WGM is pleased to announce that on this day, in 1962, one of Canada's most prominent geological and mining consulting firms was born. Shaped by the vision and drive of its namesake founding partners, Murray Watts, Tom Griffis and Jack McOuat, the company brought together a unique blend of Canadian geological, metallurgical and engineering expertise.

Ross Lawrence, Principal Consultant and one of the firms founders, reflects on the past and the bright future of the firm, "WGM has a long and distinguished history in the Canadian and world mining industries. Both, Watts and Griffis, have been inaugurated into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame - a testament to the commitment of our professionals, and a benchmark by which we measure our own professional achievements."

Joe Hinzer, WGM President adds "2012 promises to be an exciting year for WGM. As we prepare for our 50th Anniversary celebrations, we continue our pursuit of excellence to meet the needs of our clients for the next 50 years. I believe that the current resurgence of demand for the basic commodities such as iron, copper, lead and zinc and the energy minerals will be sustained for many years. This and the strong continued demand for professional services domestically and internationally will provide the ideal setting for growth at WGM."

To mark the occasion, WGM is inviting all of its past clients and colleagues to share their unique and interesting stories and photos from their days with WGM of old. Guests can visit the company's website or new Facebook page where they can post comments and share photos. Details of WGM's 50th Golden Anniversary celebration will be announced at the upcoming Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference in Toronto, March 4 to 7, and posted on the corporate website and social networks later this spring.

The Original "Iron Men"

WGM’s early development was firmly rooted in the steel industry. Tom Griffis figured prominently in the discovery of five iron ore deposits for the Iron Ore Company of Canada, and the discovery of the copper deposit which provided longevity to the McIntyre Porcupine Gold Mine. Tom’s enthusiastic support for the Nanisivik Zn-Pb deposit on Baffin Island led to WGM’s feasibility study on which project financing was based.

Murray Watts is credited with the discovery of the Raglan Ni Deposits and the Asbestos Hill Mine, however, it is his discovery of the world-class Mary River Fe deposits on Baffin Island that rings resonant today, representing the most significant undeveloped high-grade iron resource on the planet, and potentially one of its largest.

It wasn't until the Asbestos Hill days that Jack McOuat, Murray Watts and Tom Griffis hooked up. One of the original founders, having joined the company in 1962, Ross Lawrence added his skills in mineral valuation, mineral policy and project management, while Jack brought a keen appreciation of the cyclical nature of the business.

Shortly after Murray, Tom, Jack and Ross gave birth to the company, WGM opened its first international office in Sydney, Australia in 1965. As the nickel boom waned WGM closed its office in 1972 and looked abroad for new opportunities. Recognizing the potential in Alaska, WGM opened an office in Anchorage in 1972 under the management of Riz Bigelow, whose subsequent participation in the discovery of Red Dog and Green’s Creek soon paid dividends to the WGM reputation. WGM’s direct equity participation in the Pogo Mine discovery was the result of technical expertise and the opportunity to assemble a top notch exploration consortium.

Having won a major project management contract in Saudi Arabia, WGM opened its Jeddah office in 1972, an operational centre which lasted until the mid-1980’s. WGM’s work resulted in the discovery of the Ghurrayah Ta-Nb deposit. Out of the Saudi projects, a team was assembled which established an office in Yemen from 1991 through 1995. WGM’s services to the Geological Survey in support of exploration training and investment promotion projects under World Bank financing soon resulted in a series of new exploration licences acquired by local and foreign companies, including Chuck Fipke’s Cantex Development Co.

WGM’s work in Yemen soon generated spin-off projects and satellite offices in Ghana, Argentina and Ecuador. An office was established in Indonesia in 1996 where WGM’s exploration management led to the discovery of several new gold prospects in Central Java which have not yet been sufficiently explored for a variety of non-technical reasons. Over the years, WGM played a significant role in the development of such gold mines as Fort Knox in Alaska and Woodsreef, in New South Wales as well as the Al Masane Pb-Zn deposit in Saudi Arabia.

