Barkerville Gold Mines received an amendment today to its Mines Act permit for the mill at QR Mine to process ore from the new Bonanza Ledge facility.

Located southeast of Quesnel, the QR mill is expected to provide 40 jobs over four years and will directly support mining jobs at the new Bonanza Ledge gold mine. Based on current reserves, up to 300,000 tonnes of ore will be processed at the mill once the facility is up and running.

Bonanza Ledge received its Mines Act Permit on Dec. 5, 2011, and currently has a mine life of four years. The mine design is the culmination of geological exploration, engineering and environmental studies undertaken by the company in the Barkerville camp since the deposit was discovered in 2000. Construction of the Bonanza Ledge mine began earlier this year.

The larger area of Quesnel and region has been hard hit by losses in forestry due to the mountain pine beetle epidemic, and will benefit from the QR mill continuing its operations.

Mineral exploration and mining are important economic drivers for British Columbia. The production value of B.C.'s mining industry was approximately $8.6 billion in 2011.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines -

"The QR mill will provide another 40 jobs for the Bonanza Ledge mining project in Barkerville and will carry on the gold mining legacy in the Cariboo region."

"Mining across B.C. supports job creation, provides opportunities for business growth and helps improve the capacity of health, education and other public services through government revenues."

Frank Callaghan, president & CEO, Barkerville Gold Mines -

"Bringing a mining property to production from its original discovery through to a permitted operation is an achievement that involves a partnership with government, First Nations, local stakeholders and the investment community. We appreciate the Ministry of Energy and Mines' diligent work in assisting Barkerville Gold accomplish this milestone."

"Next month marks the 150-year anniversary of Billy Barker's original gold strike and we are proud to be able to sustain that legacy going forward while positively supporting the local economy."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, the mining industry increased its production value by 20 per cent from the year before to approximately $8.6 billion.
• Mineral exploration spending exceeded $460 million in 2011, an increase of 35 per cent from 2010.
• In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural B.C.
• As committed in the BC Jobs Plan, eight new mines will open and nine will be expanded by 2015. This will result in:

• An increase annual mine-operation revenue by $1.6 billion.
• Approximately 2,000 construction jobs.
• 2,000 new direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs.
• Sustain 12,500 existing jobs (5,000 direct and 7,500 indirect).
• Over $150 million annually in government revenue.

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