Exploring a future full of possibility
The word is out: BC is a great place to explore for, and develop, new mineral deposits. In 2011 there was an estimated $ 450 to 500 million in mineral exploration expenditures on 350 exploration projects. Last year, therewas an estimated one million metres of drilling conducted in search of the commodities necessary for our modern society. The major mining companies are also beginning to return to the province as joint venture partners conducting advanced exploration programs and developing mine projects.
It’s clear mineral exploration and mine development are key economic drivers for the province and these higher levels of investment will ultimately lead to new discoveries and mine development that will spur regional development, create jobs, improve infrastructure and increase government revenues to offset the rising health care and education costs.
A hub of innovation
The people of British Columbia have a proud and strong tradition of being innovative, enterprising and industrious— and the spirit is alive and well today. British Columbia is a global centre for mineral exploration expertise. The progressive exploration and development of our public mineral resources over the last 100 years have created a highly skilled, world- class workforce.
Our province is home to the largest concentration of professional geologists in the world. Twelve hundred Bc based companies are exploring and developing mineral resources around the globe, with 2,400 service consultants and supplier companies supporting the sector, including technical, legal, and financial
“Through the decades the industry has matured, and its perspective and approach have progressively evolved.”
Gavin C. Dirom
President & CEO, AME BC
and accounting firms. In addition we have academics researching and teaching new geo-science, engineering and technological methods in one of the best education systems in the world.
A growing support for green
Through the decades the industry has matured, and its perspective and approach have progressively evolved. Environmental stewardship and social responsibility are key considerations for the success of our projects.
With input from unions and non- government organizations, BC has developed a health, safety and reclamation code for the industry that has been adapted for use in 35 countries and our industry’s safety record is two times better than the average injury rate for all sectors in the province. As early stewards of the environment, the vanguard BC Technical and Research committee on reclamation was established in 1977. It has developed and implemented world- class research to ensure that best practices are followed in reclaiming mineral exploration and mining sites.
A clear case for transparency
Today, mine closure and reclamation are an integral component of the mining plans. Companies operating in BC are required to post financial securities with the province to cover future reclamation costs, dependent on the relative size, important technical considerations and appropriate mitigation measures associated with the project. We cannot move a mineral deposit to a different location; we can only work with what nature has provided and apply our best knowledge and experience to optimize the resource while being stewards of the environment.
There is also recognition that the mineral exploration industry has a responsibility to give back to the community.
The BC mineral exploration and development industry has embraced this responsibility by partnering with the BC mining industry to support the Mining for Miracles fundraising campaign for BC Children’s Hospital. Over the past 25 years, this campaign has raised over $ 15 million to improve the quality of health care for children in the province.
It’s clear the return of major investment in BC for mineral exploration and development is well underway, but we must work together to carefully nurture this opportunity to fully realize its long- term potential. The world needs minerals resources more than ever, and I am confident that we can cooperatively develop smart solutions in BC to protect the environment and our society, while not losing sight of the enormous benefits a mineral discovery can provide to all of our communities.