Editorial: Vancouver Sun
Tue Nov 10 2009

British Columbia has been faithful to the federal Conservative Party. In the election a year ago, it returned 22 Conservative MPs to the House of Commons and gave the party 44 per cent of the vote. Only nine New Democrats and five Liberals were sent to Ottawa from the province, drawing 26 per cent and 19 per cent of the vote respectively.

The Conservative ridings represent the heartland, the locus of B.C.'s vast resource wealth. Mining rules in these regions where deposits of gold, copper, zinc and coal have attracted people and investment for 150 years. The value of mineral sales in B.C. last year was $6.6 billion, and roughly 14 per cent of provincial exports, or $4.6 billion, was metallic minerals and fabricated metal products.

In 2008, the mining industry paid government $545 million in direct taxes, levies and payments related to employment. Speaking of jobs, mining companies employed 7,607 workers directly last year while the B.C. government figures the mineral and metal economy accounts for 28,000 jobs. And these are highly paid jobs. Average annual compensation in salary and benefits tops $112,000.

The provincial government seems to understand all this and has taken steps to enhance B.C.'s mining industry's competitiveness. For example, harmonizing the provincial sales tax with the federal goods and services tax, which the government has promised to do in July 2010, is expected to reduce the cost of building a mine by $10 million and cut operating expenses by $1 million a year. The province has also given a green light to a $404-million transmission line through northwestern B.C. that could create $15 billion in private investment. The federal government has pledged to cover $130 million of the cost.

Yet no major mines of sufficient size to replace the soon-to-close Kemess and Huckleberry mines have been opened in more than a decade. The main stumbling block is regulation; specifically, a duplicate approval process that delays projects for years.

B.C. has argued that Ottawa should leave regulation and permitting to the provinces to prevent delays in developing mines. But the federal government is dragging its feet, apparently because some provinces are not ready to take on that responsibility. B.C. boasts a relatively efficient environmental assessment process and there's no need for Ottawa to conduct its own. The federal government could simply rubber stamp B.C.'s rulings under a bilateral agreement -- of the sort it routinely negotiates with Quebec. The state of other provincial regulatory regimes need not be a factor.

Perhaps the Conservative government is wary of taking on the potentially controversial issue of relinquishing control over environmental assessments of mining projects while in a minority position. But other parties should see that it is in their interest to support the measure.

Outside the urban areas, NDP strength is in Skeena and the southern Interior. Skeena is home to Galore Creek, a property held jointly by NovaGold and Teck Resources, thought to be one of the world's largest undeveloped copper-gold-silver deposits. It is also the location of the Red Chris mine, approved by the province in 2005, but tied up ever since by the federal process and litigation.

In the southern Interior, Copper Mountain, with a reserve of five billion pounds of copper, could be producing 100 million pounds a year by 2011 if the approvals process can be accelerated.

The federal NDP should align itself with those who want to develop these mines and create highly paid, unionized jobs. Incidentally, the mining industry is the largest private sector employer of first nations workers in the province.

Similarly, the federal Liberals must recognize that many of their urban supporters depend on the mining industry for their Howe Street jobs. About 60 per cent of Canadian exploration companies are based in B.C., most with headquarters in Vancouver. It is the nation's capital for exploration financing. Thousands of consulting, accounting, banking, legal, engineering and other professional jobs are closely tied to the mining industry.

All parties have common cause in helping the mining industry overcome this bureaucratic barrier and support the minority government when it proposes to delegate environmental impact and other assessments to the province.

Additionally, as we've urged before, the province needs to set up a one-stop approvals shop, like the Oil and Gas Commission, to allow the mining industry to realize its full potential.

 

Terrane Metals has just released updated fact sheets.  Click on titles below to read new information:

Local Economic and Social Benefits Mt. Milligan

First Nations Engagement Mt. Milligan

Water Management Provisions Mt. Milligan

Landscape Management: Integrating Environmental Best Practices Mt. Milligan

 

Letter of thank you from BC Museum of Mining:

It was with great excitement and much appreciation that we received notification that we had received significant funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.  We are proud to be one of the 90 projects that were included in the British Columbia announcement by Premier Campbell.  Read  release

Video clip:  Global TV News Hour - Pierre Gratton

 

Courtesy: Global BC  

Vancouver – The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) hailed key progress by two major B.C. mining projects, the Morrison copper gold project near Smithers and the Copper Mountain project outside Princeton. 

“Two major BC mining projects took important steps forward this week,” stated Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MABC.  “This is good news for British Columbia, particularly during the current economic downturn.  These projects will create new jobs and economic opportunities in north central and southern British Columbia.”

The B.C. mining sector currently contributes over $8 billion to the B.C. economy. The long term prognosis is for a robust B.C. mining sector, supported by demand for minerals and metals from emerging economies such as China and India.  Over 20 B.C. mining projects are currently in the environmental review process.  Around a half dozen of them are well-advanced and are planning to move to development in the next few years. 

