For Immediate Release
May 1, 2018
Mining Association of B.C. Kicks-off BC Mining Month
VANCOUVER, BC –
The Mining Association of B.C. is pleased to celebrate the start of B.C.’s first ever Mining Month, which begins today. This month-long celebration recognizes the important role the mining industry plays in communities throughout the province. Beginning with awarding the 2017 Mining Person of the Year on May 1st, events are scheduled for communities ranging from the southeast to the northwest of the province, with a series of hallmark events taking place in downtown Vancouver, including with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, in conjunction with the #BCTECH Summit, and the Teck Celebrity Pie Throw, raising funds for the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“B.C. Mining Month provides an excellent opportunity for our industry to engage with British Columbians about the importance of this foundational industry, and to celebrate the tens of thousands of individuals in this province that work diligently every day to make our industry a world leader in responsible development,” stated Bryan Cox, President and CEO of the Mining Association of B.C.
As British Columbia continues to build toward a higher-tech and lower carbon future, B.C.’s mineral resources play an essential role. Copper is fundamental to building an electricity-based economy, from solar power to electric vehicles to housing. Steelmaking coal is critical for construction, public transit, wind turbines, and so much more. Gold, silver, zinc and lead—all have roles to play in our tech-reliant future. British Columbia is Canada’s largest producer of copper and steelmaking coal, the second largest producer of silver, and the only producer of molybdenum.
B.C. is a global mining jurisdiction with many advantages including reliable and secure infrastructure, a world-class highly skilled workforce, and ports that are strategically located for international markets. “British Columbia has a world-class mining industry”, continued Cox. “Our mining projects and operations are leaders in building agreements with Indigenous partners and are widely respected for our leading standards in safety and environmental stewardship”.
“British Columbia is well positioned as a global leader in the clean tech and high-tech sectors”, concluded Cox. “B.C. mining companies are early adopters in these sectors, in all areas of our operations, and many of B.C.’s tech companies are partnering with the mining industry on innovative solutions.”
“Mining has a long history in British Columbia and its significant role in our province’s past and future makes us all proud,” said Minister of Energy, Mining and Petroleum Resources Michelle Mungall. “From smartphones to electric cars and artificial intelligence, technology our ancestors never could have imagined, exists today because mining has helped fuel innovation that impacts all areas of peoples’ lives.”
For more information on B.C. Mining Month events and the mining industry in B.C., 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.
