As part of Mining Month, the provincial government is funding Geoscience BC with $5 million to help attract investment, create jobs and gather data by supporting Geoscience BC’s minerals, energy and water earth science research.

Providing bridge funding to Geoscience BC was one of 25 accepted recommendations brought forth by the Mining Jobs Task Force in 2019 to boost the mining sector, create good jobs and a strong, sustainable economy. 

This funding will support Geoscience BC’s earth science research for one year while a review of British Columbia’s approach to co-ordinating public geoscience is completed. 

“Our Mining Jobs Task Force did excellent work identifying the many ways our government can support mining and we’re meeting another one of its recommendations with this $5 million in funding to Geoscience BC,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “The research that will come from this funding will attract the investment necessary for resource development that makes a clean electrified economy possible.”

Geoscience BC’s research enhances British Columbia’s reputation as a leading global centre of mineral exploration expertise and contributes to the attractiveness of B.C.’s mining sector to investors around the world. 

“Geoscience BC’s minerals, energy and water research meets a need for new public geoscience data that attracts investment, informs decisions, stimulates innovation, and supports the responsible development of B.C.’s natural resources,” said Gavin C. Dirom, president and CEO, Geoscience BC.

“The Association of Mineral Exploration is pleased to see the support for Geoscience BC recommended by the Mining Jobs Task Force put in place,” said Edie Thome, president and CEO, AME. “We advocated for the creation of Geoscience BC in 2005 following successful pilot programs that demonstrated the value of a collaborative approach to the development of public geoscience.”

In addition to this funding, the Mining Jobs Task Force also made key recommendations in its final report that include new resources for the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for enhanced regulatory excellence, a mining innovation roadmap and funding for the continuation of the B.C. Regional Mining Alliance. 

This funding coincides with the Mining Association of British Columbia’s Mining Month. This month-long celebration will see numerous events held around the province that highlight the important role that mining plays in the lives of all British Columbians.

Geoscience BC is an independent, not-for-profit organization that generates and distributes public earth science research about British Columbia’s minerals, energy and water resources. It advances knowledge, informs responsible development, encourages investment and stimulates innovation. Geoscience BC’s vision is to be a leading partner and provider of credible and relevant earth science research and data in British Columbia. 

To view a photo of Mungall with Dirom and the CSO of Geoscience BC, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/33929863618/in/dateposted/

Learn More:

Geoscience BC: http://www.geosciencebc.com/ 
Follow on Twitter: @GeoscienceBC

Mining Jobs Task Force report: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/business/natural-resource-industries/mineral-exploration-and-mining/memp_10535_task_force_report_final-rev.pdf

Mining Association of British Columbia’s Mining Month: www.mining.bc.ca/events