April 8 & 9, 2025
Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre
If you would like to be added to our email list, please email kamloopsexplorationgroup@gmail.com
Network. Collaborate. Inform. Engage.
The inaugural KEG Conference took place 38 years ago led by a small group of dedicated individuals who were passionate about providing a platform to discuss industry-specific topics and create positive networking opportunities. Today, the KEG Conference has grown to include numerous individuals and businesses and continues to provide an informative and networking-based platform connecting prospectors, geologists, suppliers, manufacturers, and investors alike.
The 2025 event will feature two full days of technical presentations and exhibitors, along with an Ice Breaker Meet & Greet, KEG Banquet, Short Course, Field Trip, and gold panning demonstrations. Online delegate registration will open at 9am on February 10, 2025. Conference fees and details to be added in late December.
Past Conference Highlights
The 2024 Annual KEG Conference & Trade Show was held on April 9th & 10th, 2024 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. It was exciting to have the conference back in full swing.
This year KEG was pleased to host:
Thank you to our sponsors, donors, speakers, and volunteers. Your support is invaluable to the Kamloops Exploration Group!
Thank you to the KEG Directors and Conference Committee Members who worked hard over the past year to ensure the success of this conference.
The Kamloops Exploration Group looks forward to hosting the 2025 KEG Conference & Trade Show on April 8th & 9th, 2024 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. Mark your calendars!
Your continued support of the annual KEG conference is greatly appreciated.
KEG was thrilled to host the annual KEG hockey game once again. Teams played hard at the Valleyview Arena on Monday April 8th in front of delegates and fans. Depending on who you asked, the other team won.
Thank you to Jeremy Marlow for organizing the hockey game and to all the sponsors for letting these players battle it out on the ice.
The Annual Ice Breaker was held at Romeo's Kitchen + Spirits on Monday April 8th. This event was well attended and saw friends come together for a fun evening of socializing, incredible food and hockey game prizes.
The Women In Mining South Central wine reception was a wonderful networking event. Thank you to our guest speakers Michelle Ritter, Lisa Newman and Laura Conell for sharing their thoughts and experiences. Thank you Tania Demchuk for giving remarks on behalf of the Honourable Josie Osborne and to Falkirk Environmental Consultants and Westlund for sponsoring the event.
KEG Director, Chris LeClair, emceed our 2024 banquet in the Hill Top room at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre with a crowd of 200. The Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne along with the Minister of Environment & Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman, were unable to attend but sent video messages to play for attendees.
After a delicious buffet dinner, guests were entertained with three rounds of trivia, hosted by Tremendous Trivia. The competition was fierce but in the end, one team was victorious and won the night’s championship title, including a pair of KEG socks.
KEG is very proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Ron Wells Award and the 2024 Gold Pick Award. The winners are chosen by a Kamloops Exploration Group’s members vote. These awards are well deserved recognition to the winners by their peers in mining and exploration industry in British Columbia.
The Ron Wells Award is presented for recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the Kamloops Exploration Group. Congratulations to David Piggin!
KEG President, Jane McCaw, presents the 2024 Ron Wells Award to Dave Piggin.
The Gold Pick Award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the mineral industry. Congratulations to Kendra Johnson!
Kendra Johnson receiving the 2024 Gold Pick Award from KEG President, Jane McCaw.
The Annual KEG Conference and Trade Show draws names for door prizes during the final coffee break on the final day. This year we had two to give away.
TECK -Highland Valley Copper's Jacqui Schneider (middle) presented Darryl Pasternak (right) with a 10oz bar of silver for winning the passport draw. Thank you to Teck - Highland Valley Copper for their sponsorship of the passport draw.
Greg Bronson (right) receiving the Yeti Swag Bag for winning the delegate draw.
