For Immediate Release
June 28, 2018
Mining Association of B.C. comments on release of BC Professional Reliance Review Report
VANCOUVER, BC – The Mining Association of B.C. (MABC) has significant concerns with the recently released Professional Reliance Review Report.
“MABC was hopeful the report would represent the substantive submissions received by important stakeholders like the mining industry and make recommendations focused on good governance and transparency,” said Bryan Cox, President & CEO of MABC. “Instead, the report strays beyond the terms of reference, proposing significant changes to the system without the necessary justification, investigation or reference to British Columbia’s best practices to support them.”
The mining industry relies on the role of the professional associations to ensure that qualified professionals meet their established technical and ethical standards. It is the responsibility of professional associations to establish the appropriate criteria to achieve and maintain professional accreditation, adjudicate individuals against these criteria, and discipline members who fail to maintain the established professional standard.
“MABC supports the goal of ensuring that the highest professional, technical and ethical standards are being applied to resource management in B.C. The professional reliance model is a key component of all professional practice in the province of British Columbia and affects all areas of our economy, not just the natural resource sector,” stated Cox. “The mining industry views an effective and efficient professional reliance model as a key component of maintaining the competitiveness of our natural resource industries.”
As part of the consultation process, MABC made several recommendations including that any changes considered for the professional reliance model need to ensure that all government oversight and reviews are performed by suitably qualified and experienced professionals and that a clear chain of responsibility is maintained for professional work.
The Mines Act (the Act) and Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (the Code) govern mineral exploration and mining in the province and provide the overall context for the professional reliance regime in the mining sector.
“The current professional reliance regime provided by the Act and Code is comprehensive and clearly articulates the roles and responsibilities of qualified professionals in relation to mine-related approvals,” continued Cox. “Additionally, the environmental assessment and permitting processes for mines in BC provide government oversight and review, as well as Indigenous and public input into the planning and design work performed by qualified professionals for B.C.’s mines.”
In 2016, the Code in B.C. underwent significant revision under the guidance of a government, First Nations, labour and industry steering committee. The result provided further clarity on the role of qualified professionals at all stages of mine design, operations, reclamation and closure, further strengthening B.C.’s world-class regulatory system for mining.
The Mining Association of B.C. looks forward to discussing the mining sector specific recommendations from the report with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.
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.
