Two new reports that offer investors a wealth of information about Northern Vancouver Island's natural resources now are available online.

This in-depth research - a forest-origin biomass inventory and an airborne magnetic survey - gives domestic and international investors and businesses the data they need to initiate new mineral exploration and biomass sector opportunities.

They were compiled as part of the Campbell River Regional Economic Investment Initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and the Campbell River Regional Economic Development Corporation (Rivercorp).

In early 2012, community consultations in the Campbell River area identified investment opportunities in the forestry and mining sectors where more information was required to attract investors.

Airborne Magnetic Survey

The airborne magnetic survey is part of the North Vancouver Island Exploration Geoscience Project, which is funded by Geoscience BC and the Island Coastal Economic Trust, with support from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Rivercorp.

The airborne magnetic survey was flown in a grid pattern over Northern Vancouver Island using helicopters equipped with magnetic sensors. The resulting high-resolution maps, which were released at the 2013 Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver, show variations in the Earth's magnetic field strength. The maps will help geoscientists interpret the geology and structure of the region, and target their mineral exploration activities.

You can preview and download the maps and data here: www.geosciencebc.com/s/Report2013-02.asp.

Biomass Inventory Report

The recovery and use of feedstock and biomass from British Columbia's forests - the material left over from harvesting operations such as stumps and branches - has increased in recent years, mainly to service electricity co-generation plants in pulp and paper mills. This new biomass inventory report, created in partnership with FPInnovations, offers detailed technical information about biomass sources and volume for 23 supply areas near Campbell River.

The analysis is based on historic harvest levels and provides potential investors with the total amount of roadside, dispersed and sort-yard residues available for new biomass projects.

The full report can be downloaded here: http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/economic_pilots/campbellriver_info.htm

Quick Facts:

• Campbell River, the economic gateway to northern Vancouver Island, was selected as a pilot community for the Province's Regional Economic Investment Initiatives in January 2012.

• On Jan. 30, 2012, the Campbell River Economic Development Forum launched the initiative, bringing together community and business leaders to identify and prioritize key local economic development opportunities. Approximately 75 delegates from government, business, First Nations and academia attended.

• Geoscience BC commenced its airborne magnetic survey in August 2012. As a result of good field conditions and increased cost-effectiveness, it was expanded to include Zeballos. Geochemical sampling of stream sediments in the area was undertaken as well and analysis will be available this spring.

Learn More at:

To learn more about the Regional Economic Investment Initiatives, visit: http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/economic_pilots/index.htm

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250-387-2799