VANCOUVER, BC – Michael Goehring, President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC), made the following statement in response to the mining plans released today by the Conservative Party of BC and the BC NDP during the 2024 BC Election campaign:
“The provincial election presents a pivotal moment for British Columbia’s political parties to champion the essential role of BC’s mining sector in the future of our province. Commitments to streamline the permitting process for critical minerals projects are not just welcome—they are crucial. We are pleased to see both main parties recognize the urgent need for permitting reform for our industry. Every permit granted to a mining project is a permit to prosperity—prosperity that will improve the quality of life for people and communities across our province.
British Columbia has a transformational opportunity. By unlocking the potential of critical minerals, we can attract the private investment necessary to fuel economic growth and secure well-paying jobs for decades to come. But this will only be possible if we act now to accelerate mine permitting and approval processes.
With 17 world-leading critical minerals projects on the horizon, BC can make a meaningful contribution to climate action and deliver immense and lasting economic benefits, including $36 billion in immediate investment, 302,000 person-years of employment, $23 billion in labour income, and nearly $11 billion in tax revenues to support essential public services. The long-term economic impact of operating these mines over several decades could be enormous, reaching nearly $800 billion.
Both main parties clearly understand BC’s critical minerals potential. As representatives of the mining sector, MABC will be there to ensure they follow through on their commitments. Together, we can create a streamlined and efficient permitting process that fast-tracks project approval, advances economic reconciliation and partnerships with First Nations, while maintaining BC’s world-leading environmental protections. It’s a win for the entire province, and the time to act is now.”
To read more about MABC’s Permit to Prosperity initiative, click here.
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 nearly 4,000 small, medium, and First Nation affiliated businesses in every corner of the province through an annual spend of $3.7 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 and responsibly.
For more information
Jayne Czarnocki
Director, Communications
Mining Association of British Columbia
Cell: 778-957-2597
Email: jczarnocki@mining.bc.ca