Today, the firm continues to operate from its headquarters in the heart of Toronto's financial district. With the addition of a representative office in Beijing's Central Business District in 2010, the firm is poised to meet the demands of its global clients in the new millennium.

WGM has completed a yearlong study of potential Cu-Ni-PGE exploration targets in Canada. The objective of the study was to identify underexplored areas that exhibit significant exploration potential.

WGM's team, led by J. Konnunaho, a geologist from the Finnish Geological Survey and an expert in such mineralization, reviewed and prepared an outline of prospective areas in Canada hosting the most favourable depositional environments that could contain such types of mineralization. The study identified and examined 26 such settings, all of which have various levels of demonstrated potential for hosting Cu-Ni-PGE deposits. Targets were then selected based on the following search criteria;

1) current economic potential;

2) accessibility to exploration (remote areas impact exploration costs);

3) geological setting, the presence of those features most favourable for Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization;

4) demonstrated historical and or recent exploration results;

5) amenability to initial low cost target selection and "grass roots" exploration; and,

6) readily available data.

Six prospective target areas that exhibit those features considered key to hosting a broad exploration potential for Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization satisfied these selection criteria.

WGM has reviewed the information available in the public domain for each of these areas and prepared a brief, general overview of the salient features. Terrains of highest interest are described in more detail with specific comments as to those areas of most significant potential. General guidelines as to the recommended exploration approach are also included. This outline and guide is prepared for those explorers looking to acquire Cu-Ni-PGE projects of significant potential in areas that may have been overlooked, missed or avoided by other explorers, who may not have understood their real potential.

WGM has released a limited number of volumes of this study on a first come basis. Each volume comes complete with hard copy maps identifying the recommended follow up target areas.

WGM and Gemcom Software International are pleased to announce the date of the third annual Golf for Gold Invitational charity golf tournament in support of the Canadian Red Cross. Held on August 4th, 2011 at ClubLink's prestigious Club at Bond Head, proceeds from this industry event will help support the Canadian Red Cross in their international relief efforts, including support to victims of the recent Japan Earthquake - Asia Pacific Tsunami.

Registration fee includes 18 holes of golf, use of the range and facilities, golf cart, a gourmet breakfast and bbq lunch, and a chance at winning the coveted “Lime” Green Jacket. Foursomes include sponsorship at the event and on the Golf for Gold website. Individual registrations are also welcomed. Costs are $1,000 per foursome, or $250 per individual. A limited number of foursomes and individual spots are available for the early bird price of $900 and $225, respectively (offer expires May 31st).

For details about this popular industry event, please visit www.golf4gold.ca.

WGM Senior Associate Social and Economic Scientist, Dr. Stephen Roberts, will be hosting a 2-day workshop on Strategic Mine Closure Planning in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, held at the JW Marriott Hotel, April 28 to 29, 2011. The interactive workshop offered by UNIStrategic will focus on identifying the policies and programs that lead to sustainable practices in mine closure and rehabilitation, with a focus on actions needed to engage local stakeholders in decision-making. Attendees will be provided with case studies to assist them in understanding the practical implications of the issues being discussed, including practical insights in reclamation and clean-up techniques, as well as in the facilitation and mediation in resource management disputes.

WGM is pleased to announce the opening of its new Beijing Representative Office in the Central Business District. WGM President, Joe Hinzer commented, "Moving to the heart of Beijing's business district gives us a strategic advantage over our previous office which WGM opened in early 2005", adding, "The new location is already paying huge dividends as it is allowing us to easily meet face-to-face with representatives from both the foreign and domestic mineral and investment sectors. The demand for WGM's technical expertise in mineral valuations for private and public financing in China has seen unparalleled growth in the last 2 years, and we are well positioned to expand this area of our business moving forward."

WGM will be hosting a VIP reception at its new office location on Monday, November 22nd, by invitation only.

Prior to this grand opening, Mr. Hinzer will be presenting a paper on Risk Analysis and Risk Mitigation in the Mining Sector at the "International Mining Finance & Capital Markets Conference" held at the China World Summit Wing Hotel in Beijing, on November 19th. The event is co-hosted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum (CIM) and the China International Mining Group (CIMG), and will feature presentations by other speakers from other notable firms including CIBC, Ernst & Young, and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The Industrial Modernization Centre (“IMC”) is an industrial development agency jointly funded by the European Union, the Egyptian private sector, and the government of Egypt, whose mandate is to provide business development support to Egyptian industrial enterprises. Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited (“WGM”) is pleased to announce that it has been selected to conduct a yearlong study on Egypt’s Industrial Minerals Sector.

Recognizing the importance of the construction materials industry to the development of Egypt, the IMC has engaged WGM for a comprehensive review and strategic analysis of eight key construction raw materials and associated downstream processing operations. The results of the work will be used to guide government policy development respecting exploitation and development of key construction raw materials, assist industry in improving its operations and competitive position, and encourage investment in the sector. “Egypt is blessed with an abundance of industrial mineral prospects, which are essential to the development of its economy. Industrial minerals typically account for over 70% of metallic and non-metallic mineral production in terms of tonnage for industrialized economies,” comments Mr. Don Hains, WGM’s Senior Associate Industrial Minerals Expert and Project Team Leader, adding, “Industrial mineral development in Egypt has historically concentrated on the production of construction related materials such as aggregate, cement and decorative stone, as well as clays and silica sand for the production of brick and other construction products for domestic use. However, with the development of world class mineral deposits the likes of the Abu Dabbab tantalum-tin-feldspar deposit, and other precious metal deposits, Egypt’s mineral wealth is getting noticed on the world stage.”

WGM’s president, Mr. Joe Hinzer, reflects on the IMC’s selection of WGM for this assignment, stating “We are proud to be associated with the IMC on this very important project. The end results of this study will have far reaching impacts on Egypt’s economy for many years to come, and will serve to strengthen the countries competitive edge in the global construction material sector.”

Partnering with WGM are one of the world’s foremost leaders in dimensional stone, WGM’s associate firm, Geofield srl, and WGM’s local partner, Chimica Edile Middle East, who will provide valuable logistical, infrastructure, research and back office support. WGM has also formed a strategic alliance with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (“EMRA”), under the directorship of Dr. Hassan Bekheit, whose in-depth knowledge of Egypt’s industrial mineral geology is second to none.

Executives of Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited ("WGM") will be presenting back to back seminar’s in this falls line-up of international mining conferences. On October 22nd, Mr. Joe Hinzer, WGM President, will be presenting a paper at the 6th annual China Mining Congress and Expo to be held in Tianjin, China. Titled “The ABC’s of CSR in Exploration and Mining”, Mr. Hinzer’s presentation will explore the principles behind corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) and the methodologies for integrating these principles into companies’ business plans.

“The days when exploration and mining companies could develop the mineral wealth of remote regions with minimal corporate governance are long gone,” comments Mr. Hinzer, adding, “It is no longer sufficient for companies - private or public - to simply obtain permits and commence exploration or mining activities. Local residents, nearby communities and other stakeholders including all levels of government and indigenous populations expect to be consulted, receive lasting benefits and be assured there are no inherent dangers.”

“Most major public companies, the most visible in the public eye, are doing a good job of CSR in most aspects of their work. Many mid size companies have also implemented fairly reasonable CSR programs. The biggest challenge is for the smaller companies, especially junior explorers and small private enterprises to implement such programs. The benefits of being accepted locally are far reaching. Creating a negative impression will be difficult and costly to overcome. It would be prudent for everyone, especially this latter group, to avail themselves of knowledgeable advisors to help them bring their operations in line with generally accepted CSR principles – which in the long run will be most beneficial to these companies.”

