B.C. mining industry hopeful as premier promises faster applications, strong foundation

The premier is doubling down on his support for the mining sector, promising firm timelines for companies to know whether a project is approved.

After years of complaints and lobbying to address mushrooming application processes and waits for mining projects, British Columbia’s mineral exploration industry is applauding the premier for committing to fixed timelines for assessments.

David Eby addressed executives and prospectors alike at the annual Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup conference in downtown Vancouver on Monday, announcing exploration permits in as little as 40 days.

“You have my commitment that we will continue to work with you to deliver faster permits, more certainty and strong partnerships with First Nations so we’re able to deliver that work together,” the premier told attendees. “We have to move faster than ever – faster than British Columbians are used to, faster than Canadians are used to – because of the urgency of the moment.”

There were several references to the volatility of U.S. tariffs and trade policies and the impact that has on the business and investment communities, which favour stability and continuity. The fact that 42 countries were represented in the 7,500 attendees reflects the desire of businesses and governments around the world to diversify away from the American Market.

Read more:Eby says B.C. insulated from Trump copper tariff, cites need for trade diversity

“We have the highest environmental standards, we do it in a very sustainable way,” said AME president and CEO Todd Stone of B.C.’s benefits to the industry.

He also referenced the “unreasonably long permitting timelines” in British Columbia, but also acknowledged “the government is actually listening” to the organization’s concerns after sitting down to discuss the minutiae. That’s high praise coming from a former Liberal member of the legislature, who’d been highly critical of the NDP in the past.

When CTV News pointed out that streamlined application processes doesn’t mean a rubber stamp, Stone agreed an insisted no one wanted to cut corners, but pointed out “time is money” and that proponents would prefer to get a rejection within a shorter time frame to cut their losses.

For companies that’ve been preparing in the hope government would turn its eye toward developing the natural resources sector, they’re optimistic at Eby’s comments and the focus Prime Minister Mark Carney have had in recent months.

Read more:Eby says B.C will play a key role in new global order described by PM Carney

Sam Lee, president and CEO of Northisle Copper and Gold with mines on northern Vancouver Island, supports the shorter approval timeline for companies that’ve done the hard work of building co-operation and collaboration.

“In general, our approach has always been to start from bottom up,” he said in an interview with CTV News. “So start with your First Nation communities, start with your municipalities, start with getting achieving consent consensus around those communities first.”

The premier reiterated his commitment to work with First Nations on a government-to-government basis rather than involving the courts as much as possible.

Read more: Premier Eby touts B.C.’s overseas trade potential at natural resources forum

He also made it very clear that while forestry has been British Columbia’s traditional resource in the past, he’s now looking at mining as “the foundation of the new economy that Canada is building, that British Columbia is building.”

Read more: Eby says B.C. is at a ‘pivot point’ as he promises future based on natural resources