Opening Session
Environmental Assessment and Licensing in Manitoba
Tracey Braun (Manitoba Sustainable Development)
The presentation will review the environmental assessment and licensing process in Manitoba. Topics to be covered include application requirements, key steps and milestones in the regulatory process, opportunities for public participation in the process, triggers for hearings, and coordination with the federal regulators.
Manitoba Mineral Exploration and Development Trends
Chris Beaumont-Smith (Manitoba Mines Branch)
Low commodity prices and challenging equity markets have contributed to lower exploration and development investments affecting the mineral exploration and mining sectors in Manitoba. In spite of this, mineral exploration and development projects continue to advance. The presentation will highlight exploration trends, provide an overview of current exploration projects, and update the status of advanced exploration and development projects in Manitoba.
Open for Business
Mark Scott (Mining Association of Manitoba Inc.)
With optimism cautiously rising across our industry and a new government in place within the province, the time is right for all stakeholders to come together to help position Manitoba as a leading mining jurisdiction. Three strategic imperatives are critical to our shared success: Competitiveness, Certainty, and Capacity. As the voice of the industry within the province, the Mining Association of Manitoba is committed to helping realize this ambition for the benefit of all Manitobans.
Overview of 2016 Activities of the Manitoba Geological Survey
Christian Böhm (Manitoba Geological Survey)
This overview presentation is aimed to demonstrate the broad range of independent, partnered and collaborative geoscience projects conducted by the Manitoba Geological Survey in 2016. The projects are annually selected on the basis of anticipated economic benefits, industry and community requests, and collaborative opportunities; are designed to enhance and update the geoscience knowledge base of the Province and to promote resource development, informed land-management planning, Aboriginal engagement and mineral education to the public; and range from regional mapping to site-specific investigations, detailed thematic studies and outreach. The differing scales and diversity of these projects reflects the Survey’s aptitude to tackle complex geological problems posed by Manitoba’s diverse geology. In addition to providing quality geoscience information, it is the Survey’s priority to maintain and update a knowledge base that is accessible, relevant and understandable to all stakeholders seeking to participate in sustainable development of Manitoba’s mineral and energy resources.
Signs of Life? The State of Mineral Exploration in Canada
Felix Lee (Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC))
This presentation will provide a national perspective on the state of mineral exploration in Canada, situated within a global context. Key topics will include the state of exploration finance globally, and within Canada; the state of exploration expenditures within Canada as compared to key competitors and the factors affecting how competitive Canadian jurisdictions are at attracting investment. It will conclude with an overview of the specific actions PDAC is taking nationally to help support a competitive and responsible exploration industry to access the land, skills and capital needed to find and develop deposits of the minerals and metals that make modern life possible.
Where are We (In the Market)?
Barry Allan (Mackie Research Capital Corp.)
As illustrated by the share price increase of Klondex Mines [figure 1], operating gold producers have enjoyed a good 2016 on the back of higher gold prices and a lower Canadian dollar. As also seen from the share price performance of Minnova Inc. [figure 2], the improved market for gold has gone beyond operating gold producers, and has extended to companies with gold resources looking to become operating mines. 2016 has seen the emergence of a new bull market in gold. Unfortunately, the rally in mining stocks has not extended to producers of base metals [figure 3] - in spite of an expected short-fall in zinc supply. Producers or explorers of copper, zinc and lead have not had a good year. Iron ore and coal, neither of which the province produces but which have a bearing on nickel, have not been good either. An exception to the market outside of gold, has been explorers for lithium – either brine or hard rock based – all of who have seen share price increases due to the prospect of better pricing and increased demand for lithium-ion batteries [figure 4]. However, the rapid rising in “me-too” ExploreCos has caused the lithium sector to be rife with a high degree of promotion. Lastly, new discoveries will always attract market attention, which potentially Callinex Mines have recently enjoyed [figure 5]. Generally speaking, Manitoba is not known for its gold mines, unlike Ontario or Quebec. The province is largely seen as being anchored by copper/zinc/lead production or nickel output. Where do opportunities lie? In the short-term, the market has immediate interest in gold production or exploration. Over the long-term, successful exploration will always create value for shareholders, regardless of the commodity sought.
