Newfoundland & Labrador Prospectors Association (NLPA)
2013 NLPA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Clarenville
1. WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS.
Meeting started at 4:20 PM
President Norm Mercer welcomed members to the AGM and Workshop held at the Clarenville Inn.
2. REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF AGENDA.
The Agenda was reviewed and adopted by all members in attendance.
3. REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM 2012 AGM.
Minutes from the 2012 AGM were reviewed and adopted by all members in attendance.
4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
There was no Business arising from the minutes.
5. TREASURER'S REPORT.
Secretary / Treasurer Kevin Ryan reported that the NLPA’s opening bank account balance October 31,
2012 was $31,971.09 and the current balance as of September 27, 2013 was $29,177.98.
The membership was advised that a Review Audit of Association’s Business Account will take place shortly.
The membership was advised that the deadline for 2013/14 NLPA Membership Dues is October 31, 2013.
After discussion, members voted and accepted the option of paying their membership annually for one year or for up to a three year period if they so desired.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS.
A. GOVERNMENT POLICY AND PROGRAMS.
In the absence of the Committee Chair - Wayde Guinchard, Kevin Ryan briefed the membership on that committee’s progress to date.
The three main topics of Genuine Prospector Designation, Prospector Grants and Mineral Assessments
Reports have been presented to Government who have struck an action committee to examine these issues. It appears that the industry is being polled regarding the NLPA’s request for an increase in the total number of annual $10.00 claims from 30 to 60.
Revisions to Assessment Report Policy will require changes to Government Legislation.
The delays and hurdles associated with NR’s processing and issuance of Prospector Grants is still contentious.
B. EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
Norm Mercer provided an update on the progress of The Education and Training Committee in the absence of Committee Chair Gordon Cooper.
Gordon Cooper and Nath Noel have designed an outline plan to help satisfy NLPA’s objective of developing and delivering an introductory level prospector traing course along with other Education initiatives.
C. PROMOTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS.
Sandy Duffitt briefed the membership on the status of the NLPA web site.
Membership was reminded of some of the features of the site including the opportunity to list prospector’s own web sites. Most members present are using the web site on a regular basis.
Discussion took place regarding consideration to have Provincial Government issue Prospector ID Cards with photo.
The Board will look in to the matter and report back to the membership.
D. WAYS AND MEANS.
The Board is open and willing to explore all and any new opportunities to sustain the association going forward.
7. NEW BUSINESS.
A. MEETING WITH MINISTER TOM HEDDERSON.
The membership was briefed by Kevin Ryan on the outcome of our meeting with Environment Minister Tom Hedderson.
The meeting was a very positive exercise with assurance’s that the NLPA’s land use and mineral exploration perspective vs. the concerns by the Environment and Conservation Lobby will be given equal consideration.
During the meeting our association was invited to make application to be represented on the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Committee. Norm Mercer was nominated by the Board and Norm made official
Application. We are awaiting response of that application.
B. UPCOMING MEETING WITH NR MINISTER TOM MARSHALL.
The membership reviewed, discussed and adopted the following AGENDA slated for the October 16,
2013 meeting with NR Minister Tom Marshall: -
- Lack of Human Resources in key positions at Mines Branch
- Prospector Grants
- Multiple Land Use including NALCOR Land
- Exploration Approvals and Permitting
- Education and Training
- Quarry Rights vs. Mineral Rights – Conflicting Interest
- Royalties and how they are they are taxed
C. EARTH SCIENCE STUDENT MEMBERS / BOARD REPRESENTATION.
There was general consensus that the Board proceed with installing an Earth Science Student Member to the Board of our association. The Earth Science Students will meet shortly and nominate their board member.
D. CREATION OF A JUNIOR PROSPECTOR CLUB.
(Information Only): - Norm Mercer advised the membership of his desire to create a Junior Prospectors Club later this fall.
E. REGIONAL MEETINGS AND EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS.
Norm Mercer advised that regional meetings and workshops are ongoing with further meetings to be held in Stephenville and Goose Bay before Christmas.
F. GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITY----PROVINCIAL JANEWAY TELETHON.
The membership agreed for the Board to pursue a plan to canvas the membership for volunteers to appear on the Janeway Telethon.
G. MINING WEEK INITIATIVES.
Members were encouraged to visit a school in their community to talk about what a prospector does in the field and to bring rock and mineral samples along with maps to the classroom.
8. OTHER BUSINESS.
No other business.
9. LOCATION FOR 2014 NLPA AGM AND WORKSHOP.
The membership agreed that the 2014 NLPA AGM will be held in Grand Falls / Windsor on the last Saturday of September.
10. ADJOURNMENT.
Meeting adjourned 5:40 P.M
Source: https://www.nlprospectors.org/News_-_Info/News_Letter/AGM_Minutes2013.pdf
