VANCOUVER, BC – New and expanding mining projects across BC will generate significant new high-paying job opportunities across key critical occupations, according to an independent research project released today by the Mining Association of British Columbia and the Centre for Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM).
The Mining Skills Innovation Research Project, co-developed with the Centre for Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM), concludes that BC’s mining workforce is expected to grow by a net 5,000 to 12,000 workers over the next ten years.
“Building a skilled workforce is a significant challenge for BC’s mining industry given unprecedented growth expected over the next decade. Thirty-one proposed new or expanded mining projects present a significant opportunity for BC workers to enter the mining industry and take advantage of skilled, high-paying jobs in every region of the province,” said Michael Goehring, President and CEO of MABC.
According to the research, approximately 29,000 people were directly employed in mining in 2024. Under baseline growth assumptions (a scenario where current trends continue) employment is projected to reach 34,400 workers by 2035, requiring a net increase of more than 5,000 workers. Under a more expansionary scenario, the sector could require more than 12,000 net new workers to meet emerging workforce needs. Taking into consideration retirements and transition within the current workforce, under the baseline scenario this means up to 35,000 individuals will have to enter the mining workforce over the next ten years to fill the gap.
Of 120 occupations in the mining sector, twenty are deemed ‘critical’ occupations, representing more than half of the total mining workforce, according to the research. The leading occupations include mining equipment operators, truck drivers, mechanics, millwrights, electricians, geoscientists and mining engineers. Since only five per cent of those occupations are represented in BC’s total current labour supply, BC’s mining sector must aggressively retain, train, and recruit workers to the sector to meet future growth.
“In response to the global demand for critical minerals, mining will need to continue to compete for skilled workers with other industry sectors, while also identifying and leveraging ways to accelerate the training of new workers – particularly in those critical mining occupations. Industry, training
providers, labour and government must bring innovative solutions to accelerate mining skills training in BC,” said Jill Budelli, Executive Director of the Centre for Training Excellent in Mining.
The project’s findings recommend advancing a BC Mining Training Accelerator and adopting global best-practices to better align industry, post-secondary training providers, communities and workforce agencies to develop and advance training delivery for the sector.
The Project was funded through the federal Future Skills Centre (FSC).
To view the report, click here.
About 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 50,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 small, medium, and Indigenous affiliated businesses in every corner of the province through an annual spend of $3.7 billion on goods and services. Our members’ products have among the lowest carbon footprints globally and are helping the world transition to a cleaner, low-carbon future; safely and responsibly.
About the Centre of Training Excellence in Mining
CTEM is a provincial organization that facilitates collaborative mine training to support BC mining jobs today and in the future. Since its establishment in 2012, CTEM has become a leader in recognizing industry skills requirements and facilitating BC industry-driven training. CTEM’s successful initiatives have proven their efficacy in industry and have been further expanded to support other jurisdictions and additional training programs.
For more information
Jayne Czarnocki
Director, Communications
Mining Association of British Columbia
Cell: 778-957-2597
Email: jczarnocki@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.