The following week, Mr. Al Workman, WGM Vice President, will be hosting a two-day workshop at the MENA Mining Congress 2009 on October 29th. Held in Manama, Bahrain, the workshop will illustrate the structure of exploration agreements, the management of technical risk, and the role of the Qualified Person (“QP”) as defined under securities law.

WGM and Gemcom cordially invite you to "Golf for Gold", the first annual charity golf tournament in support of the Canadian Mining Games. Held on August 6th, 2009 at the prestigious Lionhead Golf and Country Club, proceeds from this industry event will help support tomorrow's aspiring mining professionals from across Canada compete in this annual tournament of champions. Congratulations to the 2009 Mining Games winners - Laurentian University.

For more information, please visit www.golf4gold.ca.

WGM announced today that it has joined the United Nations Global Compact, a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Created in 2000, the Global Compact is a voluntary initiative composed of UN agencies, private corporations, non-governmental organizations, labour, and academic institutions who are committed to upholding a shared set of principles on good corporate citizenship. By choosing to become a member, WGM is demonstrating its commitment to integrate the ten principles into its corporate culture, strategic planning, and day-to-day operations. WGM is Canada’s 60th participant in this initiative, and is joined by other notable industry participants like Barrick Gold Corporation, Inmet Mining Corporation, and Teck Resources Limited.

Commenting on the company’s membership, WGM’s President Joe Hinzer remarked, “WGM is proud to be a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact. Since its founding in 1962, WGM has been committed to fulfilling its obligation to act as a responsible corporate citizen. By joining the Global Compact, WGM is sending a message to our valued clients that the work our firm does will abide by these globally acceptable business and social principles.”

For more information on the United Nations Global Compact, and to view WGM’s Letter of Commitment, visit www.unglobalcompact.org.

WGM is pleased to announce that it has signed a foundation agreement with Mashoura Geological and Mining Services (“Mashoura”). Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and led by Mr. Yaser Habes, Chairman, Mashoura is a wholly owned Saudi consultancy and business advisory company servicing clients in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Both companies joint-exhibited at the MENA-EX 2009 conference in January and more recently at the 8th Meeting of the Saudi Society for Geosciences held in Jeddah, March 9th to 12th.

“This agreement reinforces WGM’s ability to provide technical support services to our clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, states Mr. Al Workman, Vice President, WGM, and co-architect of the agreement, adding, “Mashoura is a well established and respected firm with local knowledge and expertise. This collaboration will enable us to quickly and efficiently procure geological and engineering studies for domestic and foreign investors alike.”

The foundation agreement, signed on February 1st, provides a basis for both companies to co-operate on the provision of professional services to mineral projects in the Kingdom. It also grants Mashoura an exclusive right to participate, or contribute as needed, as WGM’s partner in any mineral sector projects for the Deputy Ministry for Mineral Resources, the Saudi Geological Survey, or the former state mining company, Ma’aden.

Mr. Workman summarized, “This association was a natural fit given WGM’s long history of service in the Kingdom which dates back to the early 70s, and Mashoura’s local knowledge and expertise. We look forward to this business partnership with Mashoura, and expect that the mutual benefits of this collaboration will be apparent very soon given the increased interest of mineral development in the Kingdom.”

IDNR-TV's 2009-PDAC program features among other distinguished personalities interviews with Chief Phil Fontaine, National Chief Assembly First Nations; Ebe Sherkus, COO of Agnico Eagle; Sean Roosen, Chairman , CEO of OSISKO; Joe Hinzer president of Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited and Chair of the 2009 PDAC Convention Planning Committee.

For the complete interview, click here.

Thank you for visiting our booth at the Roundup in Vancouver a few weeks ago, and for entering our draw for a bottle of 12 year aged Glennfiddich Scotch. There were over 150 people entered into our draw - our largest turn out yet. Our random draw was held on Thursday, January 29th and the winner was….

Alex Boronowski of Portal Resources, Vancouver. Congratulations Alex!

Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited ("WGM") will be delivering a one-day seminar on the fundamentals of mineral exploration in conjunction with the 8th Meeting of The Saudi Society for Geosciences, held March 9th to 12th, 2009. Hosted by Mr. Al Workman, Senior Geologist and Vice President, the workshop will illustrate how organizations can mitigate the inherent risks in exploration through a step-by-step, systematic approach to exploration.

“In understanding the challenges of mineral exploration, project planners also understand that there are no short-cuts to mine development,” states Mr. Workman. “Exploration geologists must make use of a multi-disciplinary approach involving all of the tools that are available to them: geological mapping, remote sensing, geochemical sampling and geophysical surveying are the main tools available. The drill should be the last instrument used because it is also the most expensive.”

The workshop will describe in detail the tools available to exploration planners, including:

• data that has been assembled from those who previously explored in the target area;

• information and advice available from the Saudi Geological Survey; and,

• information and advice available from qualified persons who are working in Saudi Arabia, or who have done so in the past.

Mr. Workman summarized, “Successful exploration planners know the importance of basing decisions on a well established project database. This foundation of knowledge is the very best means to ensure good investment decisions in mineral project management.”

For those interested in registering for this or other workshops hosted during this conference, please visit http://www.sgsonline.org.sa/ssg for details.

Joe Hinzer, President of Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited ("WGM"), is pleased to welcome associate consulting firm PEG Mining Consultants Inc. (PEG), lead by its three senior principals, Pierre Desautels, P.Geo., Eric Harkonen, P.Eng., MBA, and Gordon Zurowski, P.Eng.

WGM will draw on PEG’s 60 years of combined operational and consulting experience. Formerly with Wardrop Engineering, Mr. Desautels, Senior Associate Geologist, brings nearly 30 years of experience in mine geology and resource evaluations. Also formerly with Wardrop, Mr. Harkonen, Senior Associate Mining Engineer, is a seasoned professional project manager with exemplary open pit mine engineering skills. Mr. Zurowski, Senior Associate Mine Engineer, has been providing independent engineering services to clients from around the world since 1998.

“The addition of PEG’s expertise to WGM’s talent pool is a substantial boost to our ability to procure advanced engineering and geology studies for our clients,” states Mr. Hinzer, adding, “Each of PEG’s principals are truly a leader in their respective field, which will add new dimension and depth to our service offerings in the immediate term.”

The associate agreement signed on July 28th guarantees WGM right of first refusal on PEG’s services over other consulting firms, except in cases where PEG has independently procured a competing bid.

Mr. Hinzer summarized, “This association was a natural fit given both parties’ mandates for quality and professional integrity. We look forward to this business partnership with PEG, and expect that the mutual benefits of this association will be apparent in short order.”

At the invitation of Nigerian senior government and business leaders, Dr. Stephen Roberts, Senior Social and Economic Scientist at Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited (“WGM”), was invited to travel to the West African nation to speak on methods for resolving the ongoing conflict in the Niger Delta Region (“NDR”). Though the region is rich in oil and gas resources, the local population is one of the poorest in Nigeria. This disparity has fuelled an increasingly violent local insurgency movement.

Dr. Roberts is a member of an international project team proposing that Nigeria adopt a multi-stakeholder consultation process similar to that used in the successful Whitehorse Mining Initiative (Canada) and KWAGGA programme (South Africa). Speaking to audiences in the cities of Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, the Nigerian process termed the “Ogula Initiative” received overwhelming support. Organized and funded as a public-private partnership, Ogula would finally give host communities a real voice in determining how the benefits from oil and gas development are distributed.

Dr. Roberts cautioned against those in government who are advocating for an immediate resolution to the problems in the NDR. “Conditions in the Delta today are the direct result of over fifty years of failed policies,” remarked Dr. Roberts, continuing “it would be both unrealistic and potentially counter-productive to believe that a simple quick fix is possible. Peaceful solutions are within reach, but they require the sustained and patient commitment of all of the parties involved, including such groups as women and youth who have historically been denied a voice.”

