Teck Resources Limited (Teck) was issued a Mines Act permit amendment today for its Quintette coal mine 15 kilometres southeast of Tumbler Ridge announced Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines.

The project is still subject to a final sanction decision by Teck. If approved, the capital cost of this project is estimated at $860 million and would provide more than 500 new full-time jobs in the area.

Quintette is expected to yield three million metric tonnes of clean steel-making coal per year using an open pit mining method. Coal from this project will be shipped out of Prince Rupert for overseas markets.

The mine was previously in operation from 1982 to 2000.

The provincial government consulted with the Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nations, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Doig River First Nation, Halfway River First Nation and Prophet River First Nations during the review of this project. First Nations will continue to be engaged throughout the life of the mine.

Mineral exploration and mining are important economic drivers for British Columbia. The production value of B.C.'s mining industry was approximately $8.3 billion in 2012. Since the BC Jobs Plan was released, two new mines have begun production; four more are permitted or under construction - including Quintette - and the Province has approved six major expansions of existing mines. A BC Jobs Plan goal is to open eight new mines and expand nine others in British Columbia by 2015. B.C. is more than halfway toward achieving this goal.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review -

"This is another important step towards achieving the mining goals we've set out in our BC Jobs Plan. Our government's number-one priority is jobs and keeping our economy growing, and this permit approval is the next step towards ensuring that many more families will be supported by full-time, well-paying jobs in the province."

Mike Bernier, MLA, Peace River South -

"The Quintette mine will create over 500 quality full-time jobs in the Tumbler Ridge area. Projects like this help support families and promote continued economic growth, bringing lasting benefits to the region."

Quick Facts:

• In 2012, more than 30,000 people were employed in mining, mineral exploration, and related sectors. This is in significant growth since 2001 when 14,700 people were employed in mining.
• The BC Jobs Plan committed to opening eight new mines and expanding nine more by 2015. This will result in:
  • Increased annual mine-operation revenue by $1.6 billion.
  • Approximately 2,000 jobs during construction.
  • 2,000 new direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs during the operating life of the mine.
  • Sustaining 12,500 existing jobs (5,000 direct and 7,500 indirect).
  • Over $150 million annually in government revenue.
• B.C. already is more than halfway toward achieving these goals.

Learn More:

To learn more about the BC Jobs Plan, visit: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contact:

Jake Jacobs
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0628