Pacific Booker Minerals Inc’s Morrison project filed its application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate with the BC Environmental Assessment Office. This application, if accepted, will trigger a BC environmental review, a key step in the mine development process.  The project proposes a 30,000 tonnes/day open pit mine over a projected mine life of 21 years.  Pacific Booker Minerals Inc. plans to commence operations in 2012.

The Copper Mountain project received approval from the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources to proceed with new mill foundation construction that enables the company to start building what should be BC’s next major copper mine.  Final mine permit amendments are expected in the near future.  The $70 million mill foundation construction work is expected to create at least 90 full time jobs this fall and is to be conducted by BC-based Gisborne Group, a multi-disciplined industrial construction company.  Copper Mountain plans to start production by mid-2011.

"The Gisborne Group is pleased to see a resurgence in the mining sector and trust this will be the beginning of long term growth and stability for all British Columbians," added Rae Clarkson, President of the Gisborne Group. "As a BC company with over fifty years experience in industrial construction, we are pleased to have been selected as the contractor for the Copper Mountain project. This work helps create and protect existing jobs at a time when BC needs them."

About the MABC
The MABC is regarded as the predominant voice of BC’s mining industry representing the collective needs and interests of operating coal, metal and industrial mineral mining companies.

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For more information, contact:  

Pierre Gratton       1-778-828-5064 or pgratton@mining.bc.ca  or,

Ben Chalmers        1-778-828-2607 or bchalmers@mining.bc.ca

Download media release

 

 Mining Association of BC's brief and presentation to the BC  Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services: 

• PRE-BUDGET CONSULTATIONS 2009 FOR BUDGET 2010
  
  MABC recommends measures that would assist BC’s mining sector in capitalizing on the opportunities that lie before it as BC emerges from a severe economic recession, for the benefit of all British Columbians and for Canada.  The recommendations are clustered into three areas...
  
  
• Going for Gold… and Copper…and Coal  MABC Presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Service
  
  

• Six New Mines 

Vancouver – The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) today applauded the federal government decision to invest up to $130 million in the construction of the Northwest Powerline along Highway 37 in northwest B.C.  The Mining Association of BC also expressed gratitude to Premier Gordon Campbell’s BC government for its leadership in pursuing federal government support and for its commitment to this major development. 

The combined investment of the B.C. and the federal governments, now totaling $380 million, illustrates their strong commitment to support infrastructure development facilitating economic development in the northwest corner of British Columbia.  The construction of the powerline has the potential to create thousands of jobs, generate new sources of clean power and provide additional revenues to government to help pay for important programs and services. The Northwest Powerline also has the potential to attract more than $15 billion in investment, create 10,700 jobs and generate $300 million in annual tax revenues to governments.
“Today’s announcement brings a new powerline in northern BC one step closer to reality, which is excellent news for northern British Columbia and for BC’s mining industry” said Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of B.C. “The federal government is to be congratulated for recognizing the significant opportunities this project offers northern communities and all of British Columbia.”

Delivering Green Power to Northern British Columbia (available online at http://www.highway37.com/), an up-dated study based on a 2008 report by the Mining Association of BC, outlines the major environmental benefits of the proposed power line along the Highway 37 corridor.  Report findings reveal that immediate greenhouse gas emission reduction from the shutdown of current diesel generation, combined with the estimated, avoided emissions from the generation of green energy of approved and licensed run-of-river projects from Terrace to Dease Lake, is 208,000 tonnes of CO2 per year; this is the equivalent of almost 35,000 cars. Powering all potential mining projects off the power line grid instead of reliance on diesel, which is the only current alternative, would exceed 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year or, the equivalent of removing 629,000 cars from the road.

“MABC would also like to thank Premier Gordon Campbell for his government’s efforts to bring the federal government to the table,” added Gratton. “Premier Campbell, who re-started the environmental assessment and First Nations consultation on the proposed power line last September, has demonstrated a consistent commitment to this project and vision for Northwest BC".

The Mining Association of British Columbia is part of the Northwest Power Line Coalition. The Coalition includes the Northern Development Initiative Trust with its forty member communities, the Association for Mineral Exploration of British Columbia, and a number of First Nations, mining companies, independent power producers and local businesses — including engineering firms and equipment suppliers — and concerned citizens. More information is available online at www.highway37.com.

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For more information, contact:    Pierre Gratton, President & CEO, Mining Association of BC    Tel: 778-828-5064

Message from South Peace Road Safety Committee:

On October 1st, 2009 key changes regarding the use of resource roads in the South Peace will come into effect requiring actions and change on your part as a user/driver; Your 2-way radios will need re-programming to add the 42 new resource road channels; new radio calling procedures will go into effect (calling up and down versus loaded and empty); new rules for oversized loads and convoy travel apply and increased enforcement of road rules and procedures by tenure holders and employers will occur...