Following the meeting in Lagos with representatives from the Oil and Gas Policy Commission, the Ogula Project Team was instructed to develop a formal project proposal that would then be presented by the Commission to the Government of Nigeria for adoption.

Dr. Roberts is scheduled to return to Nigeria later this summer to discuss the Ogula Initiative with representatives attending the upcoming Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Abjua, Nigeria.

The Project Team currently consists of Ms. Lois Hooge, WGM Associate and former Head, Secretariat of the Whitehorse Mining Initiative and Canadian Advisor for the KWAGGA Mining and Minerals Programme; Mr. Joe Hinzer, President, WGM; Dr. Stephen Roberts, Senior Social and Economic Scientist, WGM; Dr. John Gammon, President, John Gammon Associates Inc; and Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, Chief Executive Officer of Mooregate Limited, Nigeria.

For the second year in a row, WGM is a Gold sponsor of this worthy cause, helping to raise awareness and educate young Canadians about the mineral resource industry in Canada and abroad.

Held at the beautiful Glenway Country Club in Newmarket, this tournament brings together industry leaders for a fun filled day of golf, networking, and most importantly, sponsorship dollars.

Click here for more information on this event.

Once again, WGM is a proud sponsor of this annual charity golf tournament, hosted by the AME BC. Sponsorship proceeds will benefit the Mineral Resource Education Program of BC.

Click here for more details on this and past years events.

Thanks to all of you who visited our booth at the PDAC in Toronto, and for entering our draw for a bottle of 12 year aged Glennfiddich Scotch. There were over 200 people entered into our draw - our largest turn out yet.

The random draw was held at 11:30am on Wednesday, March 5th, and the winner was...

Bob Caille of Ernst & Young, Toronto. Congratulations Bob!

Joe Hinzer, President of Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited (WGM), and Vice Presidents, Michael Kociumbas and Al Workman are pleased to announce the following appointments: WGM welcomes Kurt Breede, P.Eng. to the role of Director, Marketing and Technical Services. Formerly a Senior Business Analyst with Gemcom, Mr. Breede comes to WGM with over 11 years of experience in the mining software, exploration, and consulting industries. “With the shortage of experienced, professional staff in the industry, we are delighted to have Mr. Breede on board to support our efforts in Toronto,” stated Mr. Hinzer. “Kurt’s technical experience in strategic mine planning and project management will go a long way towards extending our expertise in our geological and engineering services, and his marketing skills will have equal impact on our business development strategies as we move forward.”

WGM also welcomes Stephen Roberts, Ph.D. to the role of Regional Manager at its Vancouver office. Dr. Roberts brings extensive experience in mine closure planning, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and First Nations services to WGM’s consulting practice for its west coast clients. “Stephen is an invaluable addition to our professional team,” said Joe Hinzer, President of WGM. “His expertise in CSR strategy development, corporate governance and stakeholder dialogue will have a huge impact on WGM’s business in this area.”

Dr. Roberts has over six years of experience in the area of community consultation and mine closure planning. He was responsible for the development of the socio-economic component of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed New Afton mine.

“I am pleased to be a part of WGM, a global pioneer in CSR and First Nations services to the mining industry,” stated Stephen Roberts, Regional Manager of WGM’s Vancouver office. “I look forward to supporting WGM’s efforts in this critical business area, and to servicing WGM’s clients on North America’s west coast.”

In 1983, AME BC began its Safety Awards program to recognize the commitment of mineral exploration companies to health and safety. With the cooperation of PDAC the awards program was expanded in 2005 to include all of Canada. Exploration Safety Awards (ESAs) are specific to those exploration companies who operate without a lost workday accident throughout a calendar year.

WGM is honoured with this distinctioned, as we have worked hard to ensure that our professionals are properly trained before working in the field. From First Aid and CPR training, to emergency response plans, WGM is commited to ensuring the continued safety of our employees and associates. For more information on the AME BC Safety awards click here.

Interview with Joe Hinzer, President of WGM.