PRINCE GEORGE -Today, 350 mine employees, mine executives and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of Mt. Milligan, a $1.5-billion mine located north of Prince George.

Mt. Milligan is an open pit copper and gold mine developed by Thompson Creek Metals Company that employs 350 people. Construction of the mine started in late 2010 and the first ore was processed in August 2013. Once operating at capacity, it is expected to yield approximately 60,000 metric tonnes per day, with average annual production of 81 million pounds of copper and 195,000 ounces of gold during the 22-year mine life.

Thomson Creek is committed to a safe work environment and ensuring that the mine is part of a sustainable economy. The crew at Mt. Milligan worked more than five million hours without a Lost Time Injury, earning them the John Ash Safety Award in 2013. They also received recognition as the 2012 Northern BC Prospector or Developer of the Year and, in 2013, they received Resources North Association's Cooperative Land Management Award.

Mt. Milligan is the second mine to begin production under the BC Jobs Plan, which was released in 2011. Five more mines are either under construction or permitted. The Jobs Plan goal is to open eight new mines and expand nine others in British Columbia by 2015.

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.

Quotes:

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

"Congratulations to Thompson Creek Metals Company and the employees at the Mt. Milligan mine. Today is a celebration for the community and also the entire mining industry in B.C. It's an example of how mining creates great-paying jobs and makes communities stronger and more vibrant. "

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

"The opening of the Mt. Milligan mine is part of our BC Jobs Plan commitment to having eight new mines in operation and nine more expanded or upgraded by 2015. Most importantly, this mine means well-paying jobs that support northern families and northern communities."

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie -

"Today is a landmark for the Mt Milligan mine, and our region. It means excellent jobs and careers for people here and new life for our northern communities. Congratulations to Thompson Creek Metals and their employees."

Kevin Loughrey, chairman and CEO of Thompson Creek Metals Company -

"Thompson Creek is pleased to have been able to construct this mine in British Columbia. All of our employees are committed to operate the mine safely and in a responsible manner, so that Mt. Milligan is a valuable asset not only to our company but also to all of British Columbia. We thank the many people of the province who contributed to our success."

Quick Facts:

• In 2012, more than 30,000 people were employed in mining, mineral exploration, and related sectors.
• As committed in the BC Jobs Plan, eight new mines will open and nine will be expanded by 2015. This will result in:
• An increase in 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.
• The Province is already more than halfway towards achieving its Jobs Plan goals.

Learn More:

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

Contact:

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