British Columbia’s mining industry says the province is gaining momentum in developing major projects, but warns that regulatory uncertainty and rising costs could jeopardize future investment.
Speaking at a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade event at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel on Tuesday, Michael Goehring, CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC), highlighted numbers from New economic impact study Released on the same day, it shows the sector generated C$19.6 billion (US$14.4 billion) in economic output in 2024, supported 56,000 jobs and contributed about C$6 billion in government revenue.
“All from 18 mines and two smelters,” Goehring said. “Mining has a small physical presence, but a significant economic impact in British Columbia. Our mines punch well above their weight.”
Smelters operating in British Columbia are the Rio Tinto BC Works aluminum smelter in Kitimat and Teck Resources’ lead zinc smelting and refining complex in Trail.
While British Columbia is a major copper producer, there are currently no operating copper smelters in the province, and Goehring noted that the economics of construction are not currently viable.
The industry is reporting signs of progress after the provincial government, part of the federal Major Projects Office, accelerated projects earlier this year.
Of the four mining projects on the province’s list of 18 priority projects, Three of them have now obtained permits Two are under construction.
Among them are Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper extension near Logan Lake, Skeena Gold and Silver’s Eskay Creek project in northwestern British Columbia, and Centerra Gold’s Mount Milligan mine extension near Prince George.
The projects are part of what the industry says is a broader boom in mining activity across the province, especially in northern British Columbia, where 24 proposed projects are in various stages of development.
Industry leaders say the scale of potential investment is enormous. Building those northern projects alone could generate more than $67 billion in economic output, according to figures cited in the MABC report.
Goering also stressed the growing importance of mining to Metro Vancouver’s economy.
The new economic impact report, also released Tuesday, found that mines and smelters operating in British Columbia support more than 12,300 jobs in Metro Vancouver in 2024 and generate more than C$3.5 billion in annual economic output for Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
The report also noted that Metro Vancouver is home to nearly 1,000 mining and exploration companies with a combined market value of approximately C$449 billion.
“While Calgary has oil and gas, Vancouver has mining,” Goehring said. “Metro Vancouver is a global mining center.”
Anglo American proposed A huge merger worth $53 billion With Teck Resources that would create a global copper giant Headquartered in Vancouver.
Calls for clarity on DRIPA
However, optimism surrounding new projects and strong global demand for copper and critical minerals has been tempered by persistent concerns about permitting delays and policy uncertainty.
Lengthy regulatory processes remain the “major barrier” to new mine development in British Columbia, despite recent improvements, Goering said.
“There is more work to be done to build on this momentum and drive systemic change and lasting improvements to accelerate the mining licensing process in our province,” he said.
The industry is also closely monitoring the implications Recent court decisions It ties into British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, or DRIPA, which mining executives say has created uncertainty over project approvals.
Court of Appeal of British Columbia Determined in a new ruling In December 2025, DRIPA incorporated the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and created legally enforceable obligations.
Prime Minister David Eby is facing significant pressure and criticism over his handling of DRIPA, and has come under fire for “fumbling” with plans to amend or suspend parts of the law.
“We need clarity, we need certainty,” Goehring said during a panel discussion moderated by Conversations Live host Stuart McNish following his remarks. “Investing hates uncertainty.”
Goehring stressed that mining companies continue to work closely with First Nations communities through partnership agreements, Indigenous employment initiatives and equity participation opportunities, but he said governments must provide clearer policy guidance.
The sector also opposes the provincial tax changes, arguing that expanding the provincial sales tax to include some professional services would increase the costs of mining projects already facing financing pressures.
One advanced mining company estimates the changes could add between C$2 million and C$3 million in costs between 2027 and 2030, Goehring said.
Meanwhile, the industry faces an impending labor shortage. According to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council, British Columbia will need 5,000 new workers over the next decade to meet projected demand.
Despite the challenges, mining executives said British Columbia remains well-positioned to benefit from growing global demand for critical minerals and minerals needed for electricity and energy conversion projects.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Goehring said. “But now more than ever, we need to remain focused, committed and determined.”
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