It was a great pleasure for me to have had the opportunity to represent the AIG at the launch of the Chinese Translation of the 2012 JORC Code at China Mining in Tianjin last month. As a former member of JORC and past Chairman of the WA Branch of the AIG, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, as I was on my way to Griffin Mining’s Caijiaying zinc-gold mine north of Beijing.

Peter Stoker (outgoing JORC Chairman) launches the Chinese translated version of the 2012 JORC Code

What is the significance of the Chinese translation of the JORC Code, and what does it mean for AIG Members?  It is my opinion that this well attended event held on the afternoon of 21st October at China Mining was a milestone event for Australian geoscientists. As it happened most of the members of the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) also attended the launch and the Chairperson Edmundo Tulcanaza held a press conference just after the launch ceremony. To me this official launch marked a big step forward in diplomatic terms by putting the western codes, in particular the JORC Code, on the tip of people’s tongues in the mining industry in China. Of course it will take time before any official moves are likely to take place to officially adopt JORC Code style reporting for China; however the first big step would be for China to join the CRIRSCO family. With Mongolia having recently joined CRIRSCO and Russia being represented on CRIRSCO through NAEAN there may be some pressure to further re-assess China’s position.

Gerry Fahey meets Wang Jia Hua, Exec Vice President China Mining Association

I believe that great credit should be given to Peter Stoker and his colleague Zhu Yang Yang for taking the running in making this event happen. I would say that JORC has been to China what PERC has been to Russia; by gaining respect within the reporting communities of the respective countries (Stephen Henley did some great early work with the Russians and later with PERC, similarly Peter Stoker set in place the dialogue with the Chinese). Thanks also to Charles Qin, Xiao Zhenmin, Shaung Kui Ren and Bielin Shi (CSA Global) for their major help with the translation.

Wang Jia Hua (China Mining Association), Geoff Sharrock (President AusIMM), Gerry Fahey (AIG Representative)

JORC hopes that this official Chinese translation of the 2012 JORC Code will enhance mutual understanding of the JORC Code (one of the CRIRSCO family of Reporting Codes and standards) and the Chinese reporting system. JORC and CRIRSCO are committed to providing encouragement and assistance for China to join CRIRSCO.

For more information and to access the Chinese translation of the JORC Code (2012 Edition), click here.

Gerry Fahey
Principal Mining Geologist, CSA Global