Manitoba in Production
Lalor Mine Gold Bulk Sample Program
Robert Carter (Hudbay Minerals Inc.)
Careful and measured, due diligence approach to define and understand the discrete mineralized gold zones at Lalor mine. Hudbay’s key objective of the gold bulk sample program is to evaluate how drill results, zone interpretation, and resource estimate compare to actual mining across the gold mineralization. In 2016, Hudbay completed a 75 core hole, 14,600 metre underground exploration drill program focused on delineating a gold horizon. Based on positive drill results, three separate underground development locations were chosen to collect a gold bulk sample. The gold bulk sample, consisting of approximately 7,500 tonnes (25 development rounds) is trucked to surface on a round by round basis to be processed through a sample tower. To ensure quality control of the bulk sample was adhered to, the team implemented a complete chain of custody from the drift face to sample tower on surface. The sample tower, specifically designed by Halyard Inc. and Hudbay, is able to collect a geostatistically representative sample from each development round by taking primary and secondary splitter cuts fully across a free falling sample stream. A positive correlation of the bulk sample program and the resource estimate will reduce uncertainty of the gold mineralization, which may have the economic potential of re-opening the New Britannia mill, owned by Hudbay, in Snow Lake, Manitoba.
60 Years Proud: Update on Vale in Manitoba
Mark Scott (Vale Manitoba Operations)
Vale is proud to be celebrating the 60th year since the discovery of the ore body that led to the development of our Manitoba Operations and the City of Thompson. Despite market challenges and the planned closure of our smelter and refinery in Thompson, our Manitoba Operations continue to be an industry-leading producer of nickel. In 2016 we achieved a number of milestones and moved into execution on our Concentrate Load-out Project. We remain committed, above all, to SafeProduction in pursuit of zero harm to our people, our communities, our business and the planet. In order to remain competitive and safe through one of the most challenging cycles in our history, we have prioritized continuous improvement, applied leadership, communication and the distinctive actions of SafeProduction—plan, accept, care and lead.
No video available
Tanco Project West
Claude Deveau (Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada Limited)
Tanco is the world’s primary source and largest reserve of Cesium. The ore is processed at Tanco for the production of cesium formate and other cesium brines. Tanco, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cabot Corporation, is situated at Bernic Lake, 60 km Northeast of Lac du Bonnet. This presentation will describe a recent project at Tanco where pillars were reinforced in order to create a safe access to ore contained in a sill. This project also included ground remediation and instrumentation to allow for safe and successful recovery of ore.
True North – A New Approach
Brian Morris (Klondex Mines Ltd.)
The Rice Lake Greenstone Belt has been an active gold camp since the early 1900’s when gold was first discovered near Bissett, Manitoba on the north-shore of Rice Lake in 1911. Since then the area has seen numerous phases of exploration and mining which resulted in several producing mines. Of these the True North Mine (formally Rice Lake and San Antonio Mine) is the largest and longest lasting producer with over 1.5 million ounces of gold produced to date. True North Mine is located in the Rice Lake Greenstone belt which belongs to the Neoarchean Uchi Subprovince within the western Superior Province. Mineralization is hosted in gabbro, basalt and intermediate volcaniclastic rocks and quartz-carbonate veins are developed in two conjugate structures 1) the northeast-trending fault-fill veins (‘16’ type) and 2) the northwest-trending breccia veins (‘38’ type). Historically mineralised shear zones were only mined in the gabbro sill of the San Antonio Mine (‘SAM’) unit. More recently mineralised zones have been discovered within the Shoreline Basalt, intermediate volcaniclastic rocks of the ‘Townsite Dacite’, and an intermediate to mafic flow. Klondex has established an exploration plan for 2017/2018 which include: where major producing structures intersect favourable lithologies, past promising results with no or little follow up and identifying new targets that to date have seen little to no previous exploratory work.
