For Immediate Release
December 9, 2021
Challenge Launched to Find Clean Mining Innovation
VANCOUVER, BC –A $150,000 innovation challenge will seek new clean technologies from BC, Canada and around the world to help British Columbia’s mining industry reduce water use.
The Mining Innovation Challenge: Reducing Water Use is calling on cleantech and technology providers to bring forward their ideas to help reduce water use intensity at operating mines. The winning concept will receive $150,000 in prize money, and the potential opportunity to pilot their innovation at a BC mine. The Challenge is led by the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) and Foresight Canada, in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, Newcrest Mining, Teck Resources Limited, Natural Resources Canada, PwC, the Bradshaw Research Initiative for Minerals Mining (BRIMM), the Global Mining Guidelines Group and the Mining Suppliers Association of BC (MSABC).
“This challenge promotes innovative solutions to protect the environment and build a cleaner, stronger economy for everyone” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Through engagement with our mining industry, MABC and Foresight are creating an opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of B.C.’s mining sector to environmental stewardship and best practices.”
“Industry Challenges are a fantastic way to energize innovation,” said Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight, Canada’s cleantech accelerator. “By connecting corporate leaders facing sustainability hurdles with market-ready cleantech innovators, we can accelerate Canada’s path to a green economy. Solutions for this Challenge could have enormous environmental and economic benefits.”
“Continuous improvement is a foundational principle of British Columbia’s mining sector, and the innovation challenge is another example of our willingness to embrace new and emerging technologies,” said Michael Goehring, President and CEO of MABC. “Identifying new ways to reduce water use at the mine site supports our industry’s commitment to responsible mining. I’m looking forward to seeing what new ideas emerge from the Challenge.”
Foresight Canada will host an information webinar for prospective participants on January 21, 2022. Interested organizations can register for the webinar here.
The Challenge is open to all categories of applicants and project collaborators, including technology developers, academic institutions, research laboratories, multinational enterprises, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The proposed solution must be between Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6-9, according to Innovation Canada’s definitions.
“Innovation is critical to finding new and better ways to produce the metals and minerals essential to our modern world in the most environmentally and socially responsible manner possible,” said Marcia Smith, Senior Vice President, Sustainability & External Affairs, Teck. “We’re excited to partner with the B.C. Government and industry peers to spur new ideas and breakthroughs to help further enhance water stewardship in our industry.”
“Newcrest is proud to support MABC’s Mining Innovation Challenge, as its aims are strongly aligned with our own corporate values. Innovation and problem-solving are fundamental to the long-term sustainability of our business – not just for Newcrest, but for the industry as a whole,” said Jon Gaunt, General Manager of Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited. “We look forward to this initiative’s successes, and the potential for ground-breaking and scalable solutions to strengthen environmental stewardship in BC and beyond.”
Organizations need to declare their participation by February 18, 2022 and final submissions are due on May 12, 2022. The winner will be announced in June 2022. For more information, including the evaluation process, complete timeline and Challenge Statement, visit the project website.
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About the Mining Association of British Columbia:
MABC is the voice of mining in British Columbia, representing operating steelmaking coal, metal and industrial mineral producers, as well as smelting operations and advanced development companies in the province. Our mandate is to encourage the safe, responsible development and operation of mining and related facilities across British Columbia. The mining industry generated more than $12 billion in economic activity and supported over 35,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2019, while contributing more than $1 billion in direct payments to the provincial government.
About Foresight Canada:
Foresight is Canada’s cleantech accelerator. Foresight supports the identification and validation of cleantech opportunities and the successful commercialization of solutions. We bring together innovators, investors, industry, government, and academia to address today’s most urgent climate issues and support a global transition to a green economy. Find out more at www.foresightcac.com and follow on Twitter @ForesightCAC.
Media Contacts
MABC:
Matt MacInnis, mmacinnis@katana.work (778-628-1703)
Government of British Columbia:
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Media Relations, (250-952-0628)
Foresight Canada:
Elizabeth Thorsen, ethorsen@foresightcac.com (604-260-0200)
What makes BC such an attractive place for mining investment and development?
