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British Columbia is one of North
America’s most richly endowed mineral and coal-bearing
regions, and is a major exporter of metallic minerals and
metallurgical coal.
There are 18 metal and coal mines in
British Columbia, more than 40 industrial mineral mines
and processing plants, and many construction aggregate
operations, employing about 10,000 workers.
Coal: British Columbia is
Canada’s largest coal producer and exporter, mining an
estimated 25 million tons in 2005 with an export value of
$1.7 billion.
Metallic minerals: British
Columbia’s exports of metallic mineral products,
including copper, lead, zinc, molybdenum, aluminum, gold
and silver totaled over $2 billion in 2005.
Industrial minerals: Production
of industrial minerals and construction aggregate was
estimated to be worth $363 million in 2005. Magnesite,
limestone, silica, gypsum, sulphur and construction
aggregate are major products.
- World-class expertise in geosciences, mineral
exploration and mine development.
- A skilled and experienced mining workforce.
- Proximity to key U.S. and Asian markets.
- Excellent rail access to bulk terminal facilities
located on tidewater.
- Low-cost, reliable power.
- Streamlined permitting, and transparent rules for
mine development.
- A competitive tax structure, including generous tax
incentives for mineral exploration.
Coal: Total estimated coal resource
exceeds 23 billion tones, varying in rank from lignite to
anthracite. Many of these deposits have good development
potential, and are well located relative to existing
infrastructure. Potential also exists for coal-fired power
generation.
Metallic minerals: Excellent
exploration targets for base metals and precious metals
are located throughout the province.
Industrial Minerals: There is
excellent potential for further development of aggregate
production for the U.S. west coast market, and
exploitation of so-called “green” minerals, such as
bentonite, zeolites and pozzolans.
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