"British Columbia is poised for a new phase of growth, investment and job creation, which will enable us to reach across the Pacific and tap into growing demand in Asian markets," said Premier Christy Clark, who is presently on her second Asia Jobs and Trade Mission promoting resource development to overseas customers. "Long-term growth in our mining industry will translate into strong economic growth for our communities, First Nations and the province, and thousands of well-paying jobs that will benefit families in British Columbia."

The new B.C. Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy outlines a plan to create eight new mines and expand nine existing ones by 2015. The mining strategy's six overarching goals are:

• Enhancing B.C.'s competitive edge.
• Streamlining regulatory processes.
• Ensuring the health and safety of B.C.'s workers.
• Protecting the environment.
• Building partnerships with First Nations.
• Developing a well-skilled workforce.

Today in B.C., 19 major mines provide jobs and opportunities for their communities. This includes five new mines and five expanded mines that have been permitted in the last year.

New mines include Copper Mountain Mine, which began production in June 2011, and four others announced under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan - Mount Milligan by Prince George, New Afton by Kamloops, Barkerville by Quesnel and Red Chris by Dease Lake in northwest B.C. All of these mines have either started construction or are about to begin.

"Mineral exploration and mining is booming in B.C.," said Coleman. "While meeting global demand drives a competitive industry, our government's plan starts at home with a strategy that ensures our mining industry is well-positioned to create opportunities for British Columbians in an environmentally responsible manner."

Under the BC Jobs Plan, the Province estimates it will increase annual revenue from mining operations by $1.6 billion, create and sustain more than 15,000 direct and indirect well-paying jobs in B.C. and contribute more than $150 million a year toward government revenue.

"The BC Jobs Plan commits to significant growth of mining and mine expansion that will contribute to high-paying jobs that support B.C. families," said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, Pat Bell. "With an investment of over $500 million provided annually for labour market training programs, we can ensure that training is available so British Columbians can take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in the mining industry."

Work began last fall when government began to clear the backlog of permit applications including Notices of Work. The Province has committed to an average 60-day turnaround for this work, and has already reduced the turnaround from 229 to 49.

In announcing today's strategy, the Province reaffirmed its commitment to develop mines in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner, respecting the cultural values of B.C.'s communities and its First Nations. This includes 10 new agreements to ensure mining benefits flow to B.C. First Nations by 2015.

Quotes:

Karina Brino, president & CEO, Mining Association of BC -

"The Mining Association of BC is encouraged by the province's commitment to review measures, policies and guidelines to ensure the mining industry continues to grow in a responsible manner. An efficient and effective project approval process is paramount for the benefit of all British Columbians."

Gavin C. Dirom, president & CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia -

"Mineral exploration is the lifeblood of mining - it is the research that leads to the discovery of deposits that may become the mines of the future. As B.C. celebrates a record $463 million spent on mineral exploration in 2011, it is important to have a strategy that acknowledges the province's great mineral resources and the potential benefits of responsible mineral development to all British Columbians."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, the mining industry increased its production value by 20 per cent from the year before, to approximately $8.6 billion.
• On May 15, 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported a 25-per-cent increase in B.C.'s gross mining revenues, up $2 billion to $9.9 billion in 2011 from $7.9 billion in 2010.
• Exploration spending exceeded $460 million, an increase of 35 per cent from 2010 and 1,500 per cent higher than a decade ago.
• B.C. accounts for approximately 15 per cent of all exploration spending in Canada.
• In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural B.C.
• More than 10,000 job openings are expected in B.C.'s mineral exploration and mining sector by 2020.
• Once eight new mines are open and nine are expanded by 2015, the province will see approximately $1.6 billion more annual mine-operation revenue.

Learn More:

For 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan', visit: www.bcjobsplan.ca

To download a copy of the strategy visit: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Pages/MiningStrategy2012.aspx

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617

BACKGROUNDER

May 16, 2012 Ministry of Energy and Mines

and Minister Responsible for Housing

Enhancing Our Competitive Edge

Since 2001, the B.C. general corporate income tax rate has fallen to 10 per cent while the federal corporate income tax rate has dropped to 15 per cent. B.C. is now in the top three Canadian provinces and territories in after-tax profitability for mine operations.

