Two B.C. mines sites were recognized for outstanding achievements in reclamation practices at the Annual BC Mine Reclamation Awards banquet in Vancouver on Sept. 18, 2013.

The British Columbia Jake McDonald Annual Mine Reclamation Award was presented to Teck Metal Ltd for the decommissioning and reclamation of the closed Pinchi mercury mine near Fort St James. The company commenced work toward reclamation of this site in 1996 and was recognized for its scope of work and long-term planning. Reclamation activities are complete, however, ongoing monitoring of the site and surrounding area continues to ensure the site remains stable over time.

Teck Resources Ltd was recently named to the 2013 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI) for the fourth straight year, indicating that Teck's sustainability practices rank in the top 10 per cent of the world's 2,500 largest public companies. This ranking placed Teck among the leaders in the mining category as Teck continued to advance its sustainability strategy by taking steps toward achieving its goals in six focus areas: Community, Our People, Water, Biodiversity, Energy and Materials Stewardship.

In addition to this main award, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, BC Crown Contaminated Sites group was awarded the Metal Mine Reclamation Award for remediation and reclamation of the Atlin Ruffner Mill and Tailings site. This abandoned historic mill and tailings site on Crown Land, located in northwest British Columbia, was mined intermittently until 1981. Remediation focused on reducing exposure to contaminated soils and development of a secure landfill facility. The BC Crown Contaminated Sites group was commended for its work to reclaim this historic mine site through innovative and cost-effective methods.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett Minister of Energy and Mines -

"These British Columbia companies and organizations are setting the standard in the mining industry across the world for environmental protection. I want to commend these groups for the important work they do and for their commitment to protecting British Columbia's natural beauty."

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"The Crown Contaminated Sites Group was formed in 2003 to manage high-risk contaminated sites on Crown land to protect human health and the environment. It's great to see external recognition for their successes."

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 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:

Jake Jacobs
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0628