Message from the Minister of State and Accountability Statement

B.C. is one of the richest mineral regions in the world. With record levels of exploration and development, mineral exploration investment reached $265 million in 2006, a remarkable increase of more than 600 per cent since 2001.

The 2005 BC Mining Plan, now almost fully implemented, has helped achieve our vision for a thriving, globally competitive, safe and environmentally responsible exploration and mining industry. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources continues to support the mining industry through a rigorous permitting process. The results are evident. We are working with communities, industry, First Nations and environmental organizations to develop mineral resources in a responsible, sustainable manner.

The resurgence of the mining industry also reflects our ability to implement strategies to streamline the regulatory process and to attract investment to B.C. Geoscience BC’s QUEST program, the largest public geoscience project in the history of the province, will help unlock the province’s mineral potential and stimulate new economic activity by surveying over 40,000 square kilometres of Central B.C.’s mountain pine beetle infestation area.

Government policies and commodity prices are fuelling investor confidence, increasing revenues and creating jobs to develop these rich resources. The Ministry intends to continue its fall trade missions to the Asia-Pacific region and vigorous promotion of our mineral resources internationally. Exploration activities will further investment, increase revenues and create social and economic benefits for all British Columbians.

We will continue to see the benefits of initiatives like the Reclamation and Prospecting Program at the School of Exploration and Mining in Smithers, which provides students from rural First Nations with the knowledge and skills they need to find entry-level employment in the mineral exploration and mining industry. With an estimated 7,000 new mining jobs available by 2010, we are meeting one of the greatest challenges facing the mining industry today by attracting young people to the industry, and preparing them for success.

Work will continue to ensure the highest standards of worker safety are met, through on-site mine inspections, safety audits, committees, training, competitions and awards. The mining industry remains one of the safest heavy industries in B.C.

We are proud to support the mining industry, and will continue to work to increase investment and exploration in mining, creating jobs and economic benefits for all British Columbians.

I am the Minister of State for Mining and under the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act, I am accountable for achieving the following results for 2008/09:

• Support the continued implementation of the Asia Pacific Initiative with respect to mining in order to:
• Encourage investment in B.C. exploration and mining projects; and
• Promote business with the mining services sector (engineering, reclamation, health and safety, transportation, financial and legal consulting services).
• Identify opportunities for streamlining regulations and reducing regulatory overlap between various levels of government in order to reduce the regulatory burden on persons conducting mining exploration and development in B.C.
• Develop and commence implementation of a plan for B.C.’s aggregate industry that includes matters relating to:
• Aiding the sustainable and responsible management of the resource;
• Enhancing the safety of workers in this industry;
• Aiding the effective and streamlined management of this industry; and
• Enhancing opportunities for the aggregate industry.
• Develop initiatives in order to enhance cross-ministry and cross-agency co-operation in the processes established for consultation with and accommodation of First Nations in matters that relate to mining.

Honourable Kevin Krueger
Minister of State for Mining Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

February 8, 2008