VANCOUVER, BC–(Marketwired – May 18, 2016) – The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) welcomes today’s announcement by the provincial government of $5 million in funding toward Geoscience BC. This funding will support Geoscience BC’s mandate to attract mineral and oil & gas investment to British Columbia through generating, interpreting and publicly distributing geoscience data.

“Over the past eleven years, the earth science data that Geoscience BC has produced through robust geochemical and geophysical surveys has enhanced knowledge of British Columbia’s mineral development potential and prospectivity,” says Diane Nicolson, Chair of AME. “We welcome today’s announcement as this funding allows Geoscience BC to develop new data that will lead to further investment in mineral exploration and contribute to the potential discovery of new mineable deposits, and ultimately the building of new mines for the benefit of all British Columbians.”

“Geoscience BC has developed credible data that has led to and stimulated ongoing mineral exploration throughout the province,” says Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME. “We thank the provincial government for its continuing support of Geoscience BC, and encourage them to strongly consider long-term, stable funding for this organization.”

Geoscience BC, a not-for-profit organization, is the result of advocacy work led by AME’s Geoscience Committee, and was formed in 2005 following the provincial government’s announcement of $25 million in funding at AME’s Mineral Exploration Roundup.

ABOUT AME

AME is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME represents, advocates, protects and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in B.C. 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.