The Province also has attractive royalty programs and offers several tax incentives:

• The Mining Exploration Tax Credit provides a 20-per-cent refundable tax credit for eligible mineral exploration in B.C. and an enhanced rate of 30 per cent for qualified mineral exploration in prescribed Mountain Pine Beetle-affected areas.
• The British Columbia Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit provides a non-refundable 20-per-cent tax credit.
• The New Mine Allowance has been extended until 2016, which combines with other mineral tax provisions to allow new mines and major expansions to deduct 133 per cent of their capital costs.

The Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) is a new 322-kilometre, 287-kilovolt power line which will power mining in B.C.'s northwest.

The British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS) has supported the mineral exploration and mining industry for more than 100 years.

To support the industry, Geoscience BC collects, interprets and delivers the data and expertise to promote investment in mineral exploration and development.

Streamlining Regulatory Processes

• To attract more opportunities and make B.C. more competitive, the Province will work with the federal government to eliminate regulatory duplication and develop a single, effective environmental assessment process.
• The Province has made significant progress to reduce the Notice of Work backlog by 80 per cent to an average turnaround time of 60 days by August 2012.
• The Province will also reduce the backlog of Water and Land Act tenures by 50 per cent by December 2012 and the backlog of mineral, placer and coal tenure applications by 50 per cent by March 2013.
• The Mines Act was recently amended to exempt some low-risk activities from the permitting process. The Province will consult with First Nations, industry representatives and the public to develop and define the exemptions.
• The Province will work with stakeholders to explore cost-recovery options to ensure permitting remains timely and efficient.

Ensuring the Health and Safety of Workers

• Mining is one of the safest heavy industries in British Columbia, thanks to a comprehensive regime of workplace health and safety policies.
• The latest provincial safety statistics show there has not been a mining-related fatality in B.C. since September 2009, the longest period of time without fatalities since 1898.

Protecting the Environment

• The Province is committed to ensuring all mines are environmentally sound through technical review, comprehensive permitting, inspections, and reclamation.
• The Provincial Water Quality Guidelines for sulphate and selenium will be reviewed and updated.
• The Peace Northern Caribou Plan is under development and will be implemented.
• The Water and Air Baseline Monitoring Guidance Document for Mine Proponents and Operators will be developed.

Building Partnerships with First Nations

• The Province is committed to negotiate early in the development process, to create greater certainty for First Nations, industry and communities.
• The Province will continue to work with First Nations and industry to create strategic agreements that clearly define engagement processes which ensure First Nations can effectively engage in resource management.
• Many companies negotiate directly with local First Nations, often resulting in Impact Benefits Agreements that define jobs, other economic benefits, environmental management provisions, cross-cultural training and dispute resolution.
• B.C. is the first province in Canada to share mineral tax revenues with First Nations. Revenue sharing is negotiated on a project-by-project basis, generally through economic and community development agreements.

Developing a Well-skilled Workforce

• B.C. is addressing recruitment and retention issues in a climate marked by aging demographics and strong competition from other sectors.
• The Province delivers over $500 million each year in labour-market programming to help British Columbians get the skills they need.
• More than $100 million a year is invested in trades training and certification through the Industry Training Authority.
• British Columbia Mineral Exploration and Mining Industry Labour Shortage Task Force is made up of representatives from industry, First Nations, unions, training and education providers, and provincial and federal government agencies.
• The Province provided over $1 million to the task force in start-up funding, supporting efforts to co-ordinate, develop and implement workforce measures to ensure the industry has the human resources it needs.
• Employment Skills Access provides tuition-free, group-based training at public post-secondary institutions in response to regional priorities.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617

The boom is being fuelled by a global recovery in manufacturing, in particular, the strong demand from Asia.

Mining Week is hosted by the Mining Association of British Columbia, which represents the collective needs of B.C.'s operating coal, metal and mineral mining companies. Currently, B.C. has nine metal mines and 10 coal mines in operation.

The government's goal to have eight new mines and nine expansions continues to move forward. The anticipated results are:

• A $1.6-billion increase in annual mine-operation revenue.
• Approximately 2,000 construction jobs.
• 2,000 new direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs.
• To sustain 12,500 existing jobs (5,000 direct and 7,500 indirect).
• Over $150 million annually in government revenue.

