It’s Mineral Exploration Week in BC and Energy Minister Josie Osborne says the sector will play a vital role in the province’s future.
Today (Monday), the province unveiled Phase One of a new made-in-BC Critical Mineral Strategy, which includes expediting critical minerals projects and maximizing federal funding opportunities, through a new Project Advancement Office.
While speaking at the BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George last week, Osborne told Vista Radio BC currently has 16 critical mineral projects in advanced stages of development that represent 36 billion in new investment
“We are very focused on bringing these mines to life helping these companies make these financial investments and decisions they need to unlock the potential for these mines and all of the jobs that it going to bring and all the value it will add to their communities.”
“There are several major mines in the approval processes and am proud to say that Artemis Blackwater Gold Water went through its permitting process in 10 months.”
The BC Government identifies minerals such as copper, nickel, and molybdenum as essential components in products used for clean energy like electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries.
Mining Association of BC President and CEO Michael Goehring said the sector currently employs 35-thousand workers in rural and urban communities, contributing 7.3 billion to the province’s GDP.
“The sector certainly delivers an economic shot in the arm for British Columbia and is very important. It is interesting to note that folks just think mining is really out there in the hinterland and while it is true, mining also delivers a big punch in urban British Columbia.”
“Over the years, the importance of Indigenous-affiliated businesses has grown as nations have become more and more involved in the sector, which we are grateful for. In this report, it determined there are now 150 Indigenous-affiliated businesses now working in the mining sector.”
B.C.’s mining sector currently employs more than 35,000 workers in rural and urban communities.
According to a report from the Mining Association of BC, Prince George was the second highest recipient of mining supply chain spend among rural BC communities with purchases totalling 237 million dollars in 2022.
During last week’s BC Natural Resources Forum , the McLeod Lake Indian Band and Defense Metals entered an agreement surrounding the Wicheeda Project , involving rare earth elements, 80 km north of Prince George.
The agreement saw McLeod Lake purchase “a meaningful equity stake in Defense Metals,” the band reporting they now hold 2.6 million common company shares.
The 20,000 hectare rare earth element Project is situated on the traditional territory of the McLeod Lake Indian Band.
With the purchase of shares, the Band and Defense Metals entered into a Co-Design Agreement, which “emphasizes a joint planning approach, empowering MLIB to play an integral part in the design and decision-making process in the technical, social, engineering and environmental aspects of the Wicheeda Project.”