UBC mining and engineering alumnus receives the Order of BC

UBC alumnus James O’Rourke (BASc ‘63, Mining Engineering) was one of 14 recipients of the Order of British Columbia, an award which recognizes the excellence and achievements of British Columbians. 

For 35 years, O’Rourke has been one of B.C.’s leaders in mine evaluation, financing development, marketing and mining operations. The many projects he has been connected with have created thousands of jobs.

He is president and chief executive officer of Copper Mountain Mining Corp., which has recently placed the $440 million open pit copper mine in production near Princeton. O’Rourke worked at 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 Similco Copper mine near Princeton. 

Through connections with Japanese mining interests, he has fostered relations with Pacific Rim partners. O’Rourke led initiatives to improve public facilities in these 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.

For more information, visit http://www.mining.ubc.ca/