B.C. Grows Critical Minerals Sector, Sustainable Jobs

The Province has unveiled the first phase of its critical mineral strategy, which it says aligns with the standards of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“The world needs a stable, free, democratic, high-standard producer of the metals and minerals needed to battle climate change. That gives B.C. a generational opportunity to seize, one where we can be prosperous and protect the planet for our kids at the same time,” said Premier David Eby.

“Resource workers like miners in our province are on the front lines of the fight against climate change. We’ll support them and their families, so they can support the whole province.”

Critical minerals, such as copper and nickel are essential components in products used for clean energy like electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, electrical transmission lines and batteries.

Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, says as the economy transitions to clean energy, B.C. and the world are going to need critical minerals to build electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and more.

She says with rich mineral deposits, B.C. has a generational opportunity to drive growth and create new jobs for people across the chain of critical minerals, from mining to manufacturing to recycling.

The strategy focuses on new ways to add value to the sector by growing downstream opportunities, such as processing and manufacturing, as well as battery recycling, that will see mined materials put back into the supply chain.

Future actions to expand B.C.’s Critical Minerals Strategy are expected to be delivered in the coming months.

Next steps include actions to support First Nations participation in projects, economic analysis, and support for First Nations’ capacity building to develop and refine policies and actions.

B.C.’s mining sector currently employs more than 35,000 workers in rural and urban communities.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.