Explore Manitoba: Mineral Exploration and Geoscience Highlights I – Northern Superior region
Assessing the Potential for Base and Precious Metals, Uranium, Rare Earth and Platinum-Group Elements in the Northern Superior Province of Manitoba with New Regional Lake Sediment Geochemical Data
Martin McCurdy (Geological Survey of Canada) and C. Böhm (Manitoba Geological Survey)
Lake sediment samples were collected in 1986 from NTS 53-E (north half), 53-L, and 53-M (south half) map sheets west of the Ontario-Manitoba border in the northwestern Superior Province in Manitoba, spanning the North Caribou, Munro Lake and Oxford-Lake-Stull Lake terranes. Under a joint Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Manitoba (Geological Survey of Manitoba) and the Federal Government (Geological Survey of Canada) a set of 2,485 samples archived in Ottawa were reanalyzed by currently available commercial methods and supplement the 1986-vintage 17-element data set with a modern, precise data set of 65 elements. These data outline areas favourable for economic mineral exploration for base and precious metals, uranium, rare earths and platinum-group elements. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods of Exploration Data Analysis (EDA) in combination with lake sediment data and geoscience maps from the Manitoba GIS Map Gallery can be used to highlight areas with economic mineral potential. A Principal Component Analysis (log-centred transform) suggests relationships between geochemical data and lithologic variability, surficial geology and mineral occurrences. The initial results and interpretation of the lake sediment geochemistry show a strong predictive capability for surficial cover throughout the survey area.
Exploration Update on the Rice Lake Island Ni-Cu-Co Property, Snow Lake, Manitoba
Donald Hoy (Wolfden Resources)
No abstract available.
Geology and Economic Potential of the Oxford Lake–Knee Lake Greenstone Belt, Superior Province, Manitoba: New Results of Bedrock Mapping at Knee Lake
Scott Anderson (Manitoba Geological Survey)
The Oxford Lake–Knee Lake belt is the largest contiguous greenstone belt in the northwestern Superior province. Since 2012, this highly prospective yet underexplored belt has been the focus of renewed study by the Manitoba Geological Survey in order to improve understanding of the stratigraphy, tectonic evolution and mineral resource potential. This talk will provide an update of results from this work, including: 1) recognition of a distinct association and configuration of synorogenic sedimentary basins, angular unconformities, thrust faults and alkaline intrusions at central Knee Lake, which may serve as an important guide for gold exploration based on similarities to major orogenic gold districts elsewhere in the Superior province (e.g., Kirkland Lake); 2) discovery of a swarm of carbonate dikes, tentatively interpreted as carbonatite, adjacent to the southeast margin of the Cinder Lake alkaline intrusive complex, with implications for rare metal prospectivity; 3) documentation of a diverse suite of alkaline magmatic rocks, including subvolcanic intrusions of shoshonitic (ultrapotassic) and calcalkaline lamprophyre, and primary or reworked volcaniclastic equivalents, which may have potential to host ‘Wawa-type’ unconventional (i.e., conglomerate or lamprophyre-hosted) diamond deposits.
Monument Bay Project Update
Glenn Kuntz (Yamana Gold Inc.)
In 2016 Yamana has continued exploring and defining the Monument Bay Project in NE Manitoba. The ongoing exploration activities continue to build upon the December 2015 43-101 update of the resources which outlined that the deposit currently hosts 1.8 Million Indicated Ounces at 1.52 g/t gold and 1.8 Million Inferred Ounces at 1.32 g/t gold. There is over 140 km of gold tungsten bearing structures on the property and recent geophysical modelling work has demonstrated the potential for existing parallel structures 4 km south of the existing potential pit outline. All deposits are open for expansion along strike and at depth. Yamana’s health, safety, environment and community relations programs are integrated into all our operations. These programs support Yamana’s goals of achieving zero injuries, and no significant environmental and social impacts. For the remainder of 2016/17 Yamana will continue to focus on advancing and de-risking the Monument Bay Project with drilling, ongoing engineering related studies and continued environmental monitoring programs.
