For Immediate Release
February 26, 2018
Mining Association of BC Celebrates Mining Day at the Legislature
VICTORIA, BC – Representatives from British Columbia’s major mining companies, advanced projects, and mining supply sector arrived in Victoria today to participate in Mining Day at the Legislature. This day-long event is bringing together industry delegates, Members of the Legislative Assembly and senior officials to discuss mining in British Columbia.
The B.C. mining industry is foundational to the province and represents $8.7 billion in economic activity, 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across all regions of the province, and $650 million in contributions to governments, supporting B.C.s childcare, education and healthcare services.
The theme of Mining Day at the Legislature 2018 is “mining and the lower carbon economy” highlighting the integral role the B.C. mining industry is playing in our global transition to a lower carbon economy.
“B.C. is Canada’s largest producer of copper and steelmaking coal, second-largest producer of silver, and only producer of molybdenum. These are the commodities that are contributing to society’s transition to a lower carbon economy – from the additional copper required for electric cars compared to conventional cars, to the steelmaking coal required for the steel in wind turbines, public infrastructure and clean energy generation,” said Bryan Cox, President & CEO of MABC.
“British Columbia is well positioned as a global leader in the clean tech and high tech sectors”, continued 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.”
Mining Day at the Legislature features a number of B.C. based clean and high tech companies currently active in the mining industry, including Carmanah’s solar power solutions and LlamaZOO Interactive’s 3D communications and digital twinning solutions for the mining sector.
To illustrate mining’s connection to carbon emission reduction opportunities, MABC has partnered with Clean Energy Vehicles for BC (CEVforBC) and Dueck GM to wrap an electric powered Chevrolet Volt with facts outlining mining’s role in the lower carbon economy. The car will tour the province over the next several months, engaging with British Columbians about how B.C.’s mining industry is driving our green energy future.
MABC also participated in the government’s announcement of the Mining Jobs Task Force. This Task Force will work over the coming months to develop strategies to sustain the mining jobs of today and, importantly, create the mining jobs of tomorrow.
“In order to create the jobs of tomorrow we must ensure this industry remains competitive in a global world,” concluded Cox. “We look forward to working with government and other stakeholders to ensure we have competitive tax and cost structures, and a regulatory system that provides clarity, consistency and co-ordination that leads to timely decisions, so that we can continue to mine our future.”
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) is the voice of mining in BC, representing operating coal, metal and industrial mineral producers in the province. Our mandate is to support a strong and thriving mining industry that creates opportunities and wealth for all British Columbians.
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.
