Senior mining representatives will meet with B.C. government leaders for the first virtual Mining Day at the Legislature on Monday, March 15, 2021.

They will discuss ways the mining industry, which employs more than 30,000 people, can support economic recovery and create even more jobs throughout the province as the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end.

“With high commodity prices for minerals and metals, now is the time to seize the opportunity to grow B.C.’s mining sector and create good jobs to support communities across the province,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Mining has always been a key industry in B.C. We’re working in partnership with industry, labour and First Nations to ensure the sector remains strong as we transition to a low-carbon economy.

“We have taken steps to strengthen health, safety and environmental compliance, to improve permitting and to advance reconciliation, distinguishing us as leaders in the growing global environmental, social and governance investment movement.”

The Mining Innovation Roadmap has been publicly released, delivering on one of the key recommendations of the Province’s Mining Jobs Task Force. With funding from the Province, the roadmap was developed by the Mining Association of British Columbia. The roadmap sets a path forward for B.C. to be at the innovative forefront of mining from exploration to reclamation.

“Mining is critical to our economic recovery. New mines and mine extensions will deliver thousands of new jobs, more revenue for public services and advance economic reconciliation with Indigenous Nations,” said Michael Goehring, president and CEO, Mining Association of BC. “B.C. has some of the lowest greenhouse gas emission-intensive mines and smelters in the world, providing the minerals and metals the world needs for a low carbon future.”

The roadmap serves as a guide to prepare workers for the growing high-tech future, and to attract investment from the environmental, social and governance (ESG)-focused investment sector valued at $100 trillion globally. The roadmap is built on two central components: the creation of the BC Mining Innovation Hub and the principle of trusted relationships and shared values. It identifies four goals, 18 action items, a path for implementing the goals and a method for tracking progress.

The goals of the roadmap are to:

• foster an innovative and collaborative culture;
• improve regulation to support innovation;
• leverage B.C.’s ESG advantage; and
• build the workforce for future mines.

The BC Mining Innovation Hub is a mandate commitment of the ministry. The hub will aim to support innovation, training for workers in new technologies, regulatory excellence, environmental management and low-carbon approaches.

Quotes:

Alan Winter, former B.C. innovation commissioner –

“Building on B.C.’s Mining Jobs Task Force, the Mining Innovation Roadmap provides comprehensive recommendations to achieve a sustainable and thriving mining sector in B.C. This requires a modern regulatory framework, investment in innovation by all stakeholders, a talented workforce and value for Indigenous and local communities. With over 280 participants in the roadmap process, the recommendations give an excellent context for the BC Mining Innovation Hub and the ability to attract investment into the B.C. mining sector nationally and internationally. The roadmap examines the whole life cycle of mining from exploration to reclamation and focuses on innovation to achieve smart mining with exportable higher-value products and services, such that B.C. can be an integral part of supply chains worldwide.”

Rob Foskett, business representative, International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 115 –

“The International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 115 believes it is essential that all of our members working in British Columbia’s mining industry are best prepared for the path forward, while fully recognizing the importance of keeping up to date with the ever-changing world of mining. We have been proud to have participated in the creation of this roadmap for our province.”

Learn More:

Mining Innovation Roadmap: www.mining.bc.ca/innovation

B.C. Mining Jobs Task Force: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/mineral-exploration-mining/exploration-in-bc/bc-mining-jobs-task-force

A backgrounder follows.