The Province recognized mining operations in B.C. for their health and safety accomplishments last night during the 53rd annual Mine Safety Awards banquet in Victoria.

The awards were presented to mines and quarries operating in British Columbia that had the lowest injury-frequency-rate during the previous calendar year. The companies acknowledged are leaders in workplace safety in an industry that is critical to B.C.’s diverse, strong and growing economy.

New Gold Inc.’s New Afton mine and Copper Mountain Mining Corporations’ Copper Mountain mine, two of the five new mines that have opened in B.C. since the start of the BC Jobs Plan, both received awards for the lowest injury-frequency-rate.

This past year saw a decrease in the total estimated injury rate at mines in B.C. as well as a decrease in the number of days lost to injury.

B.C.’s mining industry remains one of the safest heavy industries in the province, a direct reflection of the co-operative effort of mine employees, mine management and unions, and the sector's commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards.

See backgrounder for a full list of this year’s awards recipients.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review -

“These awards underscore the progress made in health and safety practices in B.C.’s mining sector, while recognizing those companies that are setting an example of how to be successful while upholding health and safety standards. I want to thank these companies for the important work they do and for their commitment to keeping our workers safe.”

Al Hoffman, B.C. chief inspector of mines -

“Worker safety is always top of our minds and the ministry health and safety team strives for high safety standards at all B.C. mines. I'd like to thank all of the inspectors, mine management workers and unions for their commitment to ensuring mining remains one of B.C.'s safest heavy industries.”

Quick Facts:

• Mining is one of the safest heavy industries in B.C.
• Currently there are six operating coal mines and 10 operating metal mines in B.C., as well as hundreds of aggregate pits and quarries, and more than 30 industrial minerals mines throughout the province.
• The Mine Safety Awards were established in 1961 by the B.C. government to recognize the safety record of mines in B.C. 
• The Mine Safety Awards consist of three categories and seven different awards.
• Provincial health and safety inspectors are involved in all aspects of the mining cycle, to ensure the health and safety of workers, environmental protection and compliance with the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in B.C.

Learn More:

Mine Safety Awards:
http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/MINING/HEALTHANDSAFETY/MINESAFETYAWARDS/Pages/default.aspx

Media Contacts:

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

BACKGROUNDER 2014

Mine Safety Award recipients

The Ministry of Energy and Mines recognized the following companies for their exceptional safety records throughout the 2014 calendar year:

Certificate of Achievement - presented to operations with at least 15,000 worker hours and an injury-frequency rate of zero.

    Certain Teed Gypsum Canada Inc. - Windermere Mining Operation
    Fraser Pacific Enterprises Inc. — Sumas Shale Quarry
    Plateau Construction Ltd. — Harper Ranch Quarry

Stewart O’Brian Safety Award - presented to operations with 35,000 to 200,000 worker hours and the lowest injury-frequency rate.

    Baymag Inc.
    I.G. Machine & Fibers Ltd.
    Lafarge Canada Inc. - Texada Quarry
    Mainland Sand and Gravel Ltd. — Jamieson Quarry
    Teck Coal Ltd. — Quintette Coal Operations

Edward Prior Award - presented to operations with 200,000 to one million worker hours and the lowest injury-frequency rate.

    Copper Mountain Mine Ltd.
    Thompson Creek Mining Ltd. — Endako Mines

John Ash Award - presented to Gibraltar Mines Inc. for having at least one million worker hours and the lowest injury-frequency rate.

Large Underground Mines Award - presented to New Gold Inc. - New Afton Mine for the underground mine that had the lowest injury frequency rate.

Media Contacts:

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