Thompson Creek Metals celebrated the commissioning of their new mill expansion at their Endako Mine today announced Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman.

"We would like to congratulate the many staff, contractors, and suppliers of Endako mine who did an outstanding job meeting the many challenges necessary to reach the production stage so soon after receiving their Mines Act permit," said Coleman. "Endako is proof that 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' is working and on target to meet its goals."

The mine received its permit for expansion in early March 2012. The expansion amalgamates the mine's three pits and resulted in a major upgrade to the mine's 42-year-old mill and created a new facility that nearly doubles the current processing capacity to 55,000 tonnes. The expansion's projected capital cost is approximately $650 million.

The expansion will generate approximately $90 million - $100 million annually in economic activity such as direct wages, purchases and taxes for the region. The mine provides direct employment for 420 skilled and professional workers and indirect employment for an additional 600 workers.

Mineral exploration and mining is an important economic driver for British Columbia. The production value of this province's mining industry was approximately $8.6 billion in 2011.

Under the BC Jobs Plan, the Province has expanded five mines. The goal is to open eight new and expand a total of nine mines in British Columbia by 2015.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation -

"Ten years ago, the mining industry in B.C. was looking a little downtrodden. These days we're seeing a definite resurgence and that's leading to exceptional growth in good-paying, long-term mining jobs for British Columbians across the province."

John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes -

"Endako mine has played a crucial role in supporting the displaced workers from Babine Mill. Strengthening and supporting the mining industry has never been more important, and this expansion is just the start of something big in B.C.'s mining industry."

Kevin Loughrey, chairman and CEO, Thompson Creek Metals Inc. -

"The new mill at Endako secures jobs and economic development in the region and extends our long history as an employer in north central B.C. This event gives us an opportunity to thank our employees and the team that brought this new, state-of-the-art mill into production."

Quick Facts:

• On May 15, 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported a 25 per cent increase in B.C.'s gross mining revenues, up $2 billion to $9.9 billion in 2011 from $7.9 billion in 2010.
• Exploration spending exceeded $460 million, an increase of 35 per cent from 2010 and 1,500 per cent higher than a decade ago.
• B.C. accounts for approximately 15 per cent of all exploration spending in Canada.
• In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural B.C.
• More than 10,000 job openings are expected in B.C.'s mineral exploration and mining sector by 2020.
• Once eight new mines are open and nine are expanded by 2015, the province will see approximately $1.6 billion more annual mine-operation revenue.

Learn More:

For 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan', visit: www.bcjobsplan.ca

To download a copy of the strategy visit: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Pages/MiningStrategy2012.aspx

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617