BC is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in providing Canada’s allies and partners with the minerals, metals, and steelmaking coal they need.
British Columbia has or produces sixteen of the fifty minerals the U.S. has identified as being vital to their national interest. Over half – are found or produced in British Columbia, including: aluminum, copper, germanium, gallium, indium, nickel, and many others.
What is the Mining Association of British Columbia?
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) is the voice of British Columbia’s steelmaking coal, metal and mineral producers, smelters, and advanced development companies. Our industry benefits all British Columbians and supports more than 56,000 jobs, $27 billion in economic activity for British Columbians, and nearly 4,000 small, medium, and Indigenous affiliated businesses in every corner of our province.
Our members’ products have among the lowest carbon footprints globally and are helping Canada and our allies meet our decarbonization, technology, and national security objectives; safely and responsibly.
How does BC compare with other mining jurisdictions around the world when it comes to regulation, innovation, and investment opportunities?
British Columbia is recognized globally for its rigorous regulation and environmental and social responsibility standards.
The provincial government’s move towards accelerating permitting timelines and creating clearer regulatory pathways for mining and critical mineral projects also are helping make BC a very strong global mining jurisdiction.
BC is competitive, but we are not the only mining game in town when it comes to global investors. Jurisdictions that combine strong geology with fast, predictable permitting and innovation incentives are capturing the largest share of new investment. BC has the ingredients to lead — but must continue strengthening regulatory and permitting efficiency, infrastructure planning, and investment certainty to fully realize its potential.
BC can be a global leader in responsible, innovative, and future‑focused mining. The decisions made now will determine whether the province secures that leadership position in the decade ahead.
BC is uniquely positioned to play a central role in providing Canada’s allies and partners with the minerals and metals they need.
What economic impact does the mining industry have on British Columbia, including employment, First Nations partnerships, and local communities?
There are 31 proposed mining projects in BC mining that could deliver more than $90 billion in economic opportunity for Canada.
Mining is the biggest jobs and economic opportunity BC will see in a lifetime. Mining can secure our economic future and long-term prosperity.
Mining is already a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy. The next generation of proposed mining projects presents major economic opportunities for BC.
MABC’s Mining and Metro Vancouver Economic Impact Study identifies 31 proposed new and extended mines across the province, including 20 critical mineral projects, seven precious metal projects, and four steelmaking coal projects.
Construction and development of these mines are expected to generate:
– $90+ billion in total economic activity
– $40+ billion in GDP
– $24 billion in pay cheques
– 286,000+ well-paying jobs
– $12 billion in government revenues
Which commodity is in most demand right now and which province has the most of it?
Right now, the commodities driving the greatest opportunities in BC are copper, gold, and critical minerals — especially molybdenum, battery metals like lithium, and rare earth elements.
BC is Canada’s leading producer of copper and steelmaking coal, second largest producer of silver, and only producer of molybdenum.
What role can BC’s mining industry play in boosting our economy?
Mining supports more than 56,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity, while creating opportunities for thousands of small, medium, and First Nations businesses across our province.
At a time of growing economic uncertainty, mining can secure our economic future by creating jobs that strengthen communities in every region of BC.
What does BC’s mining sector offer Canada and its allies, and why is developing these resources such an important opportunity for the future?
BC’s mining sector has the critical minerals, precious metals and steelmaking coal that Canada and our allies need. Demand for these strategic resources is growing, and we are ready to deliver.
Developing our resources for new markets is a nation-building opportunity that will grow our economy, protect our sovereignty, and make BC and Canada stronger.
Why is now a great time to consider a career in BC’s mining industry?
BC’s mining industry is hiring.
In fact, with the growth of the sector, the industry needs to hire 35,000 workers over the next 10 years.
That means you can be part of a new generation of British Columbians who can take advantage of skilled, high-paying jobs in every region of the province.
