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On the heels of a B.C. Conservative platform on mining released earlier today, the B.C. NDP followed this afternoon with the release of their own plan for mining, with an emphasis on critical minerals.
One thing the two plans agree on: More than a dozen critical mineral mine proposals in B.C. need to be fast-tracked through the regulatory process.
“Northwest B.C. has the critical minerals that are in high demand worldwide, giving us a huge advantage in the global movement to a clean economy,” Premier David Eby said in a press release. “Our plan will get mining projects moving that grow B.C.’s economy, create good jobs across the Northwest, and benefit communities directly.
“There are currently 16 new or expanded critical mineral mines proposed in B.C., and we'll fast-track priority projects to grow the economy and create jobs.”
Eby also pledged support to cities and towns in Northwestern B.C. with $250 million through the Resource Benefits Alliance for infrastructure, with the money to be spent over five years.
“For too long, communities across B.C.’s Northwest saw the impacts of resource projects -- like more wear and tear on roads and highways, increased demand on local services – but they weren’t seeing enough of the benefits,” Eby said.
“We took action to change that. We’re investing money directly back into infrastructure communities like Terrace and Vanderhoof while building up the economy.”
Eby’s platform for mining includes guaranteed permitting review timelines for “priority critical mineral projects.” Critical mineral mines proposed for B.C. include copper and nickel.
Presumably gold mines and metallurgical coal mines will not get the same consideration of guaranteed timelines, as neither gold nor metallurgical coal are considered to be critical minerals by the B.C. government.
Eby is promising to create a new Critical Minerals Office, which will support First Nations engagement and reduce duplication with the federal government. He is also pledging to continue to build out B.C.'s electrical grid to electrify mines. Eby’s mining platform also pledges union training programs to help build the skilled workforce needed by the mining sector.
Like Eby's plan, the B.C. Conservatives also released a today that includes a pledge to speed up permitting.
“We are pleased to see both main parties recognize the urgent need for permitting reform for our industry,” said Michael Goehring, president of the Mining Association of B.C. “Every permit granted to a mining project is a permit to prosperity -- prosperity that will improve the quality of life for people and communities across our province.
“Both main parties clearly understand BC’s critical minerals potential.”
