AME BC Responds to Site C Decision

Hydroelectric project to help meet power demand for mineral development

Victoria, BC — December 16, 2014 — The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) today acknowledged the provincial government’s decision to proceed with the construction of the Site C dam and hydroelectric power generation project in northeastern British Columbia. Site C will produce low-cost, large-scale hydroelectric power for more than 100 years and attract investment in mineral exploration and development for multiple generations.

“Today, I thank Premier Christy Clark and Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett for their leadership on the decision to proceed with construction of Site C,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. “The Site C project will ensure that mineral development projects throughout the province will have a reliable supply of clean hydroelectric power for generations to come. Ten potential mines in northwestern British Columbia, for example, would require 328 megawatts of electricity – a demand equivalent to approximately four per cent of the total electricity capacity of the province.” Site C will have the capacity to produce 1100 megawatts of electricity.

BC continues to rank, along with Quebec and Manitoba, as among the lowest-cost jurisdictions for electricity in North America. This is because each of these provinces has large-scale hydroelectric power as its primary energy source. “Low electricity costs allow families to inexpensively power their homes and the numerous energy-using gadgets we all enjoy,” mentioned Dirom. “The same low-cost electricity also allows businesses, including mineral exploration and mining companies, to remain competitive globally, employ thousands of workers in BC, and contribute tax revenues to all levels of government. BC is an attractive place for mineral development because of historic investments made in reliable and clean hydro power; this decision will maintain that key competitive edge. The Site C project will build the necessary confidence within our sector and among investors that the province is poised to provide low-cost, large-scale electricity to power the next generation of mines in the province.”

About AME BC:
AME BC is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia.  Established in 1912, AME BC represents, advocates, protects and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in BC and throughout the world. AME BC encourages a safe, economically strong and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership.

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For further information, please contact Jonathan Buchanan, Director, Communications & Public Affairs, AME BC, at 604.630.3923 or jbuchanan@amebc.ca.

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