Michael Gehring of the British Columbia Mining Association calls for shorter permit periods.
Industry leaders say a “generational opportunity” to build wealth across British Columbia and meet climate change goals through the extraction of critical minerals is “at risk.”
The state government is currently developing a strategy to mine critical minerals such as copper and nickel needed for green technologies such as zero-emission vehicle batteries, solar panels and wind turbines.
The federal government considers 31 of the 16 minerals discovered or produced in British Columbia to be significant.
Michael Gehring, president and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia, said strategy will determine whether B.C. can become “the world's leading supplier of responsibly produced critical minerals.” He said that.
He made his comments against the backdrop of a study commissioned by the association to assess the economic impact of proposed expansion plans for 14 critical mineral mines and two existing mines. According to this study, each of the 16 mines would generate $24.8 billion over an average lifespan of just over 24 years.
According to the study, the mine will generate $9.6 billion in tax revenue for all levels of government, with 80 per cent of the economic benefits remaining in British Columbia and benefiting all of British Columbia, including northern and rural areas. That's what it means.
Geography provides what Goering called a “comparative advantage,” and critical minerals provide British Columbians with “generational opportunities.”
But for B.C. to realize this opportunity, Goering said the province must have a “competitive fiscal and regulatory policy framework” to attract the investment needed to grow and sustain the sector. said.
“Right now, British Columbia and Canada are known as high-cost jurisdictions, making it difficult to get projects done,” he said. “Currently, British Columbia lags behind other Canadian jurisdictions, such as Ontario and Quebec, in launching and funding strategies to attract investment in critical minerals sectors. Masu.”
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The provincial government plans to announce the strategy later this year after seeking feedback from various stakeholders, including the BCMA, but B.C. Fiscal and regulatory policies are lacking.
One key issue is the time it takes to permit new mines.
“Canada's[Minister of Energy and Natural Resources]Jonathan Wilkinson himself has said many times that he cannot get permits for new mines for up to 16 years,” Gehring said. “The time required to permit new mines is a barrier to new investment in British Columbia and across Canada.”
The issue of critical minerals also has a geopolitical dimension. Autocratic regimes in Europe, Asia, and Africa currently monopolize supplies, and some of Canada's immediate and distant allies, including the United States and members of the European Union, are looking to Canada, among others, as an alternative supplier. ing.
Goering said Western governments recognize that they are vulnerable to regimes with questionable records on human rights and the environment. Canada in general, and British Columbia in particular, can position itself as a source of responsibly mined minerals, he added.
“In recent years, the Government of British Columbia has taken a number of steps to improve the regulatory regime for mining in British Columbia, and British Columbians need to know that mining is being done responsibly in our province. “I can be confident that there is,” he said.
Asked what he would say to those who think dirty industrial mining has no place in a post-modern economy, Goering said extracting critical minerals is “essential” to B.C.'s and global energy transition.
“For the environment, critical minerals are the foundation of clean energy solutions such as solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles,” he said. “Without critical minerals, those technologies will not be available and decarbonization will not be possible. Without critical minerals, we will not be able to meet global climate goals.”
Critical minerals also provide a path forward for true partnership and economic reconciliation with indigenous peoples, he added.
Josie Osborne, Minister for Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, said in a statement that the government is currently conducting a study of the BCMA. “We are proud that British Columbia is well-positioned to supply the minerals needed to drive the energy transition, and there are exciting opportunities to grow the critical minerals sector across the province,” said Osborne. “I agree with that,” he said, pointing out the importance of important minerals.
He added that the government is determined to continue to support the competitiveness of the vital minerals sector and led a mining delegation to Europe's largest mining investment conference in November to promote investment.
“It was encouraging to hear from many attendees that British Columbia is considered a strong and stable investment destination for critical mineral development,” she said. “We are currently working with First Nations, industry and stakeholders on B.C.'s Critical Minerals Strategy. We look forward to continuing to see our actions grow this sector and strengthen its competitiveness.” Sho.”
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wolfgang.depner@blackpress.ca
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