Commentary
By Mata Press Service

The mining industry in British Columbia is facing a crisis of confidence due to increasing red tape and social licence issues that has dampened investor confidence.

This sentiment was clear at the recent Association for Mineral Exploration’s (AME) 2020 Roundup convention, which brought together more than 5,000 delegates from industry, government and First Nations.

Despite this prevailing perception, fuelled by the fact that no new mines have opened In British Columbia in the last two years, mining continues to be a mainstay of the provincial economy.

According to the latest government data available, direct employment in B.C.’s mineral sector accounted for 38,440 jobs; production estimates for major commodities mined in the province was $8.8 billion while industry mineral exploration spending totalled $246 million.

In the wake of the AME convention, a BC Chamber of Commerce survey found British Columbians understand the important contribution mining and other natural resources to their economic well-being.

Even among individuals who are not connected to the sector, there’s a deep appreciation for the role natural resources play in driving BC’s prosperity, the survey found.

The survey designed to gauge public perceptions on natural resource development, polled 1,000 individuals with half of respondents having no ties to the resource sector, while the other half having either worked in natural resources or had a family member or acquaintance affiliated with the sector.

Among the survey findings:

· 55% of respondents said natural resources were crucial to the BC economy, while another 43% considered them very important;

· 86% of people either strongly agreed or agreed that a strong resource sector helps create a vibrant economic base in BC on which we can grow other parts of the economy;

· A majority of respondents (81%) acknowledged that revenue from natural resources helps pay for provincial social programs such as health care and education;

· 75% of people agreed that the provincial government should encourage more investment in BC’s natural resource sector

· 78% of respondents saying they would like BC to more aggressively promote its “low-carbon advantage” globally; and

· 65% percent of British Columbians said they would encourage young people to work in natural resources.

One number in this survey stands out – close to half the respondents said they would like to see mining become ‘more important’ for B.C.

This is a testament that British Columbians recognize the integral role mining plays in driving the provincial economy and supports increased investment in the sector to encourage sustainable resource development.

Given our treasure trove of mineral deposits and our long history of mining, we have an unmatched expertise in this natural resource industry.

We have some of the world's most rigorous regulations that impact all stages of our mining industry from exploration, planning and permitting to development, production and reclamation.

Additionally, BC's mining companies are among the lowest Green House Gas (GHG) emission-intensive in the world, having committed to a lower carbon future.

What we need now is increased certainty over tenures, clarity over regulatory excellence and speed in permitting.

That will make B.C. the top jurisdiction in the world for mining and mineral exploration.