For 35 years, Mr. James O’Rourke has been one of British Columbia’s leaders in mine evaluation, financing development, marketing and mining.

The many projects Mr. O’Rourke has been connected with have created thousands of jobs and many millions of dollars in tax revenue to support public services in every B.C. community. Through his connections with Japanese mining interests, he has fostered relations with Pacific Rim partners.

Mr. O’Rourke was born in Prince George and is a graduate of the University of BC in mining engineering. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of Copper Mountain Mining Corp., which has recently placed a $440 million open pit copper mine in production near Princeton.

Over the years, Mr. O’Rourke has played a key role in many of B.C.’s premier mining projects, including the Endako mine near Fraser Lake, the Gibraltar mine near Williams Lake, the Huckleberry and Equity Silver mines near Houston, Quinsam Coal on Vancouver Island and, of course, Similco.

Mr. O’Rourke led initiatives to improve public facilities in B.C.’s mining communities, such as swimming pools, curling rinks and arenas. He was a leader in projects such as Mining for Miracles, which raises funds for the BC Children’s Hospital, and Fishing for Kids, which raised money for children’s charities.