In addition to the Copper Mountain Mine, which began production last year, two new major metal mines are now under construction and recently two more received permits. Construction for both is scheduled to start later this year. Since the Jobs Plan was announced, the Province has approved five major expansions of existing mines.

Mining is a cornerstone of our economy. It takes place in every region of the province and ranges from small, one-person operations to multi-million dollar-investment projects.

Why Mining Matters:

Every British Columbian uses almost 23,000 kilograms (about 50,000 pounds) of mined products each year. When you brush your teeth, turn on a light, drive a car, ride your bike, put on the television, use a camera or telephone - you are supporting the mining industry.

Mining contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that help pay for government services like health care and education.

In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in B.C.'s mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural British Columbia.

Quote:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines -

"Mining week celebrates the importance of one of B.C.'s vital industries. The industry supports 29,000 jobs, and is creating more for B.C. families, and provides opportunities for businesses. All of this helps fund health care, education and other important essential public services that British Columbians depend on."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, the mining industry increased its value by 20 per cent from the year before to approximately $8.6 billion.
• B.C. produces and exports a significant amount of metallurgical coal, copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum and industrial minerals every year.
• In 2010, B.C. produced 196 million kilograms of copper valued at $1.4 billion, or enough to use in more than one million homes.
• B.C. is one of the world's largest exporters of seaborne metallurgical coal. Metallurgical coal is used in the production of steel.

Learn More:

Mining Association of BC: http://www.mining.bc.ca/

Mineral Resources Education: http://www.bcminerals.ca/s/home.asp

Ministry of Energy and Mines:

http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/MineralStatistics/Pages/Default.aspx

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617

Red Chris Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Imperial Metals Corporation, projects the capital cost of this development to be around $444 million and it will provide 250 full time jobs. The site is estimated to have a mine life of 28 years with a reserve of 276 million tonnes of copper and gold.

The mine will be serviced by the new Northwest Transmission Line, which will begin construction in the summer 2012 and be completed in 2014. Once the mine is fully operational, material from the mine will be produced daily and transported to the Port of Stewart where it will be shipped to overseas markets.

To encourage collaboration on this project, the Red Chris Monitoring Committee will be established and provide a forum for First Nations, government and the company to review and address environmental concerns and potential impacts throughout the life of the mine.

Mineral exploration and mining is an important economic driver for British Columbia. The production value of B.C.'s mining industry was approximately $8.6 billion in 2011.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark -

"British Columbia was built on the strength of our natural resources. Today's announcement emphasizes the importance of our mining sector as a major employer in the North. The 250 full time jobs will create stronger families and communities for many years to come."

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines -

"Red Chris is the latest example of how our government is increasing investment and expanding job creation to protect our environment and build a better quality of life for future generations. This permit will enable the project to move forward while the company works with the community to ensure the mine's success."

Pierre Lebel, chairman of the board, Imperial Metals Corp. -

"Imperial Metals Corporation is a B.C. resident mining company that has earned an excellent track record of mine development and operation with the Mount Polley Mine in Williams Lake and the Huckleberry Mine near Smithers. We are privileged to be developing the world-class Red Chris deposit, together with a highly capable group of First Nations contractors, local businesses and individuals resident in our northern communities which have been hardest hit by declines in the forest industry."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, the mining industry increased its production value by 20 per cent from the year before to approximately $8.6 billion.

• Mineral exploration spending exceeded $460 million in 2011, an increase of 35 per cent from 2010 and 1,500 per cent higher than a decade ago.

• B.C. accounts for approximately 15 per cent of all exploration spending in Canada.

• In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural B.C.

• As committed in the BC Jobs Plan, eight new mines will open and nine will be expanded by 2015. This will result in:
• an increase annual mine-operation revenue by $1.6 billion;
• approximately 2,000 construction jobs;
• 2,000 new direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs;
• sustain 12,500 existing jobs (5,000 direct and 7,500 indirect); and
• over $150 million annually in government revenue.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617

The board provides guidance to BC Housing to meet government priorities and build on the accomplishments under the Provincial Housing Strategy, Housing Matters BC.