The 2024 Junior Delegate program was a great success once again with the participation of 102 students from 4 elementary school classes attending on Tuesday, April 9th. These students took part in several activities: learning about rocks and minerals with the Logan Lake Rock Club, gold panning with Yukon Dan, learning from the New Afton Fire & Rescue, stumping KEG volunteer geologists with rock questions, and the Treasure Hunt. Students must also complete a project related to the mining and exploration industry, as well as learn about geology and the entire mining and exploration industry as a prerequisite to attending. KEG is very proud of this program which allows students to get a hands-on educational approach in the mining and exploration industry. We would like to thank Minerals Ed for their part in the creation of this program. Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, and industry representatives for making the educational program such a great success. We think we have some future explorers, geologists, and miners in this group!
We were happy to invite high school students back to the 2024 Senior Delegate Program. We had 20 students attend Wednesday, April 10th. Students took part in a round table discussion with professionals in the industry, prior to networking with industry reps in the trade show and learning the art of gold panning with Yukon Dan.
This is a great way for students to learn about the diversity in the industry and to potentially choose a rewarding career path moving forward.
We would like to thank Minerals Ed for their part in the creation of this program. Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, round table mentors, and industry reps for making the educational program a great success.
The 2024 field trip was a tour of New Gold's New Afton Mine. Thank you to New Gold for hosting the tour and to TRU Trades and Technology for supplying the transportation.
The 34th Annual KEG Conference & Trade Show was held on April 4th & 5th, 2023 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. It was exciting to have the conference back in full swing.
The Kamloops Exploration Group looks forward to hosting the 35th KEG Conference & Trade Show on April 9th & 10th, 2024 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. Mark your calendars!
From left to right: Kamloops City Counselor Nancy Bepple, KEG Vice President Raegan Markel, KEG Director Nimmi Dhadwal and Cariboo-Thompson MP Frank Caputo.
Part of the KEG team, from Left to right KEG Director Karen Kennedy, KEG Outreach Coordinator Julie Dormer, KEG Director Chris LeClair, (back) KEG President Jane McCaw, KEG Conference Coordinator Jen Barter, (front) KEG Director Nimmi Dhadwal, KEG Director Brian May.
KEG was thrilled to host the annual KEG hockey game once again for the first time since 2019. Teams played hard at the Sandman Centre on Monday April 3rd in front of delegates and fans. The last game, in 2019, saw a tie game... and if you can believe it... the 2023 game saw another tie game, with a score of 14 to 14!
Thank you to Jeremy Marlow for organizing the hockey game and to all the sponsors for letting these players battle it out on the ice. Who will carry the trophy next year?
The Annual Ice Breaker was held at Romeo's Kitchen + Spirits on Monday April 3rd for the first time since 2019. This event was well attended and saw friends come together for a fun evening of socializing.
The Women In Mining South Central wine reception was a wonderful networking event. Thank you to both Falkirk Environmental Consultants and Westlund for their sponsorship and to keynote speaker, Christy Smith, indigenous and stakeholder engagement, Falkirk Environmental Consultants.
KEG Director, Chris LeClair, emceed our 2023 banquet in the Hill Top room at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre with a crowd of 223. The Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne was unable to attend this year but sent a video message to play for the group.
After a delicious buffet dinner, guests were entertained with three rounds of trivia, hosted by Tremendous Trivia. The competition was fierce but in the end, the "A! U! Come Back With Our Gold!" team were victorious and won the night’s championship title.
KEG is very proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Ron Wells Award and the 2023 Gold Pick Award. The winners are chosen by a Kamloops Exploration Group’s members vote. These awards are well deserved recognition to the winners by their peers in mining and exploration industry in British Columbia.
The Ron Wells Award is presented for recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the Kamloops Exploration Group. Congratulations to Colin Russell!
Colin Russell, recipient of the 2023 Ron Wells Award
The Gold Pick Award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the mineral industry. Congratulations to Ray Lett!
Ray Lett, recipient of the 2023 Gold Pick Award
The KEG Conference and Trade Show holds a passport draw each year; the winner this year received a 10 oz silver bar sponsored by Teck Highland Valley Copper. Congratulations Dan Ferraro, winner of the 2023 Passport Draw!