No video available
Preliminary Bedrock Mapping Results, Bigstone Lake, Manitoba
Marc Rinne (Manitoba Geological Survey)
The Manitoba Geological Survey (MGS) began 1:20 000 scale mapping of the Bigstone Lake area in the summer of 2016, as part of a renewed study of supracrustal rocks in the Bigstone–Wass–Knight Lakes area. Although the rocks in this part of Manitoba are host to several known occurrences of copper, zinc, and gold, the region has seen very little exploration activity during the past few decades. Results of this year’s field season, building partly on previous work, include: 1) delineation of several ultramafic cumulates and related flows in the lower part of the greenstone belt stratigraphy, with potential for nickel sulphide mineralization; 2) recognition of a complex structural history, with implications for understanding potential controls on vein hosted precious metal mineralization in the region; and 3) definition of several regional alteration zones, including mineral assemblages known elsewhere to occur in association with volcanogenic massive sulphide and/or shear-hosted gold deposits.
Explore Manitoba: Mineral Exploration and Geoscience Highlights II – Lynn Lake belt
Bedrock and Surficial Geology Investigations at Southern Indian Lake: Implications for Exploration
Tânia Martins and Tyler Hodder (Manitoba Geological Survey)
Field work conducted in the central area of the Southern Indian Lake basin during the summer of 2016 included bedrock mapping, ice-flow indicator mapping and till sampling. The Southern Indian Lake area is underlain by Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Trans-Hudson orogen, consisting of metamorphosed plutonic, sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Southern Indian domain and metaplutonic rocks of the Chipewyan domain. The geological setting and results from bedrock mapping indicate potential for volcanogenic base metals, intrusion-related gold and kimberlite-hosted diamonds. Kimberlite-indicator mineral surveys are a commonly used exploration tool to investigate diamond potential in glaciated terrains. This summer, reconnaissance-scale till sampling was undertaken to further assess the regional kimberlite potential of the Southern Indian Lake area. Ice-flow indicator mapping provides an up-to-date drift exploration framework to follow up on till geochemistry and indicator mineral results.
Paleoproterozoic Gold and its Tectonic Triggers and Traps: Preliminary Findings from the Farley Lake Deposit
Chris Lawley (Geological Survey of Canada)
Identifying the tectonic triggers for gold is particularly important for regional-scale exploration efforts within complex, multiply-deformed geologic environments such as Paleoproterozoic metamorphic belts. This study will address that knowledge gap by developing a temporal framework for gold, deformation and metamorphism within the Paleoproterozoic Lynn Lake greenstone belt. Fieldwork completed in 2016 focused primarily on logging drill core and documenting the relative temporal relationship between veins, deformation fabrics, metamorphism and gold at the BIF-hosted Farley Lake Deposit. Gold at Farley Lake is associated with late, shallow-dipping veins that cut BIF and the main deformation fabric (S2), which led previous workers to suggest that gold at this deposit may represent a younger, post-deformational period of mineralization within the Lynn Lake greenstone belt. However, pre- to syn-S2 veins with visible gold also occur, which document an earlier period of mineralization at Farley Lake that is consistent with the relative timing of auriferous veining and shear-zone hosted mineralization at other gold deposits within the Lynn Lake belt. This relative chronologic framework and mineral paragenesis will form the basis for further geochronology sampling.
No video available
Preliminary Results of Bedrock Mapping in the Paleoproterozoic Lynn Lake Greenstone Belt, Northwestern Manitoba: New Insights into the Iron Formation-hosted Farley Lake Gold Deposit
Eric Yang and Chris Beaumont-Smith (Manitoba Geological Survey)
This talk presents preliminary results of bedrock mapping in the Farley Lake area during the 2016 field season. In this area, the Lynn Lake greenstone belt is defined by a variety of volcanic rocks comprising basalt, andesite, dacite and rhyolite, related volcaniclastic rocks, and sedimentary rock units. The sedimentary units are dominated by banded iron formation, which hosts the Farley Lake gold deposit. The volcanic sequence is overlain by reworked volcaniclastic and epiclastic rocks, suggesting deposition in a setting comparable to modern volcanic arcs or back-arc basins. These supracrustal rocks were metamorphosed to middle amphibolite facies and cross-cut by several intrusive suites. Isoclinally folded iron formation and graphitic sedimentary rocks define structural and chemical traps that are important local controls on Au mineralization. This talk will include a discussion of the potential role of magmatism, particularly reduced I-type granodiorite intrusions, in gold mineralization. In addition, the potential for magmatic Ni-Cu-Co-(Pt) mineralization hosted by gabbroic intrusions in the study area will be highlighted.