Download bulletin

Please review the full suite of SPRSC Best Management Practices, Procedures, and Guidelines (http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pscripts/pab/whatsnew/index.asp?pm=sr&RecordID=4596) and be aware of the requirements as they apply to the roads that you operate or are responsible to maintain.

Vancouver – The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) celebrated important milestones in the development of important new BC mining projects, with the granting of key provincial permits to the Mt. Milligan and Central South projects of BC-based companies Terrane Metals Corporation and First Coal Corporation, respectively. 

“Two major BC mining projects took important steps forward this week,” stated Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MABC.  “This is good news for British Columbia, particularly during the current economic downturn.  These projects will create new jobs and economic opportunities in northeastern and north central British Columbia.”
The B.C. mining sector currently contributes over $8 billion to the B.C. economy. The long term prognosis is for a robust B.C. mining sector, supported by demand for minerals and metals from emerging economies such as China and India.  Over 20 B.C. mining projects are in the environmental review process currently, and around a half dozen, including Mt. Milligan and Central South, are well-advanced and are planning to advance to development in the next few years.  Construction spending, which is in the millions of dollars, will inject much-needed private sector economic stimulus into the B.C. economy and create hundreds of new, high-paying jobs.

“The Mt. Milligan project, a $900 million capital investment, represents one of the next major copper mines that will keep B.C.’s copper mining industry flourishing for another generation. ” added Pierre Gratton.  “The project has now received its BC environmental assessment certificate and many of its necessary construction permits from the province including its Provincial Mines Act Permit with the remaining permits expected by month’s end.  Unfortunately, the federal government’s environmental assessment process continues to lag significantly behind the Province, otherwise Mt. Milligan would be even closer to realization.”

The Bulk Sample Amendment permit for First Coal’s Central South property builds on the significant re-emergence of B.C.’s northeast coal sector.  British Columbia is one of the top three jurisdictions in the world for high quality, steel-making coal, located mostly in the southeast and northeast of the province.  The rapid industrialization of emerging markets makes the future for B.C.’s steel-making coal sector very bright.

The MABC is regarded as the predominant voice of BC’s mining industry representing the collective needs and interests of operating coal, metal and industrial mineral mining companies.

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For more information, contact:  

Pierre Gratton   1-778-828-5064 or  pgratton@mining.bc.ca 
Ben Chalmers   1-778-828-2607 or  bchalmers@mining.bc.ca 

Victoria – The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) expressed support for Budget 2009, and applauded the provincial government’s decision to implement the HST in an effort to increase the competitive position of our province and stimulate the growth necessary to see our economy recover. 

“The new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) announced by the BC government is a significant step in ensuring British Columbia’s competitive position both within Canada and in the global market place,” said Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MABC.  “As governments around the world increase spending to try to stimulate activity and spark an economic recovery, BC has taken the necessary step of lowering the cost of production and making our province a more attractive location for investment.”

Due to falling revenues from all sectors of the province Budget 2009 projects a deficit of $2.8 billion this year with a balanced budget not expected until 2013.  “Given current fiscal challenges, the HST as a revenue neutral shift in tax policy offers a tremendous amount of economic stimulus without having to introduce significant spending increases that the province can’t afford at this time,” added Mr. Gratton. “Tax measures such as the HST lower production costs and put the B.C. mining sector on more secure financial footing, which will help to preserve current employment levels and bring back many workers who were laid off over the last year”. 

The B.C. mining sector currently contributes over $8 billion to the B.C. economy. The long term prognosis is for a robust B.C. mining sector, supported by demand for minerals and metals from emerging economies such as China and India.  Several B.C. mining projects are in advanced stages of permitting; timely approval of these major mines would together inject billions of dollars of private sector investment into the province.

The MABC fully supports the Throne Speech’s commitment to build a new transmission line along Highway 37 which will open up new opportunities in mining and clean power production.  This is good news for remote communities who will benefit from reliable and affordable energy and it will play an important role in helping our province achieve our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.   The Highway 37 power line will also provide critical infrastructure that will enable the development of a new generation of mines that can contribute significantly to the province’s tax base and financial well-being.    

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province

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For more information, contact:          

Pierre Gratton
1-778-828-5064 or pgratton@mining.bc.ca

Ben Chalmers
1-778-828-2607 or bchalmers@mining.bc.ca

Vancouver – The Mining Association of British Columbia welcomes the provincial government’s recently announced plan to harmonize the PST with the GST. 

Pierre Gratton, the President and CEO noted that, “creating a single value-added tax reduces the complexity for business operators and eliminates the burden of collecting and administering the sales tax.  This new approach will result in lowered operating costs that can, in turn, be reinvested in our province.” 