The 2023 Junior Delegate program was a great success once again with the participation of 99 students from 4 elementary school classes attending on Tuesday, April 4th. These students took part in several activities: learning about rocks and minerals with the Logan Lake Rock Club, gold panning with Yukon Dan, learning from the New Afton Fire & Rescue, stumping KEG volunteer geologists with rock questions, and the Treasure Hunt. Students must also complete a project related to the mining and exploration industry, as well as learning about geology and the entire mining and exploration industry as a prerequisite to attending. KEG is very proud of this program which allows students to get a hands-on educational approach in the mining and exploration industry. We would like to thank Minerals Ed for their part in the creation of this program. Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, and industry representatives for making the educational program such a great success. We think we have some future explorers, geologists, and miners in this group!
We were happy to invite high school students back to the 2023 Senior Delegate Program. We had 60 students attend Wednesday, April 6th. Students took part in a round table discussion with professionals in the industry, prior to networking with industry reps in the trade show and learning the art of gold panning with Yukon Dan.
KEG was excited to see so many students and teachers take part in this program. This is a great way for students to learn about the diversity in the industry and to potentially choose a rewarding career path moving forward.
KEG is thrilled to offer school classes an opportunity to spend an hour with Yukon Dan, in addition to the KEG Conference educational programs. KEG hosted over 60 students during the two days this year to get a hands-on approach to gold panning. One student was even celebrating her birthday during their visit and was surprised with a gift of gold from Yukon Dan!
After a two-year global pandemic hiatus, we were proud to once again have an in-person conference in Kamloops in April 2022. The 33rd Annual KEG Conference & Trade Show was held on April 12th & 13th, 2022 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. Although we saw some changes this year due to the pandemic, we had great attendance. This year there were 354 registered delegates, 78 exhibitors including prospectors and core shack, 98 students in the junior delegate education program, 101 in the Yukon Dan Day, as well as many people from the general public attending the trade show. We hosted another sold out banquet as well as a field trip. Thank you to our directors and conference committee members who worked hard over the past year while adapting to constant changes to ensure the success of the conference. Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, speakers, and volunteers. We are looking forward to the 34th KEG Conference & Trade Show on April 4th & 5th, 2023 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre.
Back row from left to right: Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Honourable Bruce Ralston,KEG President, Jane McCaw. Front row from Left to right: Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian, Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Tkwenem7íple7 (councillor) Nikki Fraser, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA, Peter Milobar
KEG Director, Chris LeClair, emceed our 2022 banquet in the brand new Hill Top room at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. During the banquet, the 2022 KEG Awards were presented followed by a delicious buffet dinner. The crowd was tapping their feet and signing along with the incredible entertainment, the Dueling Pianos (Vancouver). These two were a huge hit as they took requests and moved through many genres. Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Acacia Leilani, even jumped on stage to join in.
We are very proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Ron Wells Award and the 2022 Gold Pick Award. The Ron Wells Award is presented for recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the Kamloops Exploration Group and the Gold Pick Award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the mineral industry.
KEG President, Jane McCaw (left) and KEG Director, Chris LeClair (right) present the 2022 Gold pick Award to Don Bragg
The Annual KEG Conference and Trade Show draws names for door prizes during the final coffee break on the final day. This year we had three to give away.
From left to right: KEG Director, Chris LeClair, presented Jamie Meyer with a 10oz bar of silver, with TECK -Highland Valley Copper's Jacqui Schneider and KEG President, Jane McCaw for winning the passport draw. Thank you to Teck - Highland Valley Copper for their sponsorship of the passport draw.
KEG Director, Nimmi Dhadwal (right) presented Gerry Carlson with $250 in gas cards for winning the delegate draw.
KEG Director, Chris LeClair (left) presented Roger Pynn with the final prize, A Guide to Rough Diamonds.
The 2022 Junior Delegate program was a great success once again. We had 4 elementary school classes attend on Tuesday, April 12th. Approximately 99 students took part in several activities: learning about rocks and minerals with the Logan Lake Rock Club, gold panning with Yukon Dan, learning from the New Afton Fire Department, stumping KEG volunteer geologists with rock questions, and our revised Treasure Hunt called Information Investigation.