Project Update for the Lynn Lake Gold Camp
Mark Rein (Alamos Gold Inc.)
In January of 2016, Alamos Gold Inc. completed the closing of the transaction to acquire Carlisle Goldfields, consolidating 100% ownership of the Lynn Lake Gold Camp. The main target for the Alamos work program the past two years has been the re-development of the past-producing MacLellan and Farley Lake Gold occurrences. Both Farley Lake and MacLellan are shallow occurrences that are conducive to open pit mining. During 2016, Alamos is in the process of completing a drilling program, a geotechnical investigation, and an environmental baseline study with the intent to complete the ongoing feasibility study for the entire property. Ausenco has been brought on board to complete the feasibility study with support from a geotechnical investigation by Golder Associates, and an environmental baseline study conducted by Stantec consulting. Exploration efforts consisting of drilling and field mapping programs continue on other portions of the Lynn Lake Gold Camp. Overall, the Lynn Lake Project is a low-risk growth opportunity as a high grade, open pit project located in one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world.
No video available
The Lynn Lake Ni-Cu Mining Camp and Surrounds: The Old Becomes New Again
Larry Hulbert (Corazon Mining Limited)
The Lynn Lake Ni-Cu mining camp is one of the most prolific nickel producing areas in Canadian mining history. The mines were owned and operated by Sherritt Gordon Mines from 1953-1976 and produced 20,151,146 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.02% Ni, 0.53% Cu from eleven orebodies in two separate mafic-ultramafic intrusions and were mined to a depth of 1,100m. Corazon Mining Ltd. (CZN.AX) acquisition of the Lynn Lake Ni-Cu property (Victory Nickel Project) in 2015 consolidated the nickel mining camp for first time since closure of Lynn Lake Mine. Corazon’s JORC resource estimate for additional in ground ore for the combined Lynn Lake Project is 9.4Mt @ 0.88% Ni + 0.40% Cu for 83,000t contained Ni + 37,800t contained Cu (total resource). Unfortunately, very little literature exists for the camp and a lot of knowledge gaps exist. It is for this reason Corazon undertook a complete compilation and reconstruction of the Lynn Lake mining and exploration history from the 1950’s to present in a modern 3D GIS format to aid future mining and exploration activity and for a better understanding of the metallogenic factors associated with these deposits and how to find more. Insights gained from this huge undertaking have guided recent (2016) Ni-Cu exploration on the Fraser Lake Gabbro Complex located 5 km south of Lynn Lake. The Fraser Lake Complex was always believed by Sherritt Gordon to be the “sister” intrusion to the Lynn Lake A-Plug. The results from these two areas will be discussed.
Explore Manitoba: Mineral Exploration and Geoscience Highlights III – Flin Flon-Snow Lake belt
Callinex Discovers New Zinc and Gold Rich VMS Zone Near Flin Flon, MB
Max Porterfield (Callinex Mines Inc.)
Callinex recently announced a new high-grade zinc, gold, silver and copper discovery at the Company’s Pine Bay Project, located near HudBay’s operations in Flin Flon, Manitoba. The discovery hole, 284-3-93-DPN, intersected 10.3m grading 13.1% zinc equivalent mineralization (“Zn Eq.”) containing 6.0% Zn, 1.8 g/t Au, 60.4 g/t Ag, 0.7% Cu and 0.4% Pb including a higher grade interval over 4.2m grading 20.8% Zn Eq. containing 11.8% Zn, 2.4 g/t Au, 73.8 g/t Ag, 0.7% Cu and 0.7% Pb. The discovery was made by extending a historic Placer Dome drill hole by 38 meters. The historic drill hole, which ended in copper-bearing sulphide mineralization, was initially drilled as part of their mandate to discover a 30 million ton Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (“VMS”) deposit at the Pine Bay Project.
