It is said that Winnipeg's view of the North ends at the Perimeter Highway. However, folks from the North choose to believe that the golden boy faces in that direction for a reason and that reason is that Manitoba's future lies in its resources. At the recent Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention, the North in general and Snow Lake in particular were the talk of the town. It seems the man-child perched upon the province's legislature has clearly seen the future and it lies in the Chisel Lake basin!
"Of all the conventions that I have attended, this one was definitely Snow Lake's," said the Mayor Garry Zamzow upon his return from that late November gathering. "Snow Lake was the buzz. Everywhere we (CDO Bev Atkinson, CAO Jeff Precourt, and Coun. Brenda Forsyth-Flamand) went, whenever anyone saw the Snow Lake nametags, there was automatic conversation." Noting that he has been attending the annual affair since 1998, Zamzow says he's never seen interest in any area dominate presentations, conversation, and the general atmosphere as the Snow Lake camp did this year.
Forsyth-Flamand concurred. In a written report that she submitted to her council upon return from the convention, she noted, "Almost the entire convention was focused on the Snow Lake area! I didn't realize how many mining companies were exploring and/or drilling in and around Snow Lake. If I had a nickel every time someone asked me about owning a home or business there, I'd definitely have heavier pockets."
The convention began Nov. 19 and by the time that the welcome reception commenced in the exhibits area later that evening, many of the approximately 900 delegates were in attendance. Along with the mayors from several other mining communities, Zamzow gave a brief speech at this reception.
Forsyth Flamand reported that Nov. 20 started out with some Snow Lake exploration highlights. "An overview of the area was given by Chris Beaumont-Smith from Manitoba Minerals Policy and Business Development," she said.
In it, he highlighted the fact that HudBay and their Lalor deposit were the major news story of the year. Beaumont-Smith also commented on zinc prices and demands in addition the need of copper and nickel miners to increase their stockpiles. "He reviewed the different mining companies in the North, but the majority of his speech was on the Snow Lake area," added Forsyth-Flamand.
The three topics that followed Beaumont-Smith's address were also Snow Lake-related, with the New Britannia Mine, VSM Ventures, and HudBay Minerals, each giving an exploration update and timelines for production.
"There were a number of highlights, but just the attention that the Snow Lake area received was certainly a focal point," said Zamzow. "Many of the companies in attendance made a point of stating that they were in the Snow Lake Camp or that they were 'X' number of miles from Lalor. So all of that attention was pinpointed in the Snow Lake area. That speaks volumes."
At several different stages throughout the conference, the Snow Lake contingent made a point of touching base with HudBay, Alexis Resources, Garson Gold, Rockcliff, Cuprus, Copper Reef, Murgor, and Victory Nickel. "I was also very pleased that Minister Chomiak made time for a Snow Lake discussion," Zamzow added. "He gave us an hour of his time at the legislature one afternoon." On his appointment as minister of innovation, energy and mines, Zamzow feels that Chomiak is a quick study and brings a load of experience as a minister to this particular portfolio. "He seems very excited, so it won't take him long to learn the language," said Zamzow.
All in all, it seems that the 2009 Manitoba Mining Convention was a good one for Snow Lake and environs. Perhaps next year, organizers can take the suggestion of my good buddy Jim Parres and put a real "Northern" spin on things, by bringing in the Hanson Sisters to perform at the reception and featuring moose burgers as a meal option!