Students must also complete a project related to the mining and exploration industry as well as be learning about geology and the industry as a prerequisite to attending.
KEG is very proud of this program, where students get a hands-on educational approach in the mining and exploration industry. We would like to thank Minerals Ed for their part in the creation of this program. Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers and industry reps for making the educational program a great success.
A new addition this year as we continue to adapt with the pandemic, was our Yukon Dan Day. Four elementary school classes, approximately 101 students, bussed to the Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre to enjoy a one hour hands-on class learning how to gold pan. Yukon Dan does this presentation in classrooms all over British Columbia and we were excited to share it with some lucky classes in Kamloops.
The safety of our Delegates, volunteers and staff are of upmost importance to us. Due to the situation with the COVID-19 outbreak, it was necessary to cancel the 2020 KEG Conference.
We thank all of our delegates, sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the 2021 KEG Conference & Trade Show on April 13th & 14th, 2021.
During our annual KEG Conference & Trade Show, two awards are normally presented; the Ron Wells Award and the Gold Pick Award. This year we presented the awards to the recipients at their homes, in keeping with social distancing practices.
Congratulations to Jim Gillis who received The Ron Wells Award; this award is presented for recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the Kamloops Exploration Group. KEG would like to sincerely thank Jim Gillis for all he does with and for our group!
Congratulations to Nels Vollo who received The Gold Pick Award; this award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the mineral industry. Mr. Vollo has worked as a mining geologist/consultant in Kamloops and BC exploration industry since the mid 1960’s, as well as a proud supporter of the TRU geology department. Mr. Vollo is one of the founding members of the Kamloops Exploration Group.
KEG Conference Coordinator, Jen Barter, greets delegates at the registration desk with her warm smile.
The Annual Ice Breaker was held at Romeo's Kitchen + Spirits on Monday April 8th, 2019. This event was well attended and saw friends come together for a fun evening of socializing.
A big thank you to Bruce Madu who emceed the annual banquet to another sold out crowd. During the banquet, the 2019 KEG Awards were presented followed by an incredible dinner. After dinner, comedian hypnotist Keith Miller took the stage. There was no shortage of volunteers to be hypnotised as the seats filled quickly on the stage. Keith had the entire crowd glued to their seats in laughter as the show went on.
We are very proud to announce the recipients of the 2019 Ron Wells Award and the 2019 Gold Pick Award. The Ron Wells Award is presented for recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the Kamloops Exploration Group and the Gold Pick Award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the mineral industry.
Graeme Evans (left) was presented with the 2019 Gold Pick Award by past KEG President Colin Russell (right)
Karen Kennedy (middle) was presented with the 2019 Ron Wells Award by Stuart M. Wells (left) and Karin Gerke (right)
Congratulations to the 2019 KEG Award recipients and thank you to our presenters who are joined in this picture by KEG President Jane McCaw
The Women In Mining South Central wine reception was a wonderful networking event. Thank you to both Bureau Veritas for their sponsorship and to keynote speaker Edie Thome.
The Annual KEG Conference and Trade Show draws for two door prizes each year which are drawn during the final coffee break on the final day.
Paul Metcalfe was awarded 10 - 1oz bars of silver by KEG President, Jane McCaw, for winning the passport draw. Thank you to Teck - Highland Valley Copper for their sponsorship of the passport draw.
KEG President Jane McCaw awarded Andrew Wilkins a Summit Helicopters flight around the city in the grand prize draw for registered delegates. Thank you to Summit Helicopters Ltd. for their sponsorship for this prize.
The 2019 field trip was a tour of Highland Valley Copper. Thank you to Teck for hosting the tour and to TRU Trades and Technology for supplying the transportation.