Exploration to Production: The Fast Track
Bruce Reid (Satori Resources Inc.)
No abstract available
No video available
Geoscience Results from Targeted Geoscience Initiative with a Focus on New Geoscience Knowledge at Flin Flon, MB
Mike Villeneuve (Geological Survey of Canada)
Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) is a collaborative federal geoscience program that aims to stimulate innovation in mineral exploration approaches, particularly for deeply-buried precious and base metal deposits in existing and emerging mining camps. Geoscience that allows industry to more effectively target mineral deposits will be presented, illustrated with results from geoscience research studies at Flin Flon, MB. While the just-completed TGI phase 4 (2010-2015) focused on understanding how the ore manifested as signatures in the surface environment (ore-to-surface), the current TGI phase 5 (2015-2020) is focusing on understanding the ore forming processes from the source of metal, to its transport and ultimate deposition as an ore body (source-to-ore). TGI also plays a key role in training the next generation of highly qualified personnel, by supporting students in their graduate-level research studies, thereby equipping them with skills suitable for future employment in the mineral exploration sector.
No video available
Monument Bay Project Update
Gorden Glenn (Minnova Corp.)
No abstract available
No video available
New Perspectives on the Geology of the Reed Lake Area
Simon Gagné (Manitoba Geological Survey)
Following discovery of the Reed Lake Cu-rich base metal deposit in 2007, the mineral exploration industry has shown keen interest in a more detailed knowledge of the volcanic stratigraphy in the Reed Lake area, including the southern extension of the Paleoproterozoic Flin Flon belt beneath the Paleozoic limestone cover south of Reed Lake. In response to this interest, a program of geological mapping (2013–2014) and drillcore examination (2015–2016) has been conducted, and a compilation of geological, geochemical and geophysical data is in progress. Of critical importance is the integration of new whole-rock geochemical data with compiled geology and drillcore observations. Preliminary interpretive work and data analysis provides insights on the stratigraphy of volcano-sedimentary hostrocks of the known base metal deposits. In addition, major structural features have been re-evaluated to provide a new, more comprehensive model for the structural development and geological framework of the area. This presentation will provide an update on this work, which is relevant not only to understanding the geology of the active Reed mine, but also several past-producing mines and undeveloped deposits.
Tern Lake Gold (Dub Claims)
Neil Richardson (Hudbay Minerals Inc.)
Sometimes things just take time to mature. The Tern Lake gold property is situated approximately three kilometers west of the Town of Snow Lake or four kilometers east of Lalor mine and is part of a large land package controlled by Hudbay. Hudbay, with the recently acquired New Britannia property and gold mineralization at Lalor has an interest in looking for additional gold mineralization. The gold grain anomaly was identified and partially delineated in a federal-provincial program known as EXTECH in 1990-1992 but only generalized gold grain counts were released. Hudbay, as the property owner, was recently granted access to all the gold grain data and the data was re-evaluated by Overburden Drilling Management (ODM). A three tier program (2016) was proposed to further evaluate the anomaly prior to drill testing in 2017. Tier-1 compiling historical exploration work, reviewing of the till samples by ODM and 74 additional till and rock samples collected. Tier-2 detail structural and geological mapping to augment the Manitoba Geological Survey mapping in the region, and Tier-3 stripping / power washing of overburden, geological mapping and channel sampling. Tier 1 program was completed but due to deteriorating weather conditions Tier 2 was reduced and Tier-3 was postponed till spring. Results from the first two tiers are discussed here.
Short Course: Manitoba Mining 101
Advancing a Project – Success and Barriers
Ruth Bezys (Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association; Wildwood Geological Services Inc.)
