Twenty-four proposed mining projects in Northern British Columbia, representing an estimated C$69-billion in economic activity, could deliver major economic benefits for the province and Canada, according to the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC).

The industry body said the projects, which are in advanced stages of development, have the potential to support economic growth at a time of heightened global uncertainty and slowing provincial and national economies.

“Mining is one of the biggest employment and economic opportunities British Columbians will see in a lifetime. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northern BC, where mining holds the key to thousands of well-paying jobs, community stability, and long-term economic security,” said MABC president and CEO Michael Goehring.

MABC’s 'Northern BC Mining Economic Impact Study' examined 24 projects in the Northwest, North Central and Northeast regions of the province. It found that their near-term construction phase could generate more than C$40-billion in investment, over C$21-billion in wages, and government revenues exceeding C$11-billion.

Over several decades, the ongoing operation of the mines is expected to deliver an estimated $661-billion in economic activity.

“To fully realise the nation building opportunity these projects offer, it is essential to accelerate permitting processes, enabling final investment decisions to be made and construction to begin,” Goehring said.

Projects covered in the study include Artemis Gold’s Blackwater (EP2) expansion, Centerra Gold’s Kemess mine, Thesis Gold’s Lawyers-Ranch project, and Telkwa Mining’s Tenas project.

Goehring said recent progress in advancing mining developments should be built upon.

“The province has made progress in moving mining projects forward. Now is the time to build on that momentum by making mining a priority and doubling down to get more mines built and British Columbians working in every region of our province,” he said.

The association noted that both provincial and federal governments have recognised the economic and strategic importance of the mining sector in British Columbia.

Recent initiatives to support mining in Northern BC include the province’s Northwest Strategy, legislation to fast-track the construction of the North Coast Transmission Line, the acquisition of Stewart Bulk Terminals by the Tahltan and Nisga’a Nations and Arrow Transportation Systems, and joint federal and provincial investment of C$195-million in highway infrastructure upgrades in Northwest BC.

MABC said continued collaboration between industry, government and Indigenous communities would be critical to unlocking the full potential of the region’s mineral resources and securing long-term economic benefits.