Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals
It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Province of British Columbia, to share how British Columbia is uniquely positioned to leverage its rich geological resources, abundant clean energy, and strategic access to tidewater. These advantages enable our province to play a pivotal role in supplying critical minerals that are essential for green technologies and transition to a low-carbon future.
In recognition of this generational opportunity, our newly formed Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals is advancing the responsible development of these important commodities. B.C. is already a strong contributor to global critical mineral supply, representing 54 per cent of Canada’s copper production and Canada’s only producer of molybdenum. The province hosts over half of the critical minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list and has advanced exploration and development projects with copper, nickel, molybdenum, zinc, REEs, and others.
In B.C. we are focused on strengthening the mineral exploration and mining sector to ensure a stable and transparent environment for global partners and investors. With our abundant resources and commitment to responsible resource development, we are taking proactive steps to attract investments that support sustainable growth and benefit both local communities and the global market. B.C.’s Critical Minerals Strategy is a great example of this work. The Strategy includes 11 actions to support critical minerals development, improve sector competitiveness, strengthen partnerships with First Nations, and drive sustainable economic growth in the province.
Through the Strategy, we have enhanced access to world-class public geoscience and released publications focused on critical minerals, including the BC Critical Minerals Atlas, to support explorers, First Nations, and the mining industry. Additionally, we are advancing our Environmental, Social, and Governance performance through the Mines Digital Trust, which has garnered recognition from the United Nations. We have also launched the Critical Minerals Office, while introducing a renewed focus to dramatically reduce permitting timelines. This effort involves close collaboration with industry and First Nations to establish fixed timelines for exploration and major mine projects. Building on previous success, such as reducing major project review timelines by over 35 per cent, this work aims to further streamline processes and drive greater efficiency.
The province is also streamlining permitting of major electrical infrastructure that will be required to support future critical mineral projects. This includes the January 14th announcement that the B.C. Energy Regulator is now enabled to act as a one-window regulator for the new North Coast Transmission Line and other high-voltage transmission projects.
For 2025, we are focusing on four major mine projects ensuring the government processes do not hold up decision timelines: Eskay Creek Gold/Silver project; Highland Valley Copper Expansion; Red Chris Expansion; and Mount Milligan Copper and Gold. Our priority will be on ensuring robust review with First Nations partners, while remaining focused on getting to permit decisions as quickly as possible. These are projects that are ready to move forward and have the potential to generate significant employment to support the B.C. economy in the face of tariffs.
True success comes from meaningful partnership. That is why Premier Eby tasked me with developing a long-term outreach strategy with First Nations, industry, unions, and other stakeholders. We have already partnered with the federal government to invest $195 million to upgrade Highways 37 and 51 in Northwest B.C., making travel safer and improving access for industry in a mineral-rich region.
Our efforts are working and this is recognized globally. In January, BloombergNEF chose Vancouver to host its inaugural Forum on the Future of Critical Minerals, showcasing British Columbia as a global hub of mining and innovation with significant critical minerals opportunities.
Our mineral exploration and mining industry plays a vital role in the economic development of British Columbia, providing more than 40,000 jobs for people in communities across the province. Last year, mineral exploration expenditures amounted to $552.1 million, the fourth-highest amount on record. And mining production value is forecasted at around $16.5 billion.
British Columbia is positioned to be a global leader in growing and regulating a safe and environmentally responsible mineral exploration and mining, with a firm commitment to environmental, social and governance principles, and collaborative partnerships with First Nations communities.
B.C.’s mineral exploration and mining sector has a rich and vibrant future. I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.
Sincerely,
Jagrup Brar
Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals
