VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - November 26, 2015) - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) expresses its support for the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the State of Alaska and the Province of British Columbia that was signed yesterday.

"This Memorandum of Understanding builds upon the already strong relationship between British Columbia and Alaska and the natural ties between neighbours," notes David McLelland, Chair of AME BC. "We applaud and support the leadership of both governments on defining how each government can best represent the interests of its citizens on transboundary affairs and support responsible mineral exploration and development."

"The interests of all Alaskans and British Columbians are best served by discussing matters such as mine development and environmental stewardship regionally and locally, rather than in a national or international context," says Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC. "The agreement builds on the role that province and state officials already have in being mutually involved, where appropriate and efficient, in respective environmental assessments and permitting processes."

The Memorandum of Understanding provides the framework for future collaboration and includes a commitment to establish a Bilateral Working Group on the Protection of Transboundary Waters. Although the document is not legally binding, it formally recognizes the role of each jurisdiction in participating in each other's environmental assessment processes and commits to enhancing communication and access to information between jurisdictions.

About AME BC:

AME BC is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME BC represents, advocates, protects and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in BC and throughout the world. AME BC encourages a safe, economically strong and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership.