British Columbia Premier David Eby has outlined a strategy aimed at positioning the province’s northwest as a major economic engine, blending mining development with conservation and reconciliation efforts to unlock tens of billions of dollars in investment and generate thousands of jobs.

In a speech to business leaders, the mining industry, First Nations, and conservation groups last week, Eby said the strategy will ensure that “economic development, conservation of precious water and land, and partnership with First Nations go hand-in-hand”.

“Our approach makes BC a world-class place to invest, and our province has all it takes to succeed in the face of global challenges,” he said. “By working together to seize the potential in the northwest, we can also drive private-sector investment that will benefit all British Columbians for decades to come.”

Key elements of the strategy include pursuing consent-based agreements with First Nations to provide certainty for resource development, streamlining permitting while upholding high environmental standards, and aligning provincial and federal project approval processes.

The plan also includes investments in infrastructure and community well-being, clean power expansion to support new and existing mines, and seeking trade agreements that prioritise British Columbia’s minerals and metals.

Mining and Critical Minerals Minister Jagrup Brar said the province was “taking steps to cement the northwest as a key economic driver for Canada”.

“I look forward to continuing our work with First Nations, industry, and local communities to deliver this vision for the benefit of everyone in the northwest and across British Columbia,” said Brar.

British Columbia currently produces or has the potential to produce 19 of Canada’s 34 critical minerals. According to the International Energy Agency, global demand for some of these, particularly copper, is expected to surge, with shortages forecast by 2035.

Since 2017, 4 000 new jobs have been added in the province's mining sector, which now employs about 40 000 people with an average salary of C$139 000. Capital investment in the sector has grown 112% since 2017, and the province has committed to conserving 30% of land and water by 2030.

Several First Nations leaders welcomed the new direction.

“For generations the Tahltan have been striving to see our Title and Rights recognized, our people thrive economically and socially, and our cultural and environmental values respected,” said Beverly Slater, president of the Tahltan Central Government. “We are grateful that the British Columbia government now shares our vision of how to move those critical outcomes forward.”

Charmaine Thom of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation said the announcement “sets the stage for meaningful progress – where conservation and economic opportunity walk hand in hand”.

Industry also responded positively. In a government-released statement, Newmont CEO Tom Palmer said the announcement marked “an important step” as the company seeks to build on its recent acquisition of the Red Chris and Brucejack mines.

The Mining Association of British Columbia said the province’s plan would “lead to greater certainty for investors and strengthen BC’s and Canada’s position as a leading global supplier of critical minerals and metals”.

Canagold Resources CEO Catalin Kilofliski described the strategy as a “bold vision” and urged swift implementation to support projects like its New Polaris gold and critical minerals project.