Mining thought leader overview
Mining activity in British Columbia has experienced growth over the past five years thanks to technological investment
Karina Briño, president and CEO of MABC, says B.C.'s biggest challenge and opportunity in mining is staying competitive in a global economy. — photo courtesy of Mining Association of BC.
The mining industry is trending towards increased public engagement, with enhanced interest in resource development in urban centres or those regions not traditionally considered mining jurisdictions, said Karina Briño, president and CEO of the Mining Association of BC (MABC).
“This is an important trend because mining is a significant part of the economy across British Columbia and it is an important part of all of our lives,” she said. “From the appliances in our homes to the greenest technologies, our ability to communicate and move around towns and cities is all possible because of the products that come from mining.”
Among numerous examples of this trend in action is the current public discourse on coal exports in the greater Vancouver area.
“This last year saw local government, labour unions and the general public get involved in a dialogue they have not in the past actively participated in,” said Briño. “We look forward to carrying on these conversations.”
Social media plays an important role in facilitating the public engagement process, providing accessible, effective tools for raising awareness about mining while facilitating a more open dialogue.
“We hope to engage even more with British Columbians on these platforms in the year ahead,” said Briño.
Future growth
B.C.’s mining industry has experienced a flurry of activity over the past two years, including two new major mine operations and six major expansions underway. An additional five projects are under construction or permitted.
The BC Jobs Plan targets eight new mines by 2015, which will result in thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the years ahead. An additional 30 potential projects in B.C. worth an estimated $30 billion translates into considerable economic and job growth if any number of those projects proceed as planned.
“Employment in the mining industry is very diverse and extends far beyond the jobs most frequently associated with mining,” said Briño. “There is a wide range of skill sets required, depending on a person’s area of interest. However, we know that one of the biggest demands in the years ahead will be for people in trades, technical and professional positions.”
Technology plays a major role in the future of mining in B.C., particularly in biodiversity, energy conservation and tailings management, spurring the industry’s significant resource investment in these areas.
Briño said B.C.’s adoption of the Toward Sustainable Mining program launched by the Mining Association of Canada nearly a decade ago clearly exemplifies the province’s commitment to implementing management systems to measure performance.
Challenges and opportunities
“The biggest challenge our industry is faced with is staying competitive in a global market,” said Briño. “In order to operate competitively, B.C. mines need access to affordable power, a wide range of infrastructure, from roads to ports to rail, and a transparent, predictable permitting and operating environment.”
At the same time, B.C.’s greatest opportunity is growing its competitive advantage as a mining jurisdiction, she added, calling the province a world leader in the mining industry.
“There are approximately 800 mining companies based in downtown Vancouver alone and B.C. is seen as a good environment to do business in, given its stable government, fiscal responsibility and access to international markets,” she said. “However, we must be careful not to take that opportunity for granted in this highly competitive global marketplace.”
Suggested reading
Briño recommends the MABC website, www.mining.bc.ca, as a great resource for those interested in the mining industry. The site lists facts and articles, as well as a job board for those considering a career in mining.
Vancouver-based Visual Capitalist also specializes in providing visual content for commodities and investments, and offers an excellent Learning Centre that includes information on precious, base and strategic metals, as well as other resource industries.
“I would also recommend the MineralsEd.ca website,” said Briño, “which provides a host of information and resources about minerals, mining and earth sciences for educators.”
