People in northern B.C. will benefit from improved air quality when a remote mine switches to a clean energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, while creating good, clean jobs.

“We are working together with industry to encourage investment in clean technology that will reduce pollution, support good jobs and create new opportunities in a global marketplace that is increasingly looking for cleaner products,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Through our CleanBC climate and economic plan, we’re supporting the switch to clean electricity at Mount Milligan Mine for part of its operations to help address climate change and build back our economy from the impacts of COVID-19.”

The Province is contributing $440,000 to help install an overhead powerline from Mount Milligan Mine, located north of Vanderhoof, to a nearby pumping facility at Phillips Lake. This will replace diesel-powered generators and pumps with grid-connected electric equipment.

“Through CleanBC, our government is helping reduce emissions from industry while supporting good jobs and a cleaner, better future for people across the province,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “By working together with industry to make the switch to clean technology, we’re building on B.C.’s global reputation as a place for low-carbon investment and opportunity.”

The partnership between the Province and mine owner Centerra Gold Inc. will cut local air pollutants at the mine and is expected to reduce roughly 48,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over the next decade. This is like taking more than 17,000 cars off the road for a year.

“Centerra Gold Inc. recognizes that planning for climate change and a low-carbon future are critically important to successful business practices in our industry,” said Michael Parrett, chair and director of Centerra Gold Inc. “By working together with the Province through the CleanBC Industry Fund, our Mount Milligan Mine operations will have a lower carbon footprint, improved operating costs and potential for clean investment in the future.”

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quotes:

Merran Smith, co-chair of B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council, and executive director of Clean Energy Canada – 

“Metals and minerals are, literally, what make the electric cars, solar panels, and wind turbines we need to fight climate change. And the mining industry can also be part of the transition it’s helping build. It’s encouraging to see British Columbia’s mining companies joining others around the world upgrading their trucks and equipment to electric or even hydrogen versions. I look forward to seeing it continue.”

Michael Goehring, president and CEO, Mining Association of B.C. – 

“British Columbia has some of the lowest greenhouse gas emission-intensive mines and smelters in the world. We are a leading supplier of low-carbon metals and minerals that are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and consumer technologies. This investment from the CleanBC Industry Fund will help lower emissions further and support employment in local communities.”

Quick Facts:

• The Mount Milligan Mine project is funded in part by the CleanBC Industry Fund, which uses carbon tax revenues paid by industry to fund emission reduction projects around the province.
• To be eligible for funding, applicants must have emissions over 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year and be a reporting facility under the Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act.
• Successful CleanBC Industry Fund projects have been chosen based on a competitive process and an evaluation of detailed project plans, business cases and the potential to cost-effectively reduce emissions.

Learn More:

To learn more about the CleanBC Industry Fund and other approved projects, visit: www.cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/industryfund

To learn more about CleanBC, visit: www.cleanbc.gov.bc.ca