Making the Case for BC Mining

MABC advocates to advance policies that keep BC’s mines and smelters productive, competitive, and delivering the strategic materials that Canada and our allies need.

We make the case for policies that let BC’s mines do their job.

MABC represents BC’s major mines, smelters, and advanced development projects that support more than 56,000 jobs. Our role is to engage the provincial and federal governments and recommend policies that will support the industry’s ability to operate and grow.

That means advocating for faster, more predictable permitting while maintaining British Columbia’s high environmental standards. Supporting more funding for First Nations capacity building to advance economic reconciliation. Promoting mining skills training to train workers to run today’s mines and build tomorrow’s. Ensuring BC’s world-class environment and safety standards continuously improve to meet emerging best practices. And making sure BC’s mining sector remains globally competitive while delivering lasting economic, environmental and social benefits for current and future generations.

Current Issue

The responsible development of BC’s critical minerals, precious metals, and steelmaking coal resources can secure BC’s economic future, resiliency and long-term prosperity. To turn this nation building opportunity into real jobs and benefits for British Columbians, the Province needs to set the conditions for success.

  1. Accelerate permitting
  2. Invest in First Nations capacity
  3. Invest in skills training
  4. Build electrical and transportation infrastructure
1.

Accelerate permitting

Permitting delays continue to be the number one barrier holding back BC. They are holding back thousands of jobs, and billions in investment and new revenue for the government. While some progress is being made, it’s time for increased urgency and bold action to accelerate mine permitting and get it done.

2.

Invest in First Nations capacity

First Nations want to be full partners in responsible resource development, but they need the governance, administrative, and technical capacity to participate in mining project reviews. Supporting this important work reduces project risk, gets permits moving, and advances economic reconciliation and First Nations partnerships in a meaningful way.

3.

Invest in skills training

Achieving this nation-building opportunity requires a strong, skilled workforce that can respond to the dynamic needs of the mining industry. Mining needs skilled workers: more welders, mechanics, equipment operators, and geoscientists to run today’s mines and build tomorrow’s. According to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council, our industry will require a net increase of between 5,000 and 12,000 workers over the next decade – a number that far exceeds historical workforce growth. 

4.

Build electrical and transportation infrastructure

Safe and reliable electric, road, and rail infrastructure is essential to advance mining and critical mineral development. The federal government has an essential role in providing direct infrastructure investment, in partnership with the BC government, to facilitate the development of mining projects and enable seamless movement of concentrates and refined metals to market. This includes expanding BC’s electrical grid to support and electrify new mines and mine extensions.

Mining In BC

Where we focus our work

BC mining operates at the intersection of economics, environment, First Nations partnerships, communities, and worker safety. These aren’t separate conversations — a decision in one area affects all the others. Explore what MABC is working on across each.

Economic Impact

Mining contributes billions to BC’s GDP and supports tens of thousands of well-paying jobs. See what’s at stake.
Responsible Mining

BC mines operate under some of the world’s toughest environmental standards. Here’s how the industry measures up.
First Nations Partnerships

Indigenous communities are partners in BC’s mining future — through agreements, co-ownership, and shared decision-making.
Health & Safety

BC is setting the bar for mine safety in Canada. Explore the standards, the data, and the people behind them.
Our Campaigns

MABC runs focused campaigns when the stakes are highest — from making the case for faster permitting to ensuring BC’s critical minerals are part of the national conversation. Our campaigns are built on research, grounded in fact, and designed to move policy. See what we’re working on.

Learn More
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