Backgrounder
Government of BC and Mining Industry Actions to Improve the Management and Operation of Mine Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) in BC
Following the Mount Polley TSF breach, the Government of BC and the BC mining industry took action to reduce the potential for future TSF failures. After four years of regulatory and policy change, the Audit of Code Requirements for Tailings Storage Facilities confirmed that revisions made to the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia in 2016 have had a positive effect on the management and operations of TSFs in BC. The audit finds BC’s regulatory framework governing TSFs aligns with established industry best practices and is among the best in the world. Government, with the support of industry, has made additional improvements to modernize and strengthen BC’s mining regulations, which are some of the highest mining standards globally for environmental protection, health and safety, reclamation and closure. Below is a chronology of regulatory, policy and other developments for background:
2014
August – Mount Polley TSF failure occurs
August – MABC executive forms expert tailings sub-committee to provide technical support to Imperial Metals and Government of BC
August – MABC coordinates industry-wide dialogue on dam safety with Mining Association of Canada (MAC), other provincial mining and engineering associations, and the Canadian Dam Association (CDA)
August – Government of BC, Williams Lake Indian Band and Soda Creek Indian Band develop Terms of Reference for Independent Expert Panel
September – Independent Expert Engineering Investigation Review Panel appointed
October – MAC Tailings Working Group formed to study Independent Expert Panel recommendations
2015
January – Expert panel report issued; calls for changes to BC Mining Code and adherence to MAC Tailings Guidance
February – Independent evaluation of MAC Tailings Guidance launched
February – Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (EGBC) commits to Panel Recommendation to create a site characterization guideline to improve dam safety
April – CDA forms Working Group on Mount Polley dam failure
June – Government of BC commits to Mining Code review including tailings management issues
July – Recommendations issued for enhancements to MAC Tailings Guidance materials
August – MAC Tailings Working Group begins update of tailings guidance materials
October – CDA Report makes recommendations on Mount Polley
November – Chief Inspector of Mines presents findings and makes 19 recommendations.
- 2016
July – Government of BC releases TSF updates to Mining Code and responds to Independent Expert Panel recommendations - July – Government of BC revises the Mining Code’s TSF provisions to mandate new measures for mines with TSFs including, Engineers of Record, Independent Tailings Review Boards, TSF Qualified Professionals, and Dam Safety Inspections
- July – Ministry commissions third party to compare legislation and guidelines in BC, Montana and Alaska and finds BC’s requirements for mining to be equal to or more stringent than those of the two states
- September – EGBC launch “Site Characterization Guidelines for Dam Foundations in BC” following multi-stakeholder input and expert review
2017
- February – Third Edition of MAC’s Tailings Guidance is released
- February – Government of BC establishes administrative monetary penalty program to provide an efficient tool to obtain compliance and deter non-compliance
- February – Government of BC launches BC Mine Information website to increase transparency of mining regulatory oversight
- December – Government of BC formalizes Mines Investigation Unit to undertake complex investigations
2018
- September – UBC Senate approves the world’s first Graduate Certificate Program in Mine Tailings Management
2019
- February – BC Budget invests $20 million to enhance regulatory effectiveness through new Mines Health, Safety and Enforcement Division
- March – Government of BC issues first administrative monetary penalty under Mines Act
- June – Government of BC appoints new Standing Code Review Committee with Indigenous, labour and industry representatives, to ensure mining continues to be one of the safest heavy industries in British Columbia and regulations remain current and respond to the rapid pace of change in the industry
- August – Professor Bruno Oberle, Chair of the Global Tailings Review, commends the state of tailings governance and practice in BC
- November – BC hosts International Tailings and Mine Waste Conference where lessons learned from Mount Polley are reviewed
2020
- August – First Global Tailings Standard is released
- August – Mines Act amendments strengthen and modernize compliance and enforcement by separating the Compliance and Enforcement Division from the Permitting Division; creates new Chief Permitting Officer position, distinct from the Chief Inspector of Mines
September – Government of BC’s First Chief Auditor is appointed
2021
April – Revisions to Health, Safety Reclamation Code unanimously recommended by a committee comprised of Indigenous, labour and industry representatives.
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.
