College of the Rockies introduces students to geology

Introduction to Geology students from the College of the Rockies recently had the chance to tour the Bull River Mine site.

Introduction to Geology students from the College of the Rockies recently toured the Bull River Mine site with their instructor, Katie Burles (far right). — Photo courtesy College of the Rockies

How do you get students involved and engaged in the mining industry? How about a field trip to a mine site?

College of the Rockies Introduction to Geology instructor, Katie Burles and her students were recently given a tour of some areas of the Bull River Mine site owned by Purcell Basin Minerals Inc.

The Bull River Mine, which was active in the 1960s and 70s, is currently working toward receiving a mine permit to reopen. — Photo courtesy Purcell Basin Minerals

The mine, which was active in the 1960s and 70s, is currently working toward receiving a mine permit to reopen.  Students received a tour of the processing plant as well as a surface tour that included information on safety, the history of the mine, the current state of development as well as the geology of the mine.

Background on Purcell Basin Minerals:

In December 2014, a restructuring plan was approved by the BC Supreme Court and SMG creditors.  The restructuring plan included the transfer of all ("SMG") mining properties and assets to Purcell Basin Mineral Inc.  The current mineral inventory includes 139 mineral claims, two mining leases and a worker's camp site.

With the majority of the original infrastructure still in place from the previous operators and the expected modest capital requirements to restart the Bull River Mine, Purcell Basin Mineral is actively working on a submission for an updated Mines Act permit application. In January 2015, the company held an open house in Cranbrook, BC to provide the public and any stakeholders with an overview of the project and its proposed operations.

Consultation and communication has and will be continuing through-out the regulatory process.