The Mining Industry in British Columbia

   

Download

2010 was a great year that continued to reaffirm how important the mining industry is to the British Columbia economy. As part of the 2010 survey process, PwC conducted interviews with some of the key figures in B.C.'s mining industry. The interviewees without exception saw 2010 as a real turnaround year for the sector. Not a turnaround in terms of revenues or net earnings, which have been at historic highs for the last few years, thanks to commodity price increases, but rather a turnaround in terms of having three major new metals mines in the construction phase, and a pipeline of projects, like Red Chris, ready to go. This is a level of activity not seen in over a decade and it signals an industry that's poised for growth.

B.C. is leading the way in finding innovative ways to move projects forward. Two major revenue sharing arrangements have been put into place, the first in Canada, and these provide a roadmap for how the industry and First Nations can work together in the future. The government has also made a firm commitment, both at the provincial and federal levels, to the Highway 37 Northwest Transmission Line. This will make some very significant projects in the north west of the province possible, and it will be able to provide power to other industrial and residential users. The commitment to move the Highway 37 initiative forward came after years of sustained lobbying by the mining industry and its supporters. That's the kind of pioneer spirit that's needed to succeed.

It's also the kind of spirit the industry needs to keep displaying to deal with ongoing challenges that heavy industries in today's economies inevitably face. These include:

• Continuing to work on land access issues which can limit or block access to resources
• Educating government, industry members, stakeholders and the population at large regarding the qualities, strengths and benefits of having mining in B.C.
• Planning for the infrastructure necessary to be able to move and ship product to customers around the world.
• Building a new young industry workforce who can sustain the Province's existing operations and provide the backbone for its growth

So, there's still work to be done. Mining is and must continue to be an integral part of the provincial economy. The reported results for 2010 show that the industry has that potential, with new mines poised to come on line, increased foreign investment and exploration dollars being put into the ground. All the stars are aligning for significant industry growth — commodity prices are high and demand is strong. The opportunities are there to grow. B.C.'s mining industry and the provincial and federal governments must act on these opportunities. It's time to seize the day.

Click the PDF to download the complete survey.

The mining industry in British Columbia 2010 (1.48 MB) Download the PDF survey report.

The mining industry in BC — Appendices (539 KB) Download the PDF appendices.

Previous Editions

The mining industry in British Columbia 2009 (1.43 MB) Download the full PDF survey report.

The mining industry in British Columbia 2009 Appendices (191 KB) Download the full PDF appendices.

The mining industry in British Columbia 2008 (1.84 MB) Download the full PDF survey report.

The mining industry in British Columbia 2008 Appendices (89 KB) Download the full PDF appendices.

The mining industry in British Columbia 2007 (1.74 MB) Download the full PDF survey report.

The mining industry in British Columbia 2007 Appendices (89 KB) Download the full PDF appendices.

The Mining Industry in British Columbia 2006 (1.35 MB) Download the full PDF report.

The Mining Industry in British Columbia 2006 Appendices (92 KB) Download the full PDF appendices.

The Mining Industry in British Columbia 2005 (1.8 MB) Download the full PDF report.

The mining industry in British Columbia 2004 (1.64 MB) Download the full PDF report.

The Mining Industry in British Columbia 2003 (1.18 MB) Download the full PDF report.