The annual KEG hockey game took place at the Valleyview Arena on Monday April 8th. The Blackjack's were the reigning champions taking on the Lemon's in the battle for the Kilderkin Cup, sponsored by ARC Geoscience. Depending on who you talked to... the other team won... so this year... we are calling it a draw! It was great to see spectators in the stands cheering on the players for some good old-fashioned hockey.
Thank you to Ian Stilwel for organizing the teams once again and to all the sponsors for letting these players battle it out on the ice. Who will carry the trophy next year?
The 2019 Junior Delegate program was a great success once again. We had 4 elementary school classes attend on Tuesday, April 9th. Approximately 90 students took part in several activities: learning about rocks and minerals with the Logan Lake Rock Club, gold panning with Yukon Dan, learning from the New Afton Fire Department, stumping KEG volunteer geologists with rock questions, and touring the trade show on a Treasure Hunt of answers.
The 31st Annual KEG Conference & Trade Show was held on April 10th & 11th, 2018 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. This was a year for the record books with 462 registered delegates, 98 students in the junior delegate education program, 10 students in the senior delegate career-planning program, and over 100 people from the general public taking in the trade show. We hosted another sold out KEG Conference banquet, as well as a short course and a field trip, both well attended.
Thank you to our directors and conference committee members who worked hard over the past year to ensure the success of the conference.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, speakers, and volunteers. We are looking forward to the 32nd KEG Conference & Trade Show on April 9th & 10th, 2019 at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre.
KEG Conference Coordinator, Jen Barter, working hard registering all the delegates at conference.
The 'Two Tickets To Paradise’ Ice Breaker was held at Romeo's Kitchen + Spirits on Monday April 9th, 2018. Always a popular event, the venue was full all night with delegates meeting up with friends, new and old. Thank you to all who came to kick off the 31st Annual KEG Conference & Trade Show.
Bruce Madu emceed the sold out 2018 Banquet, welcoming everyone and taking them on a flashback through the 70's and 80's. He then began a tribute to past KEG VP John L. Dormer, who passed away suddenly after the 2017 conference. Past KEG president Colin Russell spoke on behalf of KEG and announced KEG's ongoing tribute of an educational award in John Dormer's name. Julie Dormer, KEG Outreach Coordinator and John's daughter, spoke about her father's love of the mining and exploration industry, as well as his time with KEG. Julie thanked KEG and the audience on behalf of her family for the honour to her dad, stating education was of great importance to him.
The John L. Dormer Award, beginning in the fall of 2018 $1500 Dollars awarded each year to the top mature student enrolled in the school of Trades and Technology as chosen by the faculty chairs. Preference given to a student over 30 years of age who has recently returned to university/trades/technical school in order to better his or her life and the lives of those around them.
John L. Dormer will be missed by many.
Following the tribute, the annual KEG awards were given out. Everyone then feasted on an incredible buffet dinner before the talented ventriloquist Norma McKnight came to the stage. Norma had the banquet attendees in stiches with her high-energy act. Several from the audience joined Norma on stage and KEG's own conference coordinator, Jen Barter, stole the show with her hilarious antics.
We are very proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 Ron Wells Award and the 2018 Gold Pick Award.
The Ron Wells Award is in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the Kamloops Exploration Group: 2018 recipient Colin Russell.
The Gold Pick Award is in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the mineral industry: 2018 recipient in memoriam John L. Dormer.
Left to right: KEG Vice President John Ryan, the 2018 Gold Pick Award recipient Colin Russell, the 2018 Ron Wells Award recipient in memorial to John L. Dormer (award accepted by his daughter Julie Dormer), KEG President Jane McCaw
The Women In Mining South Central wine reception was a great networking event. Thank you to Bureau Veritas for their sponsorship
The Annual KEG Conference and Trade Show sees two door prizes each year which are drawn during the final coffee break on the final day.
Ed Balon was awarded 10 - 1oz bars of silver by KEG Conference Coordinator, Jen barter, for winning the passport draw. Thank you to Teck - Highland Valley Copper for their sponsorship of the passport draw.
Peter Rice of Summit Helicopters Ltd. awarded Jack Brown-John a flight around the city for being the grand prize winner. Thank you to Summit Helicopters Ltd. for their sponsorship for this prize.
