For Immediate Release
June 18, 2018
Mining Association of B.C. comments on release of BC Environmental Assessment Discussion paper
VANCOUVER, BC – The Mining Association of B.C. (MABC) acknowledges the release of the B.C. Government’s discussion paper on the revitalization of the B.C. Environmental Assessment (EA) Act.
B.C. has many advantages: an endowment of natural resources, a reliable and secure infrastructure, a world-class highly skilled workforce and ports that are strategically located for international markets. B.C. mines are leaders in forging agreements with First Nations partners, are widely respected for our standards in safety, and are among the world’s lowest in carbon intensity. However, global investors are paying close attention to B.C.’s regulatory climate to determine if the province is the best place for their mining investment. Mining projects and operations are capital intensive, multi-year commitments necessitating clarity, consistency, and co-ordination from governments for investors to deploy capital.
British Columbia’s existing EA process is widely recognized as an exemplary project assessment mechanism for its rigorous, transparent, inclusive, time-bound and measured evaluation of multiple impacts, and its diligent application, monitoring and enforcement of project conditions. EA is one step in a multi-staged permitting and approval process for mines in this province. MABC supports British Columbia’s objectives of increasing the public’s understanding and confidence in how decisions about resource development are made in British Columbia, of working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to advance reconciliation, and to supporting sustainable investment, job creation and economic growth for British Columbians across the province. MABC looks forward to continuing to engage with the government and other important stakeholders as the revitalization progresses.
“British Columbia has the opportunity to become a jurisdiction of choice for the metals and minerals we produce, further contributing to our low-carbon, clean-tech future,” said Bryan Cox, President & CEO of MABC. “However, this time-sensitive opportunity will only be realized if investor confidence in our regulatory processes is maintained. Any improvements to the EA process must focus on achieving clear, integrated and more predictable processes, and improving the attractiveness of British Columbia as a destination for mining investment. Keeping our focus on advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and protecting the economic wellbeing of British Columbians will continue to set our sector apart.”
The B.C. mining industry is one of the largest employers of Indigenous peoples in the province and our companies have established unique and creative benefit sharing partnerships with dozens of different Nations in B.C. In addition, the government has entered into 34 Economic and Community Development Agreements (ECDAs) with 45 First Nations, sharing the mineral tax revenue from mining operations. BC is a leader in Canada, having pioneered ECDAs, and the rest of Canada is now paying attention. The Province of Ontario recently announced that they will soon begin sharing mineral tax revenue with First Nations.
“B.C.’s mining industry is leading the way when it comes to economic reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” continued Cox. “By ensuring that responsible mining projects can continue to be built, we will ensure that Indigenous communities and all British Columbians continue to benefit, which has the opportunity to create generational change, all while responsibly extracting the metals and minerals that are essential to the global economy.”
For more information on B.C.’s mining industry, please visit www.mining.bc.ca
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.
