The Mining Association of BC (MABC) is commending the provincial government for its Budget 2019 commitment of $20 million, over three years, in additional funding for the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.
MABC has advocated for an adequately resourced system that functions with clarity, consistency and co-ordination. This advocacy was echoed in the recommendations from the Mining Jobs Task Force (MJTF) which acknowledged that competitiveness challenges facing the mining industry must be addressed.
Mining is a highly-competitive industry, where products are traded globally. Budget 2019 also provides $168 million over three years for the CleanBC Program for industry to support large industrial producers like mines to reduce GHG emissions through targeted incentives.
"Tax and regulatory conditions can materially impact jurisdictional investment. Volatility in global commodity markets persists and B.C. has some significant competitiveness challenges compared to other mining jurisdictions which can impact jobs and economic growth in communities across the province," said Lindsay Kislock, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, MABC.
Budget 2019 also provides $168 million over three years for the CleanBC Program for industry to support large industrial producers like mines to reduce GHG emissions through targeted incentives.
"The B.C. mining industry is a critical partner in moving B.C. and the world towards a lower carbon future," stated Kislock. "MABC looks forward to working with government in the near term to finalize the details of this program to ensure B.C. mines, who are some of the lowest carbon emitting operators in the world, can compete in global markets."