Message from the Minister of State
for Mining and Accountability Statement

Photograph -- Honourable Bill Bennett.This last year has been full of significant successes for provincial mineral exploration and mining. Mining and Mineral exploration is booming in B.C. This year we saw the highest level of interest in mineral exploration in decades: $220 million in 2005, an increase of 70 per cent over 2004, and 630 per cent over 2001 investment. Mining is back in B.C. This investor confidence means we will continue to have high-paying resource jobs and a growing service sector. As the mining industry continues to grow, so will its contributions to provincial revenues.

In 2005, there were more than 20 applications to government for new mine developments, and an estimated 4,000 new seasonal exploration jobs were created, representing a 48 per cent increase over 2004. The past year also saw 650 active mineral exploration projects, up 38 per cent from 2004. The Mount Polley copper-gold mine re-opened in early 2005, while the Trend and Wolverine coal mines in the northeast are currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2006. All this activity ensures an exciting year ahead for B.C. mining.

As the Minister of State for Mining, I intend to continue to support the work of the BC Mining Plan and our great goals of environmental leadership and job creation. We will be working with First Nations and communities to expand the success of mining training programs, doing more geoscience, and working with communities to talk about the benefits of mining. And, I will continue to consult with First Nations and communities to balance local interests in order to make B.C. a world leader in sustainable and environmentally responsible mining.

Through the implementation of this Service Plan, we will support British Columbia’s five great goals for a golden decade.

I am the Minister of State for Mining and under the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act, I am accountable for achieving the following results for 2006–2007:

  • Working with associated ministries and agencies to improve global competitiveness and investment in British Columbia by simplifying the mineral exploration and mining project review and approval process. Providing a status report to the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and the Economy (GCC);
  • Developing and implementing a mining education network to facilitate training and skills development to address skills shortages in mineral exploration and mining, in conjunction with other agencies, industry, communities, and First Nations. Reporting to the GCC on the progress in this area;
  • Improving community and First Nations awareness of economic opportunities and social benefits of a thriving mining sector and increasing public awareness of the benefits derived from the mineral exploration and mining industries and their contributions to building prosperous communities across the Province. Providing a status report to the GCC.

Honourable Bill Bennett
Minister of State for Mining

February 8, 2006

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