Blackwater Mine Project. Image Credit: Artemis Gold Inc.

By Sam Bennison

Mining sector

Report reveals huge impact from mining in Prince George

Jan 18, 2024 | 12:08 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— A new report by the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) and the Mining Suppliers Association of BC (MSABC) shows that in 2022, Prince George received $237 million through mining and smelting sector purchasing goods and services from business in the area.

In total, British Columbia’s mining and smelting sector contributed $3.7 billion to 200 local and First Nations communities by purchasing goods and services from nearly 4,000 BC-based businesses in 2022.

“Mining plays a pivotal role in BC’s economy. Mines and smelters provide thousands of well-paying family-supporting jobs and they sustain a large supply chain of nearly 4,000 small and medium sized businesses in urban centres, small towns and an increasing number of First Nations communities,” said Michael Goehring, MABC President and CEO.

The “One Province, One Economy” report, prepared by iTOTEM Analytics, assesses the scope of B.C.’s mining supply chain and quantifies the value of materials, goods and services purchased by the province’s 17 metal and steelmaking coal mines, tow mine development projects, and two smelters.

“British Columbia is a world-leading mining jurisdiction, creating good-paying jobs and opportunities for workers, communities and First Nations across the province. And we have the critical minerals that the world needs to fight climate change and build a clean economy. Working together, we have a generational opportunity to attract investment throughout the supply chain and drive sustainable growth”, said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

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The report also indicates that Indigenous communities received $520 million from B.C.’s mining and smelting industry. In 2022, 150 First Nations or affiliated business accounted for 14 percent of supply chain spending by provided goods and services ranging from consulting and technical expertise to IT services, health, and safety training, among others.

“B.C.’s mining sector is helping advance economic reconciliation with First Nations through partnerships, benefit agreements, employment, and actively procuring goods and services from First Nations businesses,” said Goehring.

B.C. currently has 16 critical mineral projects in advanced stages of development that represent $36 billion in new investment, along with five new precious metal mines representing nearly $2 billion in new investment for the province.

“New mines are valuable catalysts of economic development, providing new demand for goods and services and significant opportunities to grow and support the thousands of small, medium and First Nations businesses in the mining supply chain,” said Goehring. “However, if we want to unlock these opportunities, we need government policies that encourage mining investment in our province.”

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com