Industry leaders will be recognised for their significant efforts and contribution to the industry at the AME awards gala on January 30 during the AME Roundup 2019 conference.
"The theme of AME's 2019 Roundup conference is ‘Elements for Discovery' and these individuals and teams, through their remarkable efforts in elements of exploration, development and outreach, have generated discoveries and advancements which will bring benefits to the many diverse communities throughout British Columbia and Canada," AME board chair ‘Lyn Anglin said.
Being honoured are Al McOnie, Seymour Iles and Jared Chipman of Alexco Resource Corp, who will receive the 2018 HH "Spud" Huestis award for excellence in prospecting and mineral exploration. They have been responsible for the recent discovery and delineation of more than 60 million ounces of silver in the Flame & Moth and Bermingham deposits in the Keno Hill silver district of central Yukon.
John McCluskey is the recipient of the 2018 Murray Pezim award for perseverance and success in financing mineral exploration. He is being honoured for his pivotal role in acquiring, financing and encouraging the successive discoveries of the La India (Grayd Resources), Mulatos (Alamos Gold) and Kemess East (AuRico Metals) deposits. He would also be honoured for his ongoing success as CEO of Alamos Gold, the AME said.
The 2018 Hugo Dummett award for excellence in diamond exploration and development is being bestowed on Eric Friedland, executive chairman of Peregrine Diamonds, Geoff Woad, former head of world diamond exploration for BHP Billiton and Brooke Clements, former president of Peregrine Diamonds in recognition of their roles in discovering the Chidliak diamond province on Baffin Island, in Nunavut.
Tom Henricksen is the recipient of the 2018 Colin Spence award for excellence in global mineral exploration, recognised for his outstanding contributions to mineral discovery, and being involved in some monumental discoveries and or/acquisitions across the world.
Matt Andrews and Monica Moretto are the 2018 recipients of the Robert R Hedley award for excellence in social and environmental responsibility. Their leadership has created an environment within Pan American Silver of respect for social and environmental principles on all its projects.
Paycore Drilling is the recipient of the 2018 David Barr award for excellence in leadership and innovation in mineral exploration health and safety. Paycore Drilling displayed professionalism and care following an incident in mineral exploration, the association said,
Dan Moore - ‘Yukon Dan' - and Peter Bradshaw are recognised with the 2018 Gold Pan award for exceptional meritorious service to the mineral exploration community through the AME.
Further, Greg Dawson and Victoria Yehl are being honoured with the 2018 Frank Woodside award for distinguished service to the AME and/or the mineral exploration industry.
The two recipients of AME's Outreach Education Fund are MineralsEd to support delivery of the Kids & Rocks Classroom Workshop in 2019 and Britannia Mine Museum to support the 2019 continuation of its well-established education programme.
Lastly, Dr Norman Keevil will be acknowledged with a special tribute from the AME for his outstanding achievements and major contributions to and support of exploration, discovery and development in British Columbia and adjacent parts of the Cordillera.
