Team BC in Ottawa to Advance Partnership on $79 Billion in Critical Minerals and Mining Development

June 1, 2026 – OTTAWA — Greater federal-provincial coordination is key to accelerating critical mineral development and unlocking its potential for Canada’s economic and national security, a delegation from British Columbia’s mining sector will assert in a series of high-level meetings in Ottawa this week.

The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC), along with BC’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals Jagrup Brar, are meeting with federal officials as part of a coordinated “Team BC” effort to advance billions of dollars of major mining projects and position Canada as a global leader in responsible resource development. Faster approvals through more coordination are essential to attracting and retaining investment in the Canadian mining sector.

“British Columbia is strategically positioned to ensure Canada seizes a once-in-a-generation opportunity that our critical minerals provide,” said MABC President and CEO Michael Goehring, pointing to the province’s significant minerals base, unprecedented employment opportunities, and growing project momentum. “Team BC is in Ottawa to work with the federal government to accelerate responsible mineral development and strengthen supply chains, leading to long-term economic benefits for British Columbians and all Canadians.”

British Columbia has or produces 19 of the 34 minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list, including germanium, nickel, zinc, and rare earths, and is the country’s leading producer of copper and steelmaking coal. The province is also home to 31 major mining projects at advanced stages of development and regulatory review, representing $79 billion in potential economic activity.

Goehring said recent permitting decisions signal progress in BC, with five mining projects approved since June 2025, but added that more coordinated action is needed to maintain momentum and enhance Canada’s ability to attract global investment.

Federal Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said closer collaboration with provinces like British Columbia is part of the federal government’s plan to advance projects that underpin Canada’s economic resilience.

“Critical minerals are central to building a prosperous, secure, and sustainable Canada,” said Hodgson. “British Columbia has some of the best critical minerals deposits in the world, deep industry expertise, and a strong permitting regime – including a “One Project, One Review” agreement with the federal government. Building on that strong foundation, our new government is committed to acting with urgency in collaboration with B.C. to build resilient supply chains and expedite project approvals – including for the mining projects referred to the federal Major Projects Office –  for projects that will reinforce our sovereignty, attract investment, advance Indigenous partnership and the energy transition, and ensure Canada can compete and win on the world stage.”

BC’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals Jagrup Brar said the province is committed to working with Ottawa to move projects forward more quickly while delivering benefits for workers, communities and Indigenous partners.

“We are taking action to make British Columbia a global leader in mining and critical minerals. We are looking forward to working with the federal government at accelerating permitting, attracting investment, and ensuring these projects create good jobs and long-term prosperity for communities across BC.”

The delegation is advancing a series of policy priorities, including improved coordination between federal and provincial regulators, targeted infrastructure investments, measures to address labour shortages, and strengthening Indigenous partnerships and capacity building.

“This is about ensuring Canada can fully realize the economic and national security benefits of our critical minerals, precious metals and steel making coal,” concluded Goehring. “With the right partnership and policy framework in place, BC can play a central role in making Canada stronger.”