The expanded board of commissioners will provide oversight, accountability and transparency and ensure BC Housing continues to meet industry standards and best practices for Crown corporation governance.

The chair is appointed for three years with annual remuneration of $15,000. Members are appointed for a two-year term and will receive $7,500 annually. Compensation levels for Crown boards are established by Treasury Board to ensure consistent and transparent remuneration is in place across government. All appointments are effective immediately.

Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families - almost four times more than in the previous decade. Today, more than 95,000 B.C. households benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing services.

New commissioners are:

• M. Judy Rogers (chair)
• Melvin Kositsky
• Sabrina Kunz
• Robert P. Rennie
• Faye Wightman

A backgrounder follows, with biographies of each member.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines and Responsible for Housing
250 952-0617

BACKGROUNDER

April 27, 2012 Ministry of Energy and Mines

and Minister Responsible for Housing

Biographies: BC Housing Board of Commissioners

M. Judy Rogers (chair)

Judy Rogers was the former city manager with the City of Vancouver. She was responsible for the overall operations of the city with an annual operating budget of $900 million, a capital plan of over $1 billion and a staff of 9,000 employees. Previously, she was the deputy city manager and assistant city manager for the City of Vancouver and the director of the Equal Employment Opportunities Office. Active in the community, Rogers has served as a director for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, chair and director with 2010 LegaciesNow and chair of the Institute of Public Administrators of Canada.

She is the recipient of numerous awards and honours including her enrolment in the Women's Executive Network Hall of Fame in 2008, Vancouver Magazine's Power 50 Award recipient in 2008, Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada since 2003 in 2007, and the Lieutenant-Governor's Award in 1993. Rogers holds a bachelor of physical education in recreation from the University of British Columbia and her masters of public administration from the University of Victoria.

Melvin S. Kositsky

Mel Kositsky is currently the recreation co-ordinator of Horse Council BC and principal of Kositsky Consulting and Associates. He is a director of the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the Pacific Parklands Foundation. Kositsky served as a Langley Township councillor from 1993 to 2011 and during that time he was a director of the Metro Vancouver Regional District Board.

He was a long standing member of a national committee on affordable housing and homelessness of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Kositsky holds his graduate diploma in journalism from the University of Western Ontario and his bachelor of arts in political science from the University of British Columbia.

Sabrina L. Kunz

Sabrina Kunz is the corporate secretary at BC Assessment Authority. Previously, Ms. Kunz was the executive officer at the Crime and Misconduct Commission in Queensland, Australia and was an associate at Minter Ellison, one of Australia's top law firms and practised in the area of corporate and commercial litigation and insolvency.

She is currently a director for Threshold Housing Society which aims to address youth homelessness in Greater Victoria by providing safe and supportive housing solutions. Kunz holds a bachelor of laws and bachelor of international business from Queensland University of Technology. In addition, she is an associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

Robert P. Rennie

Bob Rennie is the owner and director of Rennie Management Corporation and a director of Rennie Marketing Systems, which specializes in the sales and marketing of presale condominium communities. In addition, he serves as a director with Rennie and Associates Realty Ltd. and Rennie Marketing Systems USA Inc.

Active in the community, he is a director with Streetohome, a director with the Dean's Advisory Board to the faculty of arts at the University of British Columbia, a director and chair of the Northern American Acquisition Committee of the Tate Modern London, and chair of the Rennie Collection at Wing Sang Museum.

Faye L. Wightman

Faye Wightman is the president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Foundation, Canada's largest community foundation. Prior to joining Vancouver Foundation, Wightman was president of BC Children's Hospital Foundation for 14 years and spent two years as vice-president of external relations at the University of Victoria. She served as executive director for Sunny Hill Foundation for Children as well as the campaign director for the United Way of the Lower Mainland.

Active in her community, Wightman is chair of Imagine board of directors and Community Foundations of Canada, a member of Giving in Action Society, a member of the Immigrant Employment Council, a director of Abbotsford HEAT Foundation, and a council member of the Advisory Council for Social entrepreneurship. She holds a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of British Columbia and ICD.D certification from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines and Responsible for Housing
250 952-0617