For Immediate Release
February 26, 2018
Mining Association of BC Celebrates Mining Day at the Legislature
VICTORIA, BC – Representatives from British Columbia’s major mining companies, advanced projects, and mining supply sector arrived in Victoria today to participate in Mining Day at the Legislature. This day-long event is bringing together industry delegates, Members of the Legislative Assembly and senior officials to discuss mining in British Columbia.
The B.C. mining industry is foundational to the province and represents $8.7 billion in economic activity, 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across all regions of the province, and $650 million in contributions to governments, supporting B.C.s childcare, education and healthcare services.
The theme of Mining Day at the Legislature 2018 is “mining and the lower carbon economy” highlighting the integral role the B.C. mining industry is playing in our global transition to a lower carbon economy.
“B.C. is Canada’s largest producer of copper and steelmaking coal, second-largest producer of silver, and only producer of molybdenum. These are the commodities that are contributing to society’s transition to a lower carbon economy – from the additional copper required for electric cars compared to conventional cars, to the steelmaking coal required for the steel in wind turbines, public infrastructure and clean energy generation,” said Bryan Cox, President & CEO of MABC.
“British Columbia is well positioned as a global leader in the clean tech and high tech sectors”, continued Cox. “B.C. mining companies are early adopters in these sectors, in all areas of our operations, and many of B.C.’s tech companies are partnering with the mining industry.”
Mining Day at the Legislature features a number of B.C. based clean and high tech companies currently active in the mining industry, including Carmanah’s solar power solutions and LlamaZOO Interactive’s 3D communications and digital twinning solutions for the mining sector.
To illustrate mining’s connection to carbon emission reduction opportunities, MABC has partnered with Clean Energy Vehicles for BC (CEVforBC) and Dueck GM to wrap an electric powered Chevrolet Volt with facts outlining mining’s role in the lower carbon economy. The car will tour the province over the next several months, engaging with British Columbians about how B.C.’s mining industry is driving our green energy future.
MABC also participated in the government’s announcement of the Mining Jobs Task Force. This Task Force will work over the coming months to develop strategies to sustain the mining jobs of today and, importantly, create the mining jobs of tomorrow.
“In order to create the jobs of tomorrow we must ensure this industry remains competitive in a global world,” concluded Cox. “We look forward to working with government and other stakeholders to ensure we have competitive tax and cost structures, and a regulatory system that provides clarity, consistency and co-ordination that leads to timely decisions, so that we can continue to mine our future.”
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) is the voice of mining in BC, representing operating coal, metal and industrial mineral producers in the province. Our mandate is to support a strong and thriving mining industry that creates opportunities and wealth for all British Columbians.
