Mining and Minerals

Bill Bennett was appointed Minister of State for Mining on June 16, 2005.

KAMLOOPS - Minister Bill Bennett (right) is joined by Brent Davis, General Manager, Coal and Base Metals (left) and Jim Harrison, BC Mining Sales Manager (centre) for Finning's announcement that it secured the sale of 18 pieces of Caterpillar equipment to Western Canadian Coal for the development of the Wolverine Mine near Tumbler

Ridge in northeast British Columbia. Minister Bennett commented, “I want to take this opportunity to commend Finning on its strong support of the mining industry. The equipment procurement, the expansion of its service sector facilities and the opportunity for increased employment for British Columbians is another great example of how mining supports communities throughout British Columbia. Job creation and economic growth in the mining sector are an integral part of our B.C. Mining Plan and this government has been very successful in encouraging, promoting and supporting the expansion of the mining industry in BC.” The equipment package, valued at approximately C$32.6 million, consists of five Cat 789C haul trucks (190 ton capacity), five Cat 785C haul trucks (150 ton capacity), four Cat D10T tractors, a Cat 16H motor grader, a Cat 992 wheel loader, a Cat 834H wheel dozer and a Cat 385 excavator. The equipment is being delivered during the latter part of 2005 and the first quarter of 2006. It is being used for pre-production stripping and mining operations at Western Canadian Coal’s Wolverine Mine. For more information please click here.

Mining is an exciting, vital player in British Columbia's economy and an integral part of the provincial economy. It is part of Energy and Mines mandate to support and grow this historic and important industry. Increasing investor confidence and exploration are fuelling new mining development and new jobs in communities, which in turn contributes to the high standard of living and excellent services.

British Columbians have the experience, energy and enthusiasm to build a prosperous future for our communities and the mining industry. Importantly, this prosperity includes BC First Nations, who are participating in our mining industry as never before.

Initiatives we have undertaken include: revisions to the tax regime; the streamlining of regulatory and approval processes; extension of flow-through tax credits which are among the best in Canada and; development of land management plans that provide security for the land base.

As Minister of State for Mining, and under the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act, Minister Bill Bennet is accountable for achieving the following results for 2005/06:

1. Develop options for streamlining mine and mineral exploration approval processes to increase global investment in British Columbia's mining sector and present a status report to the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Resource Development.
2. Consolidate environmental standards and regulations used in mining into user friendly environmental and reclamation guidelines and present to the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Resource Development.
3. Develop a multi-agency plan that will promote the consistent application of the integrated land use system for exploration and mining in British Columbia and present to the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Resource Development

A vibrant mining industry is built on exploration, and exploration is built on investor confidence. Mining exploration activity in British Columbia has more than tripled since 2001. New mines are once again opening in the province and old ones are finding new life.

The Province's mineral exploration and mining industries provide thousands of long-term, family-supporting jobs, revenue to support provincial and local government services, and are important parts of regional economies throughout British Columbia.