For Immediate Release
May 17, 2021
Media Statement on Skeena Wild and BC Mining Law Reform Report
Vancouver, BC – Michael Goehring, President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) made the following statement on the report distributed today by Skeena Wild and BC Mining Law Reform:
“The Mining Association of BC takes issue with the factually questionable report issued today by Skeena Wild and BC Mining Law Reform. Contrary to the Report’s misleading assertions, BC’s mining industry meets among the highest regulatory standards in the world for environmental assessment, operational permitting, compliance and enforcement, and post-closure monitoring and reclamation.
Changes to the Mines Act, the Health Safety and Reclamation Code, BC’s water quality guidelines, and the creation of independent review boards for tailings management have all been implemented in the past few years with the support of BC’s mining industry, demonstrating our commitment to continuous regulatory improvement and leadership. Industry also supported the creation of a new Mines Health, Safety and Enforcement Division in 2019 to enhance oversight and monitoring of operating and closed mines. Many BC mining operators have adopted the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) protocols, which include an internationally recognized system for best practices in tailings and water management.
BC mining is performed responsibly. If mines are not in compliance with regulations and permit requirements, they are subject to strong sanctions. Apart from stringent regulatory oversight, BC’s mining industry continues to demonstrate a strong track-record of developing and implementing innovative technologies to meet or exceed water quality guidelines, and to monitor mine sites post-closure, something completely ignored in the Report.
The Report also disregards the fact that BC has some of the lowest greenhouse-gas emitting mines and smelters in the world that are supplying the minerals and metals the world needs to transition to a cleaner, low carbon future. It also fails to mention that responsible mining supports more than 35,000 well-paid family-supporting jobs in every corner of British Columbia and over 3,700 small, medium and Indigenous businesses that generate nearly $3 billion in revenue by providing our mines and smelters with supplies and services.”
About the Mining Association of British Columbia:
MABC is the voice of the British Columbia’s steelmaking coal, metal and mineral producers, smelters, and advanced development companies. Our industry benefits all British Columbians and supports more than 35,000 jobs and over 3,700 small, medium, and Indigenous affiliated businesses in every corner of the province through an annual spend of nearly $3 billion on goods and services. Our members’ products have among the lowest carbon footprints globally and are helping the world transition to a cleaner, low-carbon future; safely, responsibly, and sustainably.
For more information
Roselyn Tam
rtam@katana.work
604-720-5035
