Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review is in Toronto at the one of the world's largest international mining conferences to promote exploration and mine development opportunities in B.C. to more than 30,000 investors, prospectors and mining industry executives.

While in Toronto, Bennett will raise awareness of the Northwest Transmission Line (NTL), which will open up northwest B.C. to as much as $15 billion in mining investment, creating up to 10,000 jobs and generating $300 million in annual tax revenues. Once complete this summer, the line will support access to world-class mineral deposits and the development of new mines. This includes the new $500 million Red Chris mine project - one of the largest copper-gold deposits in the world - scheduled to open this summer and employ 350 people, including many First Nations, in well-paying, family-supporting jobs.

Along with Bennett, over 50 B.C. mining companies - many with exploration and development opportunities in the Northwest - are participating in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference. Today, over 40% of exploration spending in B.C. takes place in the Northwest. Five of the more than 20 major mine project proposals currently in the B.C. environmental assessment (EA) process are located in the region.

The Northwest also is home to one of the two major mine proposals currently in the Mines Act permitting process, Avanti's $940 million Kitsault project. If permitted, Kitsault will produce molybdenum, silver, lead and tungsten and employ 700 people during a two-year construction period and 300 people during operations over an estimated 16-year mine life.

In addition, the Tulsequah Chief Project, near Atlin, is permitted to begin pre-construction activities on a water treatment plant and an exploration program is planned for this year with a Mines Act permit application expected in the near future.

The long-term outlook for mining in B.C. is very positive. Since 2011, three new mines have opened including Copper Mountain, near Princeton, New Afton, near Kamloops and Mount Milligan, northwest of Prince George, providing a total of 1,195 full time jobs.

In 2014, both Red Chris and the $340 million Roman Mine, near Tumbler Ridge, are scheduled to open, providing a total of 725 full-time jobs. Three additional mining projects are permitted and seven major mine expansions have been approved, supporting 3,000 existing jobs and creating 300 new jobs.

Quotes:

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

"Northwest B.C. is key to the future of mining in the province and with the NTL supplying reliable power, mining companies can confidently invest knowing the power will be where they need it, when they need it."

"British Columbia is one of the world's most pre-eminent mining regions, and our government has made a commitment to this sector by being a leader in encouraging investment and fostering partnerships with communities, First Nations and industry in support of resource development."

Pierre Gratton, president & CEO, Mining Association of Canada -

"B.C. is Canada's top copper producer, the country's only producer of molybdenum and the world's second-most-important exporter of high-quality steel-making coal. Over the past several years, B.C. has worked to grow its mining industry and seen many new mines come into production, creating thousands of high-paying jobs across the province."

"With the value of B.C.'s mineral production tripling since 2002, the province is now the second largest mining jurisdiction in Canada. As a result, the province has weathered the recent economic crisis better than the rest of Canada, and is in a position to further grow its mining industry, for the benefit of all British Columbians and Canada as a whole."

Key Facts:

• The Prospectors and Developer's Association of Canada (PDAC) represents the interests of the Canadian mineral exploration and development industry. The association was established in 1932 and has 9,000 members.
• The production value of mining in 2012 was $8.3 billion. In 2001, it was $2.8 billion.
• Mineral exploration has grown exponentially since 2001. In 2001, exploration spending was $29.1 million and in 2013 it was $476 million.
• 2013 exploration spending is the second-highest on record. 2012 was the highest with $680 million.
• B.C. accounts for approximately 19% of all exploration spending in Canada. In 2001, that figure was less than 6%.
• Every British Columbian uses almost 23,000 kilograms (about 50,000 pounds) of mined products each year. When you brush your teeth, turn on a light, drive a car, ride your bike, turn on the television, use a camera or telephone - you are supporting the mining industry.
• In 2012, more than 30,000 people were employed in mining, mineral exploration and related sectors.
• In 2001, the average mining salary plus benefits was $81,000. In 2013, it was $121,000.
• Mining employs more First Nations than any other industry in B.C. and the Province has signed 10 economic and community development agreements with First Nations to date.
• Mining contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that help pay for government services like health care and education.
• Today B.C. has 19 operating mines (nine coal and 10 metal). In 2001, there were 15 operating mines (seven coal and eight metal).

Learn More:

Ministry of Energy and Mines: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Pages/default.aspx

Prospectors and Developer's Association of Canada: http://www.pdac.ca/

Media Contact:

Jake Jacobs
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines and Responsible for Core Review
250 952-0628