Provincial mining report shows benefits for Prince George

Prince George was the second highest recipient of mining supply chain spend among rural BC communities with purchases totalling 237 million dollars in 2022.

That’s according to a report from the Mining Association of British Columbia.

In the report, BC’s mining and smelting sector contributed $3.7 billion to 200 local and First Nations communities by purchasing goods and services from nearly 4,000 province-based businesses in 2022.

“Mining plays a pivotal role in BC’s economy. Mines and smelters provide thousands of well-paying family-supporting jobs and they sustain a large supply chain of nearly 4,000 small and medium-sized businesses in urban centres, small towns and an increasing number of First Nations communities,” said Michael Goehring, MABC President and CEO.

The “One Province, One Economy” report assessed the scope of BC’s mining supply chain and quantifies the dollar value of materials, goods and services purchased by the province’s 17 metal and steelmaking coal mines, two mine development projects, and two smelters.

Kamloops ($377 million), Prince George ($237 million) and Sparwood ($188 million) were the top recipients of mining supply chain spend among rural BC communities.

However, BC’s urban centres are benefiting more from mining, with the sector purchasing $1.4 billion worth of goods and services from 1,125 mine suppliers located across 18 Metro Vancouver communities.

Vancouver-based companies where the top recipients of mining sector supply chain spend, with local purchases totalling $532 million.

“British Columbia is a world-leading mining jurisdiction, creating good-paying jobs and opportunities for workers, communities and First Nations across the province. And we have the critical minerals that the world needs to fight climate change and build a clean economy. Working together, we have a generational opportunity to attract investment throughout the supply chain and drive sustainable growth”, said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

In 2022, 150 First Nations or affiliated businesses provided goods and services valued at close to $520 million to BC’s mines and smelters, accounting for 14 per cent of the BC supply chain spend.

Furthermore, BC currently has 16 critical mineral projects in advanced stages of development that represent 36B in new investment along with five precious metals mines representing two billion in new investment for the province.