The Mining Association of BC believes that reducing the cost of both capital investment and the materials necessary to the manufacturing process will result in an increased competitive position for those businesses involved in resource development and will enhance BC’s ability to attract investment. 

“When the mining sector is doing well, companies have money to invest in growth, and that means new job creation” he added.  “This new tax structure will help attract investment into BC and help speed the way to economic recovery.”

“This move by the provincial government builds on several years of action that has improved the tax competitiveness of BC mining“ concluded Mr. Gratton. “The Mining Association of BC looks forward to the introduction of this new tax structure, effective July 1, 2010.”

About MABC

The MABC is regarded as the predominant voice of BC’s mining industry representing the collective needs and interests of operating coal, metal and industrial mineral mining companies.

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For more information, contact:            
Ben Chalmers, Vice President, Environmental & Technical Affairs                  1-778-828-2607

 

 

The election of a new National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations marks a new chapter in Canadian history.  The Mining Association of BC offers its best wishes to Chief Shawn a-in-chut Atleo on his victory after what can only be described as an exhausting voting process.   “The road ahead as National Chief will not be an easy one” said Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC, “but Chief Atleo has proven that he is up to big challenges here in BC.  He has earned our respect, and we offer him our sincerest congratulations and support”. 
 
Mr. Gratton pointed out that, “Chief Atleo has played a key role in building a stronger relationship between the mining industry and First Nations in BC.  We hope the goodwill and mutual understanding between our industry and First Nations that has been developed will be taken to the national stage.  Working together, mining can be translated into meaningful economic opportunities in communities”.  

Chief Atleo now has the Nation’s attention and will turn his mind to the task of creating a unified vision for the future and moving forward on education, health and economic issues.  “I know he is up for the challenge” said Zoë Carlson, VP, Corporate Affairs at the Mining Association of BC, “with his family, his community, and many supporters across British Columbia, I hope he will be able to realize many of the hopes he has for Aboriginal people in Canada”. 

The long time former Chief Phil Fontaine has left some big shoes to fill.  “I have respected and enjoyed working with Phil Fontaine in Ottawa. I wish to express my thanks for his many contributions, and extend my best wishes to him and his family in the years to come” said Mr. Gratton.  He concluded that “There are also very big shoes being left to fill here in BC with Chief Atleo’s move. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Chief Atleo in his new role, and will look forward to welcoming a new BC Chief in the fall". 

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About the Mining Association of BC

The MABC is regarded as the predominant voice of BC’s mining industry representing the collective needs and interests of operating coal, metal and industrial mineral mining companies.

For more information contact:
Zoë Carlson
Vice President, Corporate Affairs  
1-604-681-4321, ext. 116

Northern Development Initiative Trust Press Release
Over 30 communities and 350,000 people are connected to the future of Ridley Terminals as a public asset that moves the resources that drive our economy to the world.  Central and northern BC is the growth engine of BC’s economy producing two thirds of our provincial exports.  Industries based in our communities depend on the Port of Prince Rupert and Ridley Terminals as key parts of our vision to be a ‘knowledge based resource economy connected to the world’. 

The North Central Municipal Association and Northern Development Initiative Trust believe that Ridley Terminals is a strategic public asset for our growing bio-energy, wood pellet and high quality coal products to reach world markets.  We envision additional resource export products being bulk shipped out of Ridley Terminals’ deep ocean berths as well.  For that, we need a gateway to the world that operates in a public, fair and transparent manner with an understanding of the need for northern solutions to northern transportation issues.  As a public terminal facility, we have seen a substantial investment by the wood pellet industry in this storage and loading facility.  We believe other industries can be encouraged to invest in an effectively run bulk port that is respectful of the people and the economies of central and northern BC.

Ridley Terminals is key to the continued expansion of family by supporting jobs in our mining, forestry and bioenergy industries.  Efficient and cost effective export means that Ridley Terminals must remain a public asset to ensure there is growth and diversification in the wealth creating rural regions of British Columbia.  As mayors, regional district and community leaders working together with industry, we intend to pull our region out of this recession with a more diversified economy.  This region will be further insulated from a future recession as long as it has a diversified resource base with the most efficient and least congested public port system in western North America.  A publicly operated Ridley Terminals is critical to that vision.

Our northern federal politicians, like the Honourable Jay Hill and his supportive federal and provincial counterparts, clearly understand the importance of the public sector’s involvement in Ridley Terminals.  We believe that the next phase of growth of the Port of Prince Rupert should envelop Ridley Terminals to make it the premier public port on the west coast of North America.  The efficient and effective operation that Chief Executive Officer Don Krusel leads at the Port of Prince Rupert has gained the confidence of communities and industry.  The Port of Prince Rupert is a clear example of the benefits of a public asset with judicious partnership and private investments. 

