Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett will be in the Northwest visiting Red Chris Mine, touring the Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) and the Forest Kerr run-of-river power project.

Bennett also will be meeting with local community and First Nations leaders to discuss the tremendous economic opportunity in the region during a three-day tour starting Tuesday, Aug. 6 in Terrace. He will address the Terrace District Chamber of Commerce and Terrace City Council.

NTL will power projects like the Red Chris mine - one of the top 10 copper-gold deposits in the world - which will employ 350 people, including many First Nations, in well-paying, family-supporting jobs.

A 2008 report by the Mining Association of B.C. estimated that NTL has the potential to attract more than $15 billion in mining investment alone, creating up to 10,000 jobs and generating $300 million in annual tax revenues.

Construction of NTL is continuing and remains on schedule to be in service by spring 2014.

Learn more:

Exploration, Development and Mining in Northwest B.C.: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/energy-and-mines/factsheets/exploration-development-and-mining-in-northwest-bc.html

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 896-4923