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Progress continues on the BC Jobs Plan with the announcement of  a Mines Act permit for the Barkerville Gold Mine, outside of Wells.

The mine, set to begin construction as early as next year, will provide 30 direct jobs at Bonanza Ridge and a further 40 jobs at the QR Mine once it becomes fully operational. As part of the BC Jobs Plan, announced earlier this year by Premier Christy Clark, the province
expects to see eight brand new mines and another nine mining expansions operational in British Columbia by 2015.

"This mine will bring jobs and economic benefits, not only to Northern B.C. but to the whole province," said Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing Rich Coleman. "This is great news for the region, affected by the mountain pine beetle. The company is to be commended for their ongoing work with the First Nations and communities in the region."

The mine received approval of its Mines Act Permit from the Province on Nov. 29, 2011. About 73,000 tonnes of ore per year will be produced at the Bonanza Ledge Mine, which has current mine life of four years. The mine design is the culmination of geological exploration, engineering and environmental studies undertaken by the company in the Barkerville camp since the Bonanza Ledge deposit was discovered in 2000.

The larger area of Quesnel and region has been hard hit by losses in forestry due to the mountain pine beetle epidemic, and will also benefit as the QR mill will continue to operate to process the Bonanza Ledge ore. The mining, trucking and milling of ore at the nearby QR
Mine could potentially begin within a month following the start of construction at Bonanza Ledge.

Community and First Nations consultation has taken place on the mine proposal over several years leading up to the application, and feedback has been incorporated in aspects of the project design. A memorandum of understanding is in place between the company and the Lhtako Dene First Nation providing for continued close co-operation and benefits related to development of the company's projects in the Cariboo region.

"Approval of the Bonanza Ledge Gold Mine is one of the first major outcomes in close to 20 years of BGM's exploration in the region," suggested J. Frank Callaghan, president and CEO of Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd.  "The company has invested its resources in development of the property and he QR mill, and it's great to see this project come to fruition."

"This will mean a lot to the residents of Wells, Quesnel and the Lhtako Dene Nation. It's been a joint effort to make this work with such a small environmental footprint, and the company is excited to begin development of the mine."