Advancing projects in mineral exploration in Manitoba have become increasingly difficult. Since the Supreme Court of Canada decision in 2004 to mandate ‘Duty to Consult’ on all First Nation traditional lands, mining exploration has been changed to accommodate consultation to FNs by the Crown (Provinces). Some provinces have successfully dealt with consultation and allowed for low level exploration to proceed without significant delay, while Manitoba has not tackled this issue in a timely manner. Manitoba’s north is now encumbered by Community Interest and Traditional Lands requiring Duty to Consult. Additional encumbrances/impediments include the sterilization of vast, highly prospective terrain by the creation of parks, the imposition of delays relating to environmental and wildlife sensitivities and lengthy waits for work permits. Despite the presence of world class geoscientific databases restricting access for prospectors means this data cannot be utilized in the search for new deposits. In areas where fewer impediments are in place, such as the Flin Flon-Snow Lake greenstone belt, fast-tracking of exploration, discovery and production of new resources (Reed and Lalor Mines) is the result. The exemption of low level exploration from the myriad of barriers to advance a project would help to create employment and Provincial revenues.
Capital Markets – A Primer
Barry Allan (Mackie Research Capital Corp.)
A capital market is the financial system that channels capital from investors seeking an investment return to users in need of capital through the process of buying or selling equity or debt instruments. Capital markets are facilitated by investments houses or brokers who connect users of capital (issuers) with capital providers (investors). Garnering the attention of an investment house can be complicated if a sector is out-of-favour (bear), if there is no compelling investment thesis underlying the opportunity, or if there is presence of ‘market noise’ (competition for market attention). Issuers in need of capital must demonstrate a competitive advantage, and must be able to capture the essence of the investment within the confines of an “elevator pitch” – the time it takes to access the 45th floor of a high-rise. A full corporate presentation needs to be concise and complete, and deliverable in 45 minutes. Presentations should “stand alone” if required. Common errors: selling investment thesis to the wrong audience or at the wrong time; no ability to show “why invest in us”; and, a lost investment thesis in too much detail. Getting thought the front door may take a “champion”, an “insider” and/or more than one attempt. And not every capital market center thinks the same way. Earlier stage companies need to be more resilient and use every tool available to gain market support.
Environmental Assessment – Where to Begin?
Friederike Schneider-Vieira (North/South Consultants Inc.)
An effective environmental assessment (EA) requires close interaction among those designing the mine, specialists conducting the EA, and key stakeholders. Scoping the EA is perhaps the most important step. Specialists in the physical, terrestrial, and aquatic environments identify potential linkages between the project and the environment. These pathways of effect are the basis of the impact assessment. Because it is not possible to study every possible linkage or effect, key environmental components are identified through consultation with stakeholders, to determine what parts of the environment are of particular importance (e.g., fish species that are harvested) as well as based on scientific expertise (e.g., water quality is a key pathway for effects to the aquatic environment). The EA can provide important feedback to mine developers, by identifying specific aspects of a development that are resulting in effects that are of particular concern. This feedback early in the planning process may allow modification of the mine design and a project with reduced environmental impact.
Environmental Regulations and Compliance
Sheryl Rosenberg (Thompson Dorfman Sweatman)
Feasibility Studies 101
Robert Raponi (Ausenco Limited)
Feasibility studies are a staged process developed to progressively assess how successfully a project can be completed. A feasibility study will examine all aspects of the proposed project to a level that will provide confidence in the decision to proceed with additional works or to abandon the project. Proponents of a project use feasibility studies before investing a considerable amount of time and money into it. This staging process is a risk management process to determine potential positive and negative outcomes of a project and is designed to limit the amount of work prior to review and proceeding to the next phase. The outcome of the studies will be a report that provides a description of the project, a technical analysis, a review of marketability, the implementation strategy and the provision of the financial analysis. The feasibility studies are a document that is issued to various stakeholders which will generally include funding organization (inhouse or otherwise) and regulatory authorities. It is imperative that the principal contributors to the feasibility study have the confidence of these stakeholders. Ausenco through its engagement in the Mineral Processing, Oil and Gas and Infrastructure Industries understand the complexities involved in developing feasibilities studies and have the strategies and procedures to ensure that the work undertaken is targeted to attain maximum efficiencies.
