The 24th Annual Minerals North started in Burns Lake yesterday.  With about 200 booths set up in the Curling rink and speakers from the industry, committee members expect that 400 people have so far attended the conference.  Minerals North is a great opportunity for community members to learn how much of an impact the mining industry has on, not only Northern BC but the whole province.   Burns Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold says, “I'm hoping that there will be some connections and networks that will help connect people together so that we can diversify our economy I think that's what I leaned after the mill, was that we really need to diversify our economy so let’s work hard as a community we are for business and prepare to expand our services."

Minerals North Association President, Hans Smit has had a role putting Minerals North on for the past 20 years and is thrilled at what the event is today, “It's really satisfying the idea was to basically mix the communities and the minerals industry people  together and it’s been very successful."

Minerals North Association Vice President, Ann McCormick has been involved since 2007, "We've gone from 100 delegates to 350-400 delegates and we are getting speakers from all over the North and so there is a base of supporters and industry supports as well."

 Minerals North will move its way to Terrace for the first time since 2007.  Rob Dykman is the chair of the Terrace Minerals North conference for 2013, "I’m feeling a lot of excitement because there is a great amount organization that has to happen and we want to put on a excellent conference and we want to make sure that things run smoothly and we want to see the people of Terrace, see all the benefits and really enjoy what is going on. So it’s an exciting."

Minerals north ends Friday, and it will start again in April for it 25^th Annual Event.