For Immediate Release
September 12, 2018
All B.C. communities are mining communities
WHISTLER, B.C. – Today at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention (UBCM), the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) released information confirming that communities throughout British Columbia benefit from a strong and vibrant mining sector.
MABC and the Mining Suppliers Association of BC (MSABC) partnered to collect data on the economic benefits to Indigenous and local economies from 13 major metal and coal mine operations in British Columbia. The data shows that more than 125 municipalities and Indigenous communities have more than 3,000 businesses that support all aspects of B.C.’s mining operations.
“This data confirms that all communities in B.C. are mining communities, and clearly illustrates that British Columbia is ‘one province, one economy’ with rural, urban and indigenous communities working in partnership to deliver opportunity and prosperity,” said Bryan Cox, President & CEO of MABC. “A thriving and growing mining sector can continue to deliver prosperity, jobs and investment to all communities, including the lower mainland and Vancouver, while providing the essential metals and minerals for our transition to a lower carbon economy.”
Approximately 3,000 B.C. suppliers are providing $1.35 billion worth of materials goods and services to six metal mines and seven coal operations across the province, including more than $460 million of goods and services from 1,200 suppliers located in Vancouver and the lower mainland.
“We cannot take the mining industry for granted. We need to ensure B.C. is a competitive jurisdiction with consistent, clear and coordinated regulatory structures, to allow for our operating mines to continue to be viable and new mines to be built,” concluded Cox. “It is essential that government, industry, indigenous peoples, and communities continue to work together to ensure the competitiveness and viability of the mining industry.”
The B.C. mining industry is foundational to the province and represents $11.7 billion in economic activity, over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across all regions of the province, and $859 million in contributions to governments, supporting B.C.’s essential public services.
“Our government understands that a thriving mining sector is essential to building a strong, sustainable economy that works better for more people,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “This data really illustrates the spin-off effects that the mining sector has, right across B.C., with rural, urban and Indigenous communities working in partnership.”
B.C.’s mined commodities are driving our transition to a lower carbon future. B.C. is Canada’s largest producer of copper and steelmaking coal, the second largest producer of silver, and the only producer of molybdenum. These commodities are critical to the development of solar panels, wind turbines and clean energy vehicles (CEV). A CEV can require up to four-times the amount of copper as a standard combustion engine.
“These results show that even if you don’t live next to a mine, there is a good chance your community is benefiting from B.C. mining operations,” said Rodger McLean, Senior Manager, Innovative Solutions at Metric Modular and Chair of the Mining Suppliers Association of B.C.
“Workers at Metric Modular in Agassiz construct workforce accommodations and administrative buildings for the mining industry in BC and outside of the province. If you live in Agassiz, there is a good chance you will bump into a worker who has supplied mining operations located hundreds of kilometers away.”
MABC is the voice of mining in B.C., representing operating coal, metal and industrial mineral producers in the province. MABC’s mandate is to support a strong and thriving mining industry that creates opportunities and wealth for all British Columbians.
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Quick facts
Eligible costs are expenditures on goods, materials and services from suppliers in B.C.
There are approximately 3,000 B.C. suppliers providing $1.35B worth of materials, goods and services to 6 of B.C.’s metal mines and 7 coal operations.
The municipalities that make up the lower mainland, from Abbotsford to West Vancouver, cumulatively have approximately 1,200 companies that benefited from more than $460 million in spending.
The municipality with most number of vendors active in B.C.’s mine supply chain was Kamloops with approximately 390 suppliers benefiting from nearly $219 million in spending.
The City of Vancouver had the second most number of suppliers accessed with approximately 370 companies benefiting from $142 million in spending.
Results are based on procurement data collected by iTotem – www.itotem.ca – on behalf of MABC and MSABC from 6 metal mines and 7 coal operations between May-August 2018. The data set covers 2017 cumulative procurement spend as self-reported by participating mining operations.
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.
