Five B.C. mines were recognized for their outstanding achievements in reclamation practices at the Annual BC Mine Reclamation Awards banquet in Kamloops on Sept. 19.

A Vancouver Island partnership was the big winner for its successful remediation and innovative efforts at the historic Mount Washington copper mine near the Comox Valley. The British Columbia Jake McDonald Annual Mine Reclamation Award was presented to the Tsolum River Partnership, which includes representatives from provincial and federal agencies, non-governmental agencies and private landowners conducted remediation work between 2001 and 20011. Work was aimed at reducing copper leaching from the closed mine, which operated in the 1960's.

In addition to this, four other mine sites received honours for their work in mine remediation:

• Metal Mine Reclamation Award was awarded to Gibraltar Mines Ltd. for their forward-looking approach to reclamation by utilizing research trials to determine best methods in order to set the stage for future reclamation success at the Gibraltar Mine near Williams Lake.
• Industrial Mineral Mine Reclamation Award was presented to Quinto Technologies Inc. for the Lumby Mine. Quinto Technologies Inc. is to be commended for solid efforts to clean up this site and close access to underground mine workings.
• Aggregate Reclamation Award was presented to R.E. Postill and Sons Ltd. and the Coldstream Ranch Ltd. for excellent reclamation at the Rosebush Pit sand and gravel operation near Vernon. Reclamation practices at the Rosebush Pit centered on returning mined areas to useful agricultural land. Reclaimed areas have shown successful growth of grass, alfalfa and hay crops.
• Placer Mine Reclamation Award was presented to Eli Christiansen for the Douglas Property near Terrace. Christiansen and Moril Daigel are recognized for consistently demonstrating a responsible approach during operation and reclamation of their placer property.

Quotes:

Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas Rich Coleman -

"The companies and organizations being recognized are the reason why B.C. is a leader in environmental protection. They are setting an example of how to remain successful while ensuring that B.C.'s mining industry remains environmentally sound. I want to thank these companies for the important work they do and for their commitment to keeping our province beautiful."

Karina Brino, president and CEO, Mining Association of BC -

"MABC congratulates these companies whose reclamation programs exemplify the high standards the industry in British Columbia adheres to and upon which B.C.'s reputation sets the bar for other mining jurisdictions around the world. The companies are to be commended for employing innovative, effective reclamation practices aimed restoring mine and exploration sites in BC, ensuring the land is left in environmentally sound condition."

Quick Facts:

* B.C. is a recognized leader in environmental protection, successfully balancing resource development with a world-leading commitment to habitat protection and sustainability.

* Mine reclamation involves mitigating the effects of modern mining by rehabilitating the disturbed land. Work involves everything from re-establishing vegetative cover, to repairing soil stability and water conditions at the site.

* Mining activities cover less than one per cent of B.C. land base. Companies are legally required to reclaim all lands they disturb by mining, or through exploration.

Learn More:

British Columbia Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation: www.trcr.bc.ca

Permitting and Reclamation in B.C.:

http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Permitting-Reclamation/Pages/default.aspx

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617