B.C. Securities Commission to look for answers to current junior mining downturn

VANCOUVER, Oct. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The B.C. Securities Commission is consulting with industry experts in BC's junior mining sector to better understand why it is facing such a serious downturn and what to do about it.

The BCSC's annual Capital Ideas conference on October 17^th  will focus on B.C.'s venture market, in particular the junior mining sector.   KPMG will release the results of research, commissioned by BCSC, which summarizes junior mining executives' perspectives about what is happening in the market and why.

Paul Bourque, the BCSC's Executive Director, will lead a discussion with five industry experts about the present funding challenges and what can be done about it.

B.C. is home to more than half of Canada's mining exploration firms, and has the largest concentration of mining exploration firms in the world. As well, more than 2,400 firms are involved in supplying services to this industry, so it is without a doubt a very significant contributor to B.C.'s economy.

"It is important to understand the major issues facing the junior mining sector and the factors contributing to the current state of the market. We hope the research we commissioned will form the basis for a good dialogue with industry around these issues, and help identify opportunities to support junior companies through these difficult times," said Brenda Leong, Chair and CEO of the BCSC.

Panel members are: John McCoach, President, TSX Venture Exchange; Bruce McLeod, CEO and Director, Mercator Minerals; Patricia Mohr, Vice-President, Economics & Commodity Market Specialist, Scotiabank; Randee Pavalow, Chief Compliance Officer and Legal, Aequitas Exchange; and Bill Whitehead, Senior Vice-President and Senior Investment Advisor, PI Financial.

"We are fortunate to have such a distinguished group of panellists who are knowledgeable about the industry and able to share their experiences and opinions. We can expect a very lively discussion," said Paul Bourque.

The program begins at 8:30am in the Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom. The cost to register (including GST) is $262.50.

Register - In Person Conference

Register - Outside Greater Vancouver Webcast

CPD Credits for Lawyers:
The Law Society of BC has approved Capital Ideas 2013 for 2.5 hours of continuing professional development credit. We will provide certificates of attendance for all those who need proof of attendance to claim CPD credits. To obtain a certificate, you will need to sign in and sign out at the conference.

SOURCE: British Columbia Securities Commission

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