Thank you to Leo Lindinger and Ed Frey for organizing and guiding the 2018 field trip. Attendees had a tour of the geology and mineral deposits of the historic Stump Lake mining camp & surrounding area.
With a new venue and ice time, the annual KEG hockey game took place at the Valleyview Arena on Monday, April 9th. The Lemons were the reining champions taking on the Blackjacks in a battle for the Kilderkin Cup, sponsored by ARC Geoscience. Running out of time and having the last point take all the marbles, the Blackjacks defeated the Lemons 7 - 6.
Thank you to Ian Stilwel for organizing the teams once again and to all the sponsors for letting these players battle it out on the ice. Who will take it in 2019?
Our educational program was a hit once again in 2018. We had 4 elementary school classes attend on Tuesday, April 10th. Approximately 100 students took part in several activities: learning about rocks and minerals with the Logan Lake Rock Club, gold panning with Yukon Dan, learning from the New Afton Fire Department, stumping KEG volunteer geologists with rock questions, and touring the trade show on a Treasure Hunt of answers. On Wednesday, we had 10 senior delegates. These students sit in on a ‘round table discussion’ with mining professionals who share their knowledge of the industry. Next it was time to learn how to gold pan with Yukon Dan, before touring the trade show to speak with industry reps. KEG is very proud of this program, where students get a hands-on educational approach in the mining and exploration industry. We would like to thank Minerals Ed for their part in the creation of this program. Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers and industry reps for making the educational program a great success.
Thank you to all who made 2017 a great success. This was a milestone year and we were thrilled to have the turnout we did. There were 411 registered delegates, 117 students taking part in the educational program and over 100 of the general public taking in the trade show. We could not have done this without the dedication of the directors and volunteers who have been working hard over the past year. We would also like to thank all the staff at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre for, as always, great service and hospitality.
Thank you to all of the 30th Annual KEG Conference and Trade Show sponsors. KEG could not host this event every year with out your generous support.
The 2017 Ice Breaker was once again a wonderful evening mingling with friends. This is our kick off event which sees delegates socializing with friends over incredible food and drinks from Romeo's Kitchen + Spirits. The hockey awards are also given out after the game. This event goes until the well is dry and is always a favourite of the conference. We called it the "dirty thirties" this year, as we are celebrating our 30th year.
This event once again sold out. Attendees were welcomed by KEG Director John Dormer, MC, who then introduced Honourable Bill Bennett, Minister of Mines, who gave his last official address before his retirement. In John Dormer's introduction he presented Minister Bennett with a gold pan and rock hammer (donated by Deakin Industries) It was an honour to have him present and his speech did not disappoint... He was given a standing ovation. The banquet is also where the 2017 Ron Wells Award and the 2017 Gold Pick Award are presented. Attendees were treated to the incredible magician Shawn Farquhar. His show left most people with their mouth to the floor in awww. After the banquet, guests headed to the ALS hospitality suite.
We are very proud to announce the recipients of the 2017 Ron Wells Award and the 2017 Gold Pick Award. The Ron Wells Award is presented for recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the Kamloops Exploration Group and the Gold Pick Award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the mineral industry.
Minister Bill Bennett (left) and KEG President Jane McCaw (right) present the 2017 Ron Wells Award to Lynne Bruce.
Minister Bll Bennett (left) and KEG President Jane McCaw (middle) present the 2017 Gold Pick Award to Gavin Dirom.
Congratulations to you both and than you for your dedication to KEG and the mining industry.
The Women In Mining South Central Branch Wine Reception was a sell out once again. Thank you to all who attended, including Minister of Mines Bill Bennett. Minister Bennett also spoke at the event. Thank you to our sponsor CheckMate Fire Prevention.
Jim Britton is presented with 10 1 oz silver bars for winning the passport draw.
Julie Fischl is the grand prize winner taking home a $1000 gift certificate with Travelwise.