We agree with Pierre Gratton, Chief Executive Officer of the Mining Association of BC, that there are obvious synergies and efficiencies between the two ports.  Our resource industries could play a partnership role ensuring that Ridley Terminals operates on a not-for-profit basis that is focused on delivering high quality, competitive service for northern economic interests and re-investing to build on the strength of our economy.

As northern leaders, we speak with one voice for the retention of Ridley Terminals Inc. as a public asset:
 
Mayor Larry White, District of Tumbler Ridge
Mayor Carol Kulesha, Village of Queen Charlotte
Mayor Cory Delves, Village of Port Clements
Director Des Nobels, Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District
Mayor Joanne Monaghan, District of Kitimat
Mayor Evan Saugstad, District of Chetwynd
President Karen Goodings, North Central Municipal Association
Mayor Alice Maitland, Village of Hazelton
Mayor Bernice Magee, Village of Burns Lake
Director Bill Miller, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako
Mayor Dan Rogers, City of Prince George
Chair Art Kaehn, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George
Mayor Bill Streeper, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality
Chair Bruce Sutherland, Northern Development Initiative Trust
Director Lita Powell, Northern Development Initiative Trust
Mayor Stephanie Killam, District of Mackenzie
Mayor Fred Jarvis, District of Taylor
Mayor Carmen Graf, Village of Telkwa
Director Arthur Hadland, Peace River Regional District
Director Wayne Hiebert, Peace River Regional District
Director Tim Caton, Peace River Regional District
Councillor Lori Ackerman, City of Fort St. John
Mayor Karen Anderson, District of Hudson’s Hope
Mayor Mike Bernier, City of Dawson Creek
Mayor Bruce Lantz, City of Fort St. John
Mayor Lyman Clark, Village of Pouce Coupe
Mayor Jack Mussallem, City of Prince Rupert
Mayor David Pernarowski, City of Terrace
Mayor Angela Brand Danuser, District of Stewart
Mayor Frederick Clark, Village of Granisle
Mayor Dwayne Lindstrom, Village of Fraser Lake
Mayor Mike Frazier, Village of McBride
Chair Al Richmond, Cariboo Regional District
Director Ted Armstrong, Cariboo Regional District
Director Roberta Faust, Cariboo Regional District
Director John Massier, Cariboo Regional District
Director Deb Bischoff, Cariboo Regional District
Director Steve Mazur, Cariboo Regional District
Director Duncan Barnett, Cariboo Regional District
Director Al Richmond, Cariboo Regional District
Director Art Dumaresq, Cariboo Regional District
Director Jim Glassford, Cariboo Regional District
Director Alex Bracewell, Cariboo Regional District
Director Rick Mumford, Cariboo Regional District
Director Bruce Rattray, Cariboo Regional District
Director Sue Zacharias, Cariboo Regional District
Mayor Mary Sjostrom, City of Quesnel
Mayor Mitch Campsall, District of 100 Mile House
Mayor Jay Vermette, District of Wells

About the Northern Development Initiative Trust
Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation in central and northern British Columbia. Over $46.4 million in funding has been committed to 317 projects with a total project value of over $306.4 million. For information on funding programs and economic development in central and northern British Columbia, visit: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/

About the North Central Municipal Association
The North Central Municipal Association is an association of local governments whose mission is to address issues and to move forward initiatives for the benefit of its members. For information on the North Central Municipal Association, visit: http://ncma.enorthernbc.com/

Media Contact:

Mayor Evan Saugstad
District of Chetwynd, and Vice-Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust
Phone:    (250) 401-4102
                 (250) 788-5572 (cell)
Email:     d-chet@gochetwynd.com

Download press release

Vancouver-- The Northwest Powerline Coalition today released its Delivering Green Power to Northern British Columbia, an updated report based on a 2008 document by the Mining Association of BC.  Delivering Green Power to Northern British Columbia provides a detailed and timely overview of the environmental and economic benefits the proposed powerline along the Highway 37 Corridor will have for northern BC, and all Canadians. 

The global economic crisis, coupled with increasing concerns regarding climate change, and the availability of new information related to many projects and communities that will benefit from access to reliable power along the corridor, made it clear that an update of the report was extremely important.

Coalition Co-Chair and CEO of the Northern Development Initiative Trust, Janine North said, “The coalition advocates for a partnership funding strategy to develop the Highway 37 transmission corridor.  The powerline will unleash economic growth and employment from new mine and power project developments in this resource rich area of BC.”

Elmer Derrick, Chief, Treaty Negotiator of the Gitxsan First Nation and Coalition Co-Chair, said, “ We are very pleased that the BC Government has committed $10 million to complete the environmental assessment process for the powerline, and has committed a further $250 million to construct the line if additional partners can be secured.” Derrick went on to say, “The powerline will provide a training and employment platform that offers local First Nations the ability to build transferable employment skills and improve the living conditions in their communities.”

