The best of B.C.'s responsible and sustainable mining industry were honoured today with the 2010 Mining and Sustainability Awards.

Presented by the Mining Association of B.C. and the Province, the winners for 2010 are Northgate Minerals' Kemess South Mine and the Northwest Community College's school of exploration and mining (SEM).

The annual sustainability award recognizes the best the B.C. mining industry has to offer in responsible mining practices and is designed to encourage continuous improvement in key aspects of the industry that are important to all B.C. residents.

This award was first given in 2005 and recognizes the diverse companies, communities, First Nations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies and individuals committed to advancing and promoting sustainable development in the B.C. mining sector.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines -

"B.C.'s mining industry is recognized as a world leader in environmental protection and the winners of this award are strong examples of our excellence. My congratulations and thanks to Northgate Minerals' Kemess South Mine and the North West Community College school of exploration and mining for their diligence in ensuring the sustainable development of our natural resources."

Pierre Gratton, president and CEO of MABC -

"As the mining sector embarks on a period of growth not seen in a generation, it is more important than ever to find new and better ways to dig the minerals that are critical to a clean and green economy out of the ground. This award is intended to celebrate those new and better ways, and it is an honour to recognize both of this year's recipients for their leadership."

Harold Bent, environmental manager, Northgate Minerals Corporation -

"We are honoured to receive the 2010 Mining and Sustainability Award for our efforts at the Kemess South Mine" said Bent. "We are very proud of our accomplishments in all aspects of our operation including health and safety, environment, employee and community engagement, and production. We would like to thank MABC and the Selection Committee for the award in recognition of our achievements in sustainable mining practices at the mine."

NWCC president Dr. Denise Henning -

"The environmental monitor assistant program at NWCC's school of exploration and mining provides innovative training that focuses on sustainable development and environmental excellence. We are very proud that EMAP is being recognized by both the industry and the province as a success. The school is committed to those core concepts while it develops programs to prepare First Nations and other northerners as the industry's next generation of employees."

Quick Facts:

* Northgate Minerals Corporation is a gold and copper producer with mining operations, development projects and exploration properties in Canada and Australia.

* Since its inception in 2004, Northwest Community College's school of exploration and mining has taken a leadership role in providing training for the minerals industry workforce in northern B.C. communities.

* The B.C. government works closely with industry to ensure mining exploration and development are done in an environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and economically viable manner.

Learn More:

For more information, visit the Mining Association of B.C.'s website: http://www.mining.bc.ca/

Contacts:

Jake Jacobs

Media Relations

Ministry of Energy and Mines

250 952-0628

Kristine Kofoed

North West Community College

250 638-5470

Ben Chalmers

Mining Association of B.C.

778 828-2607

Harold Bent

Northgate Minerals

Kemess South

250 877-7855

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect