Minerals South 2012 Conference and Trade Show

The Minerals South 2012 conference will be held at the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson, B.C., from November 6 to 8

The short course for the 2012 conference is called Exploration Geochemistry: Principles, Strategies and Tools. — Photo courtesy Chamber of Mines of Eastern B.C.

An exciting opportunity to learn about the latest geological findings, theories and active projects in the Kootenays is just around the corner as the Chamber of Mines of Eastern B.C. gets ready to present the Minerals South 2012 Conference and Trade Show.

The eighth annual conference and trade show will take place in the city of Nelson, B.C., at the Prestige Lakeside Resort. Minerals South 2012 will run from November 6 to 8 at this picturesque hotel and convention centre situated on Nelson's waterfront.

Lloyd Addie, president of the Chamber of Mines of Eastern B.C., said the event offers attendees an important look into the state of mining in the region as well as a chance to learn about the latest geological findings.

"It definitely renews interest in the area and teaches people a lot about geological theories," Addie said. "One of the highlights will be the Geological Survey of Canada and their talks on TGI4, or Target Geoscience Initiative 4."

Come one, come all

The first day of Minerals South 2012 will consist of a short course featuring a geochemical course put on by Geoscience BC; it is called Exploration Geochemistry: Principles, Strategies and Tools. On November 7 and 8, attendees can take in the conference and trade show, which, Addie said, will feature technical talks by top-notch speakers from government and industry. Also during these two days, over 200 school kids will pass through the show to check out the many fossil, gemstone and gold panning displays from across B.C. The trade show is open to the general public.

"Another exciting aspect of the conference and trade show is finding out about active projects in the Kootenay region," Addie said. "There is quite a lot of activity in the East Kootenay with Teck Coal and Centermount. In Greenwood, there's Golden Dawn and Grizzly. Eagle Plains had a project that has sparked many more projects. This brought in a major company called MMG, which is sparking even more exploration."

Add in some entertainment

With the conference being held at the Prestige Lakeside Resort, participants will be treated to amazing views, and full-service amenities at this hotel, restaurant and convention centre. There will be a banquet on November 7, with happy hour running from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a great meal. There will also be after-dinner entertainment by the Boom Town Carter Girls.

The Minerals South 2012 Conference and Trade Show promises to be educational, entertaining, friendly and fun for those who attend.