Mine Closure in Manitoba: Managing the Inevitable
Chris Beaumont-Smith (Manitoba Mines Branch)
Mines eventually close. This sad fact has long been a challenge to both operators and regulators. The presentation will provide a summary of the statutory and regulatory requirements for mine closure in Manitoba and an overview of Manitoba’s Orphaned and Abandoned Mines Program.
Mining Cycle 101
Linda Murphy (Manitoba Mineral Resources Division)
Although the mining and petroleum industries make up the second-largest primary resource industry of Manitoba's economy, most Manitobans are unaware of the various components all mineral exploration projects will undergo prior to becoming an operating mine. The 2016 professional development short course is designed to provide practical information and understanding of the components of today’s mining life cycle. The governments Duty to Consult, the company’s development of a social license strategy and the ‘how to’ of successfully obtaining market capital will impact each stage from early exploration projects, to the development of feasibility studies and environmental assessments in potential mine development projects. Investment capital, commodity trends and a commitment to respectful relationships will contribute to the sustainable long term success of producing mines. The final components of the mining cycle short course include requirements for mine closure plans and an update on reclamation of historical mine sites in Manitoba.
60 Years Proud: Relationships, Respect and Reconciliation in Vale’s Manitoba Operations
Ryan Land (Vale Canada Ltd.)
Vale is proud to be celebrating the 60th year since the discovery of the ore body that led to the development of our Manitoba Operations and the City of Thompson. Over the past several years, Vale has sought to ensure that regional communities, rights-holders, and indigenous peoples in northern Manitoba have improved opportunities to realize prosperity and sustainability. This has been enabled through the will and energy of our leaders, a commitment to respectful relationships, being provided with many opportunities to “listen and learn,” and through such initiatives as the Thompson Aboriginal Accord, the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, our Northern Employment Strategy and the Thompson Economic Diversification Working Group. This vital work will further ensure that our Manitoba Operations can continue to be responsible, prosperous and sustainable in all market cycles.
No video available
Social License to Operate: The What, Why, and the How
Somia Sadiq (AECOM)
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission encouraged Canada to implement United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In May 2016, the Canadian government removed its permanent objector status and committed to implementing the UNDRIP. One of the key components of UNDRIP relevant to mining is Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Undertaken as a part of a graduate research program, and based on the preliminary results from literature reviews and interviews with key representatives from Indigenous leadership, federal and provincial governments, industry, multi-stakeholder associations, and practitioners, across Manitoba and Canada, this presentation will outline: a brief background on the origin of FPIC; participant views on each of the components of FPIC as they relate to mining; key challenges associated with implementation of FPIC in Canada and in Manitoba; key placeholders for FPIC; and recommendations for path forward for FPIC.
The History of Creeco and Subsidiaries
Jack Blacksmith (Creeco)
In 1975, after the signing of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), there was rapid development in the area. Businesses such as Cree Construction & Development Company (CCDC) were created, to be able to benefit from employment opportunities which arose due to the James Bay Project. The Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company (CREECO) is a wholly owned company of the Cree Nation Government acting through the Board of Compensation. Founded in 1982, it acts as a holding company for investments made by the Cree Nation of Quebec as a whole in construction, air transportation, catering and janitorial services, ground and aircraft fueling. Also, it is a holding company of partnerships, which operate a hotel and underground mining services.Throughout the years, as development in mining grew there was a need for services, therefore partnerships and joint ventures were created such as Gestion ADC and Creeco Dumas. Creeco’s mission: To be highly innovative in the delivery of excellent customer service and contribute to the development and self-sufficiency of the Cree Nation while maintaining long-term profitability. CREECO’s office is located in Ouje-Bougoumou, one of the nine Cree communities located on the shores of Lake Opemisca, in the James Bay region of Northern Quebec. The Cree population is approximately 18,000 with nine communities.