The immediate greenhouse gas emission reduction from the shutdown of current diesel generation combined with the estimated avoided emissions from the generation of green energy of approved and licensed run-of-river projects from Terrace to Dease Lake is 208,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, or the equivalent of almost 35,000 cars. Emissions avoided by powering all potential mining projects off the powerline grid instead of diesel, which is the only current alternative, would exceed 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year or the equivalent of removing 629,000 cars from the road.

Governments around the world are dedicating significant capital to support infrastructure projects, such as the Highway 37 powerline, that are shovel ready to provide local employment and economic stimulus, and which encourage new capital investment.

Click title to read full report: Delivering Green Power to Northern British Columbia: A discussion on the benefits of a new power transmission line to Northern British Columbia

For Further Information Please Contact:

Janine North
CEO Northern Development Initiative Trust
Co-Chair, Northwest Powerline Coalition
Ph: 250-561-2525

Elmer Derrick
Chief, Negotiator, Gitxsan
Co-Chair, Northwest Powerline Coalition
Ph: 250-615-6469

Gavin Dirom
President and CEO
Association for Mineral Exploration BC
Ph: 778-233-6459

Pierre Gratton
President and CEO
Mining Association of BC
Ph: 604-681-4321 

The Northwest Power Coalition

The Northwest Power Coalition is a volunteer grass roots organization representing 74 active member groups including 49 communities and Regional Districts, First Nations Leadership and joint venture businesses, the Association for Mineral Exploration BC, the Mining Association of BC and the Northern Development Initiative Trust. In addition the coalition includes mining and independent power producers, major national and international consulting firms, Chambers of Commerce, Alaskan boroughs (communities) and several Alaskan independent power producers.

The coalition acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by the Mining Association of BC, Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. and Levelton Consultants in the preparation of the original report.

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By Pierre Gratton
In a recent flurry of media activity, Daniel Veniez, Chair of Ridley Terminals Inc. (RTI), has rightly pointed out that the future of the port terminal should not be a political football nor ideologically driven.  Unfortunately, it is clear through his actions and through his efforts to sell RTI to a single private interest that he is engaged in both.

Ridley is a strategic asset critical to the growth of northeastern British Columbia and beyond.  It is one of the key reasons, for example, that the Northeast BC coal sector has undergone a remarkably strong reemergence in recent years, driven by the growing demand for high quality steel-making coal in emerging Asian markets. A recent PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ study of BC’s mining sector performance in 2008 reported record levels of production, new investment, job growth and the highest industrial wages of any sector, due in large part to the province’s steel-making coal industry. 

This dramatic re-emergence is not abating, despite the current economic downturn, as steel-making coal prices remain at relatively high levels from a historical standpoint.  Indeed, the future of BC’s and Alberta’s steel-making coal sector and that of communities such as Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Prince Rupert, has not looked so bright in many years. 

This new investment has not only meant high-paying jobs and spin-off benefits for what had been an economically depressed region of British Columbia, but also new revenues for governments and an important contribution to Canada’s trade balance. The strategic importance of BC’s and Alberta’s steel-making coal resource cannot be understated – it is one of the top three jurisdictions in the world for steel-making coal and can and will play a pivotal role enabling the rapid industrialization of emerging Asian markets – and the recovery of our own.

A key challenge for many of western Canada’s exporters is their inability to control its single largest cost element – rail costs – due to their captivity to monopoly pricing practices. Given this, it would exacerbate matters for current and future producers and exporters were RTI sold to a private company, which would lead to another monopolistic service provider or restricted access for property developers. RTI was never intended to become a profit centre for the federal government. In fact, it was created with the single purpose of enabling economic development in Northern BC.

To continue to do play this role and to drive future development, RTI’s throughput rates must be kept at competitive levels against international markets to direct volume to the terminal.  Sale to a private entity would hold all users of the port hostage to monopolistic pricing, which is not in their interests, nor the interests of the citizens of Northeastern BC and British Columbians and Albertans, generally.

Like Mr. Veniez, we were encouraged by the decision of the Conservative government to cancel the previous government’s proposed divestiture as their first order of government on February 7, 2006. His efforts to improve the viability of the port are commendable.  Nevertheless, the fundamental rationale for not privatizing the port in 2006 remains as true today as then.

We are thus heartened by comments made by the Honourable Jay Hill, who clearly understands the importance of the public sector’s involvement in RTI at this time. A sensible option would be to transfer the RTI asset to the Prince Rupert Port Authority, which would create obvious synergies and efficiencies. In addition, a new management structure should be formed comprised of port users, who would operate the terminal on a not-for-profit basis focused on delivering high quality, competitive service for Northeastern economic interests, a model seen elsewhere in Canada and around the world.

