Discover by Category
British Columbia.
British Columbia is a province with a rich mining history and a wealth of mining potential yet undiscovered. Early mining operations brought gold and coal to the surface; today, these and many other valuable minerals are bringing prosperit...
789 stories
Victoria puts one-year moratorium on future coal development in Northern BC
The BC government has imposed a one-year moratorium on new coal development in the Klappan region of Northern BC, affecting 62 coal licence applications while allowing existing projects like Fortune Minerals' Arctos project to continue. The decision follows protests by the Tahltan Nation who consider the area sacred and oppose mining activities.
Over $14 billion slated for mine development in the north
A comprehensive survey reveals over $14.3 billion in planned mine development across Canada's northern territories, involving major mining companies with construction timelines spanning 2014-2018. The projects span multiple commodities including iron ore, diamonds, rare earths, gold, and base metals, representing significant investment in northern resource development.
Mining thought leader overview
Mining Association of BC President Karina Briño discusses industry trends toward increased public engagement and the province's mining competitiveness challenges. BC is targeting eight new mines by 2015 with 30 potential projects worth $30 billion under consideration.
Imperial Metals’ Red Chris mine is 70 per cent complete
Imperial Metals' Red Chris copper-gold mine in northern BC is 70% complete with commissioning scheduled for summer 2014. The $500 million project contains exceptional drill results including over 1 kilometre of 1.01% copper and 1.25 g/t gold, with total resources of 1.26 billion tonnes containing 8.89 billion pounds of copper and 12.9 million ounces of gold.
Reclamation must be site-specific
BC's mine reclamation inspector Jennifer McConnachie emphasized that mine reclamation plans must be site-specific rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach across the province's diverse geography. She highlighted the integration of reclamation planning into mine permitting, where companies must provide monetary bonds to ensure proper site restoration.
Bringing reliable power to northern BC
BC Hydro is constructing a 287-kilovolt Northwest Transmission Line from Terrace to Bob Quinn substation, expected to complete in May 2014. The project will supply clean power to major mining operations including Imperial Metals' Red Chris Mine and connect the diesel-dependent community of Iskut to the grid. AltaGas is developing three run-of-river hydroelectric projects totaling 277 megawatts to supply power to the transmission line.
A BC company whose inventions improve mining equipment
Caliper Machine and Hydraulics, a Cranbrook-based equipment manufacturer, has developed several innovative solutions for mining equipment including steel dashboards for Komatsu haul trucks and industrial windshield wipers. Their latest invention, the Roller Saddle Block for P&H electric shovels, is being tested at Teck Coal properties and reportedly saves thousands of dollars monthly in lubricant costs while extending component life.
Thompson Creek Metals celebrates opening of Mount Milligan
Thompson Creek Metals celebrated the opening of its Mount Milligan copper-gold mine in central British Columbia on October 8, 2013, after a $1.5 billion investment. The mine is designed to process 60,000 tonnes per day and is expected to produce an average of 81 million pounds of copper and 194,500 ounces of gold annually over its 22-year mine life.
Kevin Loughrey of Thompson Creek Metals retires
Kevin Loughrey has retired as CEO of Thompson Creek Metals after 15 years with the company, coinciding with the successful opening of the Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine in northern British Columbia. Under his leadership, Thompson Creek was listed on the NYSE in 2007 and completed development of the Mt. Milligan project in October 2013. Loughrey plans to remain involved in the mining industry in some capacity after taking time to travel with family.
Recognizing excellence in mine reclamation
The BC Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation presented its 2012 awards recognizing excellence in mine reclamation. Teck Resources won the Jake McDonald Mine Reclamation Award for successfully closing the historic Pinchi Mercury Mine, while the Crown Contaminated Sites Program won the Metal Mining Reclamation Award for work at the Atlin Ruffner site.
New president of Geoscience BC brings years of experience to the table
Robin Archdekin was appointed as the new president and CEO of Geoscience BC, effective October 1, 2013. He brings extensive experience across the resource sector and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with First Nations and government stakeholders. Geoscience BC is launching the TREK Project, a major regional minerals initiative covering over 25,000 square kilometres of BC's northern interior plateau.