Once again, those within the mining industry laced up and strapped on the fresh and flowery smelling hockey gear and hit the Sandman Centre ice in Kamloops B.C. to play for the Kilderkin Cup. This years’ affair saw the ice tilted heavily to the south southeast as the Lemons captured their first Kilderkin Cup defeating the Blackjacks by a narrow margin of 21-11. Additionally, this game also marked the last time Larry Chenier (Leaverite Drilling) would skate and officially announced his retirement from the game. We, at ARC would like to congratulate Larry for his many years of playing at the annual KEG hockey game and his team the Lemons for this years win. See you all next year….except you Larry!!
~ Phil Gordon - ARC
This was an incredible year for the Educational Junior & Senior Delegate Programs. We had 103 students (4 classes) take part in the Junior Delegate Program, and 22 scheduled to take part in the Senior Delegate Program. On Tuesday, the juniors took part in several activities: Learning about rocks and minerals with the Logan Lake Rock Club, Stump The Geologist, Gold Panning with Yukon Dan, learning from the New Afton Fire Department, Stumping KEG volunteer geologists and touring the trade show on a Treasure Hunt of answers. On Wednesday, the senior delegates have a round table discussion with young professionals before learning how to gold pan with Yukon Dan and touring the trade show to speak with industry reps. KEG is very proud of this program, where students get a hands-on educational approach in the mining and exploration industry. We would like to thank Minerals Ed for their part in the creation of this program.
Thank you to all KEG Directors, volunteers, sponsors and delegates for making the 2016 KEG Conference and Trade Show a huge success. We would also like to thank Jen Barter for all her work with the conference. The 29th Annual conference saw 421 registered delegates, 109 students in the educational program, and close to 100 members of the public in attendance. Trade show booths, the WIM South Central Wine Reception, the Banquet and the New Afton New Gold Mine Tour were all sold out. Thank you to the talks committee and everyone who presented. We would also like to thank all the staff at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre for, as always, great service and hospitality.
Thank you to all of the 29th Annual KEG Conference and Trade Show sponsors. KEG could not host this event every year with out your generous support.
New Gold Inc.
Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Actlabs) ALS Group Colorado Resources Ltd. IBEW Local 993 Northern BC & Yukon
AME BC Foraco Canada Ltd. IRL Supplies Ltd. KGHM Ajax Mining Inc. Prosper Gold Corp
Bureau Veritas District of Logan Lake Eagle Mapping Ltd. Extreme Excavating & Drilling Supplies Ltd. Multi Power Products Ltd. Robertson Mfg. Ltd
Clinton W. Grey amazing the crowd with his magical talents
A beautiful evening for the patio
Before dinner, KEG Vice President and MC John Dormer welcomed everyone and thanked all our sponsors before introducing Minister of Energy & Mines and Minister responsible for Core Review, The Honourable Bill Bennett. Minister Bennett once again gave an inspiring speech to the attendees. KEG President Colin Russell joined The Honourable Bill Bennett in presenting the 2016 Gold Pick Award and the 2016 Ron Wells Award. After dinner, the amazing and talented Clinton W. Grey, put on an amazing show which included magic, getting out of a straight jacket and magically chopping off attendee, Anna's, hand. The ALS Hospitality Suite was a packed house once again.
Clinton W. Grey wowing the full house at the 2016 banquet
Clinton W. Grey is magically chopping off Anna's hand
The KEG is pleased to announce the 2016 winners of these awards which were created to recognize dedication and commitment.
The 2016 Ron Wells Award was presented to Fred Daley in recognition of his outstanding service and contribution to the Kamloops Exploration Group.
Past Winners: 2015 Mike Cathro, 2014 Jutta Jealouse, 2013 Leo Lindinger, 2012 Frank Pezzotti, 2011 Royanna Wild
Minister of Mines, The Honourable Bill Bennett, KEG President Colin Russell and Karin Gerke present Fred Daley with the 2016 Ron Wells Award
The 2016 Gold Pick Award was presented to Patrick McAndless in recognition of his outstanding service and contribution in the mineral industry.
