Amarc Resources Ltd. is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration and development company focused on discovering the next major metal mine in British Columbia (BC). It is publicly traded in Canada on the TSX Venture Exchange (AHR) and in the United States on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (AXREF).
The Company is currently advancing a new bulk tonnage gold discovery on the Newton Property and exploring the highly prospective Plateau Gold-Copper Belt, which extends south and north of Newton, for major gold-copper porphyry and epithermal gold deposits. These properties are located in south-central BC, approximately 110 kilometres southwest of the City of Williams Lake.
Mining is a multi-billion dollar industry in BC, with more than $8 billion in gross revenues generated annually from mineral production. BC is also a hub for mineral exploration worldwide, with 60 per cent of Canadian exploration companies based in the Province, raising $2.9 billion in equity capital in 2008.
Some $21 million (equivalent to 14 per cent of BC exploration expenditures) was invested in the south-central region of the Province in 2009. Investment in mineral development enjoys broad public support in Williams Lake and surrounding communities.
Provincial support for responsible mineral development is manifest in excellent road and rail infrastructure in south-central BC, the provision of hydroelectric power at preferable industrial rates and a favourable tax regime. In addition, the Province introduced in 1998 the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC) program. Under the METC initiative, Amarc may recoup up to 30 per cent of its exploration expenditures in areas affected by mountain pine beetle infestation, which has impacted the forest industry and the economy of the Chilcotin region.