Vancouver - Absorbent Products Ltd.(APL) and the Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) have jointly received the 2008 Mining and Sustainability Award for their efforts to promote sustainable development in the British Columbia mining sector, announced Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC).

“We congratulate Absorbent Products Ltd. and the Similkameen people for showing leadership in, and commitment to, advancing and promoting sustainable development in our industry and the province of BC”, said Pierre Gratton, President & CEO of the Mining Association of BC.  “After considering a very competitive slate of candidates for this year’s Mining and Sustainability Award, the adjudication committee decided that both of these organizations deserved to be recognized for their different but equally compelling contributions to sustainability in mining.” 

Absorbent Products Ltd (APL) is the producer of over 140 branded and private label pet, agricultural and industrial products and has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Products created from their Diatomaceous Earth deposit are approved for use in organic production and are sold throughout Canada, the US, Europe and the Middle East.  APL takes their reclamation obligations seriously and is ahead of schedule in completing its mine reclamation.  Throughout the years the company has improved its processing efficiencies and now uses about 6 per cent less natural gas per tonne and about 10 per cent less electricity in terms of kwh/tonne than in 2002. The company has a large percentage of First Nations employees and enjoys a close working relationship with the Tk’emlups Indian Band.

The other award winner, the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, has taken its members’ understanding and vision and applied it to creating and expanding an economic base to allow people to pursue a balance between a traditional and contemporary lifestyle. Renowned as traditional miners and traders of ochre, the USIB have lived through the gold rush, the discovery of the rich mineralization near Hedley, and the end of that wave of mine development in the late 1950s.  Their achievements include the preservation of the former Mascot Mine and Tulameen Ochre Bluffs and the development of the Snaza’ist Interpretive Center.  Their accomplishments have become a model of success for sustainability in mining in the Province of British Columbia.

The Mining and Sustainability Award is a joint initiative between the MABC and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and annually honours those committed to advancing and promoting sustainable development in the B.C. mining sector. 

The awards will be presented at the Opening Awards Gala Reception, to be held at Terminal City Club, on May 4th in Vancouver as part of BC Mining Week 2009 celebrations. For more information about this event, please visit http://www.mining.bc.ca/miningweek.html.

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For more information contact:
Pierre Gratton,
President & CEO
Mining Association of BC
1.604.681.4321, ext. 120

College of the Rockies has launched an on-line course and certification that covers the Health Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC. COTR has been offering the course face to face for mines and contractors in the Elk Valley for several years but wanted to open the course up to mines and their contractors across the province. The course assists the mines in ensuring that their staff supervisors and their contractors’ supervisors understand the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines had historically offered the testing for this but when they stopped offering the certificate, College of the Rockies stepped in to fill the void.

“With the on-line version, we can now support mines and their contractors in achieving due diligence of the HSRC regulations across the province,” said College of the Rockies Fernie Campus Manager Leah Bradish. “In the past we have had calls from other mines in BC and from out-of town contractors to our local mines and they had to travel to Fernie or Sparwood for the training.”

“I am happy to say that is now a thing of the past as this new online offering enables companies to call, register their supervisors with us and then the enrollees can proceed through the course and the exam at their own pace.”

The course covers all parts of the Reclamation Code, enables participants to become comfortable finding information within the code quickly, allows for part-by-part review quizzes and ends with a final open book exam as well as a closed book exam. Upon successful completion of these exams, the person is issued an HSRC certificate. For those who want to achieve a Mine Supervisor Safety Certificate as well, they need to prove they have a valid OFA 1 and WHMIS.

“While the mines in the Elk Valley require all contractors to achieve this certificate, we are waiting to see how many other mines in the province will make it a requirement now that they have a cost-effective and efficient way of getting the training to their employees and contractors.”

The face-to-face version takes approximately 8 hours of class time.

“The on-line course should be quicker and more convenient for companies because staff can take the course when it suits them and at their own learning pace rather than companies having to free up staff for a whole day of classroom-based training.”

College of the Rockies has been delivering Safety and First Aid training to their area coal mines for more than 30 years and tapped into the talents of senior safety personnel  from the mines to develop this program.

“College of the Rockies is a leader in developing courses into online and distance formats that are easy to use,” said Gina Bennett, COTR’s e-specialist. She adds that COTR has been developing on-line courses for more than a decade. 

For additional information or a detailed course outline, contact College of the Rockies Fernie Campus toll-free at 1-866-423-4691 or visit www.cotr.bc.ca/ConEd.

Vancouver - British Columbia’s small decline in this year’s ranking draws attention to the need to address inefficiencies in the regulatory process and the uncertain relationship between the government and First Nations as an obstacle to investment and growth. 

Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC said, “BC has improved its ranking significantly over the past number of years, but this year’s report suggests more work is required.  It will be important to build on the efforts already being made by government to support the mining industry and to tackle difficult policy issues collaboratively in order to improve BC’s overall score next year”.  

In part, success in BC can be linked to tax and policy improvements that have been made by the provincial government to support the industry.  Economic stability and strength in the mining sector translates into improved overall economic health for the BC economy. 

“There is no question about the potential for British Columbia to lead the global market in mineral exploration and development as the economy recovers. There is high development potential here, but in order to take advantage of that potential, we need to graduate more companies from the exploration stage into production” added Mr. Gratton.

Working with the federal and provincial governments, MABC will continue to advocate for an environmental review process and regulatory framework that is clear, efficient, and effective and that support the creation of new mines, and the profitability of existing mines.  It will also encourage the provincial government to establish a transparent, timely and effective consultation processes with First Nations on mining activity throughout BC.   

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For more information, contact:
Pierre Gratton, President  & CEO, Mining Association of BC     1-604-681-4321, ext. 120

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The Canadian mining industry stands to benefit from taking a long-term approach to developing talent. As a result of the current economic conditions and their potential impact on students enrolled in mining related university and college programs, the Mining Industry Human Resources (MiHR) Council is working with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and the Canadian Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) to assess and address the short to mid-term needs for the industry’s fledgling labour force.

MiHR recently conducted a survey of 33 academic institutions to gauge the number of students who are enrolled in mining related programs and who will be looking for internship/co-op or work placement opportunities over the coming year and a half.  The results of the survey shed light on the extent of the needs of current students and the report provides industry with the tools to make informed decisions about actions that can be taken to keep students engaged in mining.

Over the past decade many efforts have been made on the part of industry to develop a highly qualified and mobile mining workforce. The current economic downturn threatens to undermine the progress. Together as an industry, we can salvage the prospects of a stable career in mining for the next generation of mine workers.

Companies are encouraged to reach out to students seeking mentoring, internships/co-ops and work placements. MiHR is ready to assist you through our Virtual MineMentor program and the Student-on-the-Job Board. The Virtual MineMentor Program provides students from post-secondary mining programs with positive, virtual mentoring relationships with exceptional workers from the industry. The Student-on-the-Job Board provides students with a means to connect online with companies providing work placement opportunities. For further information on these initiatives please visit http://www.acareerinmining.ca/ or contact Pascale Larouche, Project Manager at plarouche@mihr.ca.

We also encourage you to explore federal and provincial assistance provided through a Service Canada centre near you or to contact Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) for further information about programs provided through the Youth Employment Strategy. MiHR is currently working on a Resource Guide to Government Programming, which highlights many of these programs. The guide will be available, through MiHR, in mid-March.

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Victoria - The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) expressed support for Budget 2009, acknowledging the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to fiscal prudence though noting more may be required to respond to current economic challenges.

Through tax, spending and regulatory measures, the B.C. government has made significant strides in improving the province’s competitiveness and fiscal health over the past several years," acknowledged Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MABC. "Balancing difficult economic choices, Budget 2009 generally stays the course, but bolder measures may be required to respond to the current economic crisis."

Budget 2009 projects a deficit of $495 million for 2009/10 and $245 million for 2010/11, returning to balanced budgets thereafter. "Years of prudent fiscal management have helped to limit the size of the projected fiscal deficit," added Mr. Gratton. "And it has helped to limit the impact on program cuts and protect B.C.’s hard-earned tax competitiveness."

B.C. is relatively well-position compared to other Canadian jurisdictions to weather the current economic crisis, but the province’s export-oriented economy is vulnerable to the precipitous decline in global commodity prices, exacerbated by the liquidity crisis restricting access to credit. The immediate impact of the current crisis has been the closure or suspension of some B.C. mines, while others have announced lay-offs. In this context, the province could do more to build on the federal government’s budget by introducing measures that would ease the credit burden, provide temporary tax relief or facilitate access to reasonably priced capital.

B.C. mining sector currently contributes $8 billion to the B.C. economy. The long term prognosis is for a robust B.C. mining sector, supported by demand for minerals and metals from emerging economies such as China and India. The MABC fully supports the Throne Speech’s commitment to pursue a "one project/one process" for review and approval of new mining projects, critical to ensuring that the sector emerges from the current economic crisis in a position to contribute significantly to the province’s well-being.

The MABC acknowledges clarifications and expansions to sales tax exemptions for production machinery and equipment that will provide modest benefit to the mining industry. The industry also supports the protection of education spending, acknowledging in particular additional support to the Industry Training Authority that will provide an additional 2,000 apprenticeship training spaces to help address human resource challenges facing resource sectors.

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.

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For more information, contact: Pierre Gratton
1-778-828-5064 or pgratton@mining.bc.ca

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