Mining continued to grow and expand as new projects, construction starts and expansions drove job creation and investment throughout the British Columbian industry in 2013. Construction dominated progress in 2013 with a number of large projects well on their way to becoming producing mines. The $500-million Red Chris project is well advanced and expected to start producing ore in 2014. Roman mine, near Tumbler Ridge, also started construction and the company is working toward production in 2014.
Imperial Metals Corp’s wholly owned Red Chris copper/gold property is located 80 km south of Dease Lake in the traditional territory of the Tahltan First Nation in northwest British Columbia. Access to the site is 20 km from Highway 37.
Red Chris mine development is proceeding with 94% of the engineering complete as of September 30, 2013. Start of commissioning is scheduled for June 2014. Reserves of over 300 Mt grading 0.359% Cu and 0.274 g/t Au provide for a 28 year project life at a rate of 30,000 t/d through the flotation mill.
Anglo American’s Roman project, (the $200 million Peace River coal project) will result in a 499 ha expansion of the existing Trend mine located 30 km south of Tumbler Ridge. The mine is being constructed on provincial Crown land, and is projected to add production capacity of 2-4 Mt of metallurgical coal for a 16 year-life span.
The most important highlight of 2013 was the celebration of a new mine going into production in August. Mt. Milligan mine north of Prince George, a $1.5-billion project with 350 permanent jobs, shipped its first copper ore in late summer and celebrated its commissioning in October.
Additionally, a number of operating mines made improvements to their operations. Both Gibraltar mine in the Cariboo and Line Creek in the Kootenays received Mines Act permit amendments that resulted in almost $400 million in investment and ensured jobs for 650 workers.
Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review: “The B.C. mining industry continues to be a major economic driver in this province. Many new jobs at operating mines were created this past year – these are high-quality jobs that support our families and help build strong communities for many years to come.”
Both industry and the Province continue to work closely with First Nations on resource development, setting out clear expectations for the consultation process and working toward more revenue-sharing agreements. Mining employs more First Nations than any other industry in B.C.
The Province has signed 10 economic and community development agreements with First Nations to date. In 2013, the first cheques were delivered to First Nations for agreements with New Afton, Copper Mountain and Highland Valley mines.
Mining continues to be one of B.C.’s safest heavy industries and has a lower injury rate than most of the other resource and industrial sectors.
Since the BC Jobs Plan was released, two new mines are in operation, and five more are under construction or permitted. The Province also has approved seven major expansions of existing mines.
In 2012, mining was valued at over $8.3 billion to B.C.’s economy and exploration was recorded at $680 million, a 47% increase over the previous year and the highest ever. With exploration spending remaining strong in 2013, mining remains one of the province’s more important economic drivers.
