Sustaining strong community relationships means being present, engaged and committed to education and transparency. That is why New Afton’s Claire Leighton, Exploration Project Coordinator, and Adrienne Grant, Exploration Geologist-in-Training, were proud to once again participate at this year’s Kamloops Exploration Group (KEG) Conference.
That commitment was front and center at the conference, where Claire, Adrienne and many other New Afton employees joined over 700 industry professionals, students, and members of the public to share knowledge, inspire curiosity, and promote responsible resource development.
The KEG Conference, a hub for mining and exploration in BC, continues to grow in size and impact. Having attended four times, Adrienne says that the event has become more than a professional gathering—it is a chance to give back. This year, instead of volunteering at the New Gold booth, Adrienne joined the “Stump-a-Geologist” session, helping elementary students identify rocks and sparking conversations about the role of mining in everyday life.
“While most of the kids had decorative quartz pebbles, they showed interest and enthusiasm for the economics of mining and the science of geology,” said Adrienne. “It was a great opportunity to inspire the bright young minds of the future.”
Claire echoed the value of outreach, noting that KEG Conference reinforces the importance of education and visibility in improving understanding of the mining industry.
“Exposing the general public, especially school children, to mining and exploration removes the guise of negativity around the industry,” Claire explained. “It shows the positive impacts mining can have on communities through charity, employment, and economic stimulus.”
By putting a face to the company and offering opportunities for the public to ask questions, New Afton helps enhance community relationships and awareness—essential ingredients for the success of current and future projects.
KEG is led by an elected nine-member volunteer board, including two of New Afton’s own, Jane McCaw and Nimmi Dhadwal. It is a registered, volunteer-run, not-for-profit society that promotes and supports the interests of responsible mining and exploration for minerals, metals and petroleum.
