For Immediate Release
February 21, 2020
Media Statement on Signing of Southern Mountain Caribou Conservation Agreements
VANCOUVER, BC – Michael Goehring, President & CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia, made the following statement today respecting the signing of agreements between Canada, British Columbia and the West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations to advance the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou:
“The Mining Association of BC supports these agreements and the recovery of caribou. The agreements provide a path forward that, if implemented effectively, can support our shared objectives of caribou recovery and social and economic stability in northeast BC communities.
BC’s mining industry will continue to take a leadership role supporting southern mountain caribou. We’ve already contributed significant resources toward the research, recovery and conservation of their habitat, including releasing some 400,000 hectares of high value habitat from potential mining activity and contributing over $6 million towards research, habitat restoration and Indigenous-led maternal penning programs.
Our members will continue to work collaboratively with government, the West Moberly, Saulteau and other Treaty 8 First Nations to support the successful implementation of the agreements and ensure that planned and existing mining projects can continue to provide economic benefits to the region and the entire province.”
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About the Mining Association of British Columbia:
MABC is the voice of mining in British Columbia, representing operating steelmaking coal, metal and industrial mineral producers, as well as smelting operations and advanced development companies in the province. Our mandate is to encourage the safe, responsible development and operation of mining and related facilities across British Columbia. The mining industry generated more than $12 billion in economic activity and supported over 33,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2018, while contributing almost $1 billion in direct payments to the provincial government.
For more information:
Cailey Murphy
604-837-0521
