep it strong.”

On Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. the conference will host a free public presentation by local paleontologist Guy Santucci on New Developments in Paleontology in the East Kootenay Area. The talk will take place at the Heritage Inn Ballroom. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The public is also invited to the ‘rock room’ on Nov. 3 and 4, where Below BC will have a professional geologist available to identify any rocks or fossils brought in by the public.

Other Minerals South highlights include a short course on Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Developing Respectful Relations with Indigenous Peoples in your Project Area, presented by Mike Keefer, Keefer Ecological Services Ltd. Attendees must register for the short course. The conference, supported by the Platinum sponsorship of Ximen Mining Corp., also features two days of technical talks, a trade show, displays of paleontology fossils, and a showcase of drill core and field specimens of rocks and high-grade ore.

“We are excited to also have the BGC (boys and girls club) attending as part of our School Program,” said Jacob. “This year the kids will explore the different trade show booths and the rock room, where they’ll see rocks and fossils found locally and learn about the many positive aspects of mining, its contributions to the region, and the role it will play as we transition to a greener economy.”

The East Kootenay Chamber of Mines organizes and hosts the Minerals South Conference and Tradeshow every two years, alternating with the Chamber of Mines of Eastern BC, located in Nelson. It is the EKCM’s primary fundraiser. The event will be held in accordance with regional restrictions and Provincial restrictions under the Public Health Act.