Editor:

On behalf of the 2009 Minerals North Conference organizing committee I would like to offer our most sincere thanks to the sponsors, delegates, and all the volunteers for their support of the 2009 Minerals North Conference held in Fort St. James April 21- 23, 2009.

Our 2009 organizing committee had many goals. These included: drawing a large and diverse group of people; ensuring they had access to key presentations of relevant and current issues; encouraging meaningful discussion of the impacts and benefits of mineral exploration and mining; emphasizing the full life cycle of the mineral industry with special emphasis on reclamation; encourage socially and environmentally sustainable growth in the area; showcasing the great quality of life available in Ft. St. James; and if a surplus was available – to distribute that surplus to benefit the Fort St. James area as best as possible.

We recently closed the books for the Conference and although the yearly conference is not intended to generate a surplus, this year due to generous sponsorship and good attendance we did raise a significant surplus. As per the direction of the Minerals North standing committee guidelines, 75% of the surplus was used to enable a better understanding of the mineral industry and 25% was distributed to the benefit the local community.

This year’s generosity provided critical support to the conference and enabled us to meet and exceed our goals and provide the warmth and hospitality so often associated with this conference. The surplus isapproximately $50,000. The conference was a great success and the surplus will benefit a wide variety of people across the area.

Mussi,                                                                                               

James Mooney                                                            

Chair, Minerals North 2009 Organizing Committee