The Mining Association of British Columbia has gone virtual with their annual celebrations. Photo Submitted

The Mining Association of British Columbia has gone virtual with their annual celebrations. Photo Submitted

Mining Month celebrations move online

The Mining Association of British Columbia is getting creative in moving the celebrations online

  • May. 12, 2020 12:00 a.m.

May marks Mining Month in British Columbia, and in the Elk Valley, where mining plays such an important role in our economy and in our communities, the importance of mining is highlighted.

The Mining Association of British Columbia is thinking of innovative ways to continue to celebrate mining across the province in the midst of the pandemic.

In a statement from the Mining Association of BC, they noted that “COVID-19 has demonstrated the resilience of our industry, the commitment of our employees and the vital connections that keep our industry standing together and B.C.’s economy moving forward.”

The statement goes on to say that “despite physical distancing, the pandemic has shown that we’re all in this together with our employees, our communities and our indigenous partners.”

Annual events that usually take place in May to celebrate Mining Month will now be moved online. This includes the Mining Person of the Year Award, as well as Women in Mining and Mining for Miracles. The association still plans on highlighting the exceptional leaders, companies, organizations and communities that demonstrate “the spirit of one of British Columbia’s foundational industries.”

A brand new initiative was also launched on May 1, 2020 in an attempt to still engage people in on online fashion. The Virtual Mining Month Scavenger Hunt is meant to promote mineral literacy, industry pride and digital engagement.

According to the association’s website, “participants who successfully solve challenges will be offered entry for weekly prizes, and participants who complete the challenges weekly will be entered into a draw for the grand prize at the close of Mining Month.”

The virtual scavenger hunt will be live from May 1-31, 2020 and people can play along via a variety of social media platforms. The Mining Association of British Columbia and the online scavenger hunt can be found on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Weekly prizes will be gift cards for a B.C. based restaurant of the winner’s choice valued at $250. Weekly prizes may also include apparel and some swag. The grand prize will be a two night staycation in B.C. at a hotel of the winner’s choice valued at $1,500.

The first weekly prize will be awarded on May 11, with the following prizes on May 18, May 25 and then the grand prize on or around June 1.

There is no purchase or donation required to play along with the scavenger hunt although there are two main eligibility requirements for the prize draws. Individuals must be at least 19 years of age and be able to provide proof of B.C. residency in order to qualify for prizes.


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