Vancouver, B.C. – The Mining Association of British Columbia welcomes today’s commitment by Prime Minister Trudeau and U.S. President Biden to enhance bilateral cooperation to build a resilient and environmentally responsible North American critical minerals supply chain.
“The fact this was a key agenda item in Canada-U.S. bilateral discussions demonstrates the significant and growing role critical minerals play in meeting our collective security and defence needs, as well as our decarbonization objectives,” said Michael Goehring President and CEO of MABC.
“The most important strategic partnership for Canada – and Canadian mining – is our relationship with the United States. Canada supplies 13 of the 35 minerals the U.S. has identified as critical to their economic and national security. As the U.S. and Canada continue to onshore critical minerals extraction and processing, there are major opportunities for the B.C. and Canadian mining sector,” said Goehring.
Joint efforts to accelerate North American critical minerals development have been strengthened by both governments, particularly in the last year. The U.S. federal government introduced the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, committing over US$370 billion in tax credits and other financial support to produce EVs, renewable energy technologies and critical minerals. In Canada, the Trudeau administration earmarked CAD$3.8 billion in the 2022 Federal Budget to support the implementation of a national Critical Minerals Strategy, with expectations of more in Budget 2023 next week. These actions build on the 2020 Canada-U.S. Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals Collaboration that was launched to advance bilateral efforts to secure supply chains for critical minerals needed for strategic manufacturing sectors.
Today, both leaders further committed to conduct a joint analysis on the capacity, gaps and needs of the Canada-U.S. critical minerals value chain. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden also announced the formation of one-year Canada-US Energy Transformation Task Force to accelerate and strengthen cooperation on clean energy opportunities as well as continental electric vehicle and critical mineral supply chains.
“The pace of critical mineral production must be accelerated for Canada and the U.S. to meet our climate and security objectives, and ensure we are not dependent on countries governed by authoritarian regimes for mineral supplies and processing capabilities. It is vital for both our environment and economy that we continue to prioritize and accelerate joint efforts to secure and process critical minerals that adhere to the highest ESG standards,” said Goehring.
“In B.C. and Canada, the key factor to advance our critical minerals opportunity is meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous nations that leads to free, prior and informed consent,” said Goehring. “Building the capacity of Indigenous nations so they can fully participate on an equitable footing with government and industry in critical mineral projects is essential.”
“At the same time, the provincial and federal governments must work together to fix slow permitting processes that are a long-standing challenge for the B.C. and Canadian mining industries. At stake is our ability to contribute to meaningful climate action, develop the Canada-U.S. battery and EV industries, and advance economic reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” noted Goehring.
As a further measure of greater cooperation, President Biden invoked Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) to spur domestic critical materials production and transitional support for collaboration with allied producers of critical minerals. Importantly, the DPA includes Canada as a domestic critical minerals source which enables Canadian companies to apply for U.S. government funding for exploration, production, productivity enhancements, and recycling technologies for critical minerals projects in both the U.S. and Canada.
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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 35,000 jobs and over 3,700 small, medium, and Indigenous affiliated businesses in every corner of the province through an annual spend of nearly $3 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.
For more information
Adriana Unger
Aunger@mining.bc.ca
(250)-617-0469
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.