Past Winners: 2015 JoAnne Nelson, 2014 Yukon Dan Moore, 2013 Jim Oliver, 2012 Rudi Durfeld, 2011 Paul Wodjak
Minister of Mines, The Honourable Bill Bennett and KEG President Colin Russell present Patrick McAndless with the 2016 Gold pick Award
Congratulations to you both, and thank you for your dedication.
The Women In Mining South Central Branch Wine And Cheese Reception was once again a wonderful event. Thank you to KGHM AJAX Mining Inc. for your generous sponsorship. This was a sold out event and was attended by Minister of Energy & Mines, The Honourable Bill Bennett. The group is looking forward to growing the number of members and to start being active in the community with career planning, socials and networking. You can become a member by emailing wimsouthcentral@gmail.com
WIM South Central Executive pose with The Honourable Bill Bennett
During lunch on Tuesday, attendees came together to share stories of founding KEG member Ab Ablett. Thank you to Denis Delisle who chaired this event. Thank you to Bruce Bried who donated 2 original drawings by Ab. These were auctioned off to raise money for the New Life Community Kamloops, which is the charity benefiting from the September 24th Ab Ablett Memorial KEG Golf Tournament.
Denis Delisle shares his stories during the Ab Ablett lunch event
Bev Quist receives the $1000 Travelwise GC from KEG President Colin Russell in the grand prize draw
Bree receives 10 1oz silver bars from KEG President Colin Russell for the passport grand prize draw
Attendees made their way to Spences Bridge to meet world champion gold panner Yukon Dan. the work was tough, but everyone found the incurable gold fever. Thank you to Yukon Dan and his volunteers for an amazing day in the sun finding lots of flake gold. Thank you to Reg Devick and Jasmine Beaudin for sharing their pictures.
Delegates spent the day touring the underground mine at New Afton, checking out the new facilities and looking at core samples in the core shack.
The Annual KEG Hockey Game has started new traditions this year. There is no more Interior VS The Coast. The new names are now Blackjacks and Lemons.
The two teams were named after a pair of infamous prospectors in the legend of the Lost Lemon Mine. The legend holds that two prospectors (Lemon and Blackjack), discovered a gold vein in the vicinity of Crowsnest Pass in the year 1870. The discovery was made in late fall, and the two argued that night whether to remain there through the winter or to return in the spring. In a fit of insanity, Lemon crawled out of his bed that night, grabbed an axe, and split the head of his partner in two. The death of Blackjack was blamed on the native Blackfoot folks, and a fellow by the name of McDougall was dispatched to bury the unfortunate prospector. He was later commissioned to lead a group of prospectors to the location of their camp; however, on his way to meet them, he stopped in at a bar in Montana and drank himself to death. Later a fellow by the name of Lafayette French wrote to a friend claiming to have found the mine. Unfortunately for him, he burned to death in the cabin he was staying in. Prospectors have been searching for the mine ever since. Some people believe that Lemon and Blackjack were nothing more than hijackers who had robbed a group of miners in BC. Others believe the mine exists and is cursed by the ghost of Blackjack. During the game, the Lemons seemingly buried the hatchet and went up by a score of 4 to 1, but they appear to have suffered the curse of Blackjack and lost the game 4 to 6.
Plan to attend next years game and cheer on these players to see who will win the new Kilderkin Cup donated by Arc Geoscience.
Ray Chenier is awarded the Kilderkin cup from Phil Gordon of Arc Geoscience
Thank you to Yukon Dan, The Logan Lake Rock Club, sponsors, volunteers and delegates who made this years education program a huge success. Over 85 elementary students took part in a full day of hands on education on Tuesday, while 22 high school students took part in a career day on Wednesday. This is an important part of the conference and we could not do it with out all of you, so thank you!
Volunteer Brian May identifies junior delegates rocks
Students toured the trade show to ask industry reps questions
Students learned about mine rescue and fire fighting and even toured the truck
Young professionals discussing their journey in mining with Senior Delegates