Multi-million dollar project announced in Sparwood
The District of Sparwood announced a multi-million dollar development project involving major mining companies including Joy Global's $35 million flagship facility and Teck's new administration building. The project represents the largest economic development in Sparwood since the town's incorporation in 1966, consolidating operations for companies serving Teck's five coal mines in the Elk Valley.
Prospector and President - Q & A with Jason Jacob, president of the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines
Jason Jacob, president of the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines, discusses the organization's progress on establishing B.C.'s first core library near Fort Steele, housing important drill cores from historic mines including Sullivan. The chamber is hosting the Minerals South Conference in Cranbrook from November 5-7.
Callinex Mines makes headway in a low market
Callinex Mines completed a diamond drilling program at its Gossan Hill property near Cranberry Portage, Manitoba, covering 3,679 hectares with gold-bearing mineralization. The company maintains $3 million in the bank and is positioned to weather the current challenging market conditions with dedicated shareholder support.
Canadian Dewatering L.P. provides full-service fluid-management services
Canadian Dewatering L.P. provides comprehensive fluid-management and dewatering services to mining, oil and gas, and construction industries across Western Canada. The company operates eight branches including locations in British Columbia, handling complex projects like moving 17 million gallons of water over 1,200 feet of elevation at a coal mine near Sparwood.
The life of a coal miner in southeastern B.C.
Jeremy Lane, a 39-year-old heavy-equipment operator at Teck Coal's Coal Mountain operation near Sparwood, B.C., shares his positive experience working as a coal miner after transitioning from running his own trucking business in Alberta. He highlights the benefits of the four-day on/four-day off schedule and the safety culture at the mine.
Technological advances are the key to discovery
TerraLogic Exploration Inc., a Cranbrook-based consulting company, is using advanced digital data collection and database technology to modernize mineral exploration. Senior geologist Chris Gallagher explains how the company has been collecting data digitally for over 10 years, using standardized methods that allow for new analytical approaches to properties that have been explored multiple times using traditional methods.
Behind the scenes of television miniseries, Mining Your Future
The television miniseries 'Mining Your Future' has been re-aired for the third time due to popularity, showcasing 24 career opportunities in mining with average salaries over $100,000. The show received an honourable mention from the Mining Association of B.C. and will conclude with Season 2 this fall.
Benefits for industry and communities
The BC AMTA has successfully placed 561 Aboriginal individuals in mining positions across British Columbia as of July 2013, with eight more candidates graduating from their heavy-equipment operators program. The non-profit organization provides comprehensive training and support to address labour shortages while creating economic opportunities for First Nations communities near mine sites.
BC AMTA receives $13,000 donation from Microsoft
The British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA) received a $13,000 software donation from Microsoft through TechSoup, providing 30 copies of MS Office Professional for their Williams Lake and New Aiyansh computer labs. This donation will enhance training for Indigenous candidates entering the mining and exploration industry, with graduates seeing average wages increase from $13,754 to $52,959 per year.
Dynamic Specialty Vehicles Ltd.
Dynamic Specialty Vehicles Ltd. is celebrating 25 years of operation and expanding into the mining transport sector after successfully supplying seven vehicles to a large northern BC mining project. The company has joined the Mining Suppliers Association of BC and is targeting customized personnel transport solutions for mining operations across the province.
SpanMaster Structures
SpanMaster Structures, formed from the remains of Cover-All Buildings Systems, offers engineered industrial shelter solutions for mining and construction. The company has expanded its product line to include three building types and is growing operations with a new subdealership in Prince George, BC.
MSABC members keep mining at the forefront of innovation
The Mining Suppliers Association of BC showcases innovative mining technologies from its 200+ member companies, including ShearForce Equipment's Xcentric Ripper that can clear rock in 12 hours versus 3 days for traditional methods. The article highlights how BC mining suppliers are revolutionizing the industry with advanced equipment and services that boost productivity and efficiency.
MSABC sends the message that mining builds communities
The Mining Suppliers Association of B.C. launched a "Mining Builds Communities" campaign during BC Mining Week to highlight how mining operations create broader economic benefits across the province. The association emphasized that for every person employed in mining, two additional jobs are created in services and support positions, with over 900 supply companies supporting more than 1,200 mineral exploration and mining companies in B.C.