The Future of Mining Discussed at Chamber Luncheon
It was standing room only for today’s Chamber of Commerce “Mining in the 21st Century” luncheon – photos 250 News
Prince George, B.C. – The future of mining in this province was the theme of a sold-out Prince George Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Signature Sandman Hotel this afternoon.
Scott Broughton, Chair of the Mining Association of B.C., was the keynote speaker.
He spoke of both the optimism he has for the industry, and the challenges it faces.
Mining Association of B.C. Chair Scott Broughton
“We have seen some mines shut down, especially in the coal patch in the northeast, we’ve got depressed copper and coal prices, that’s what’s really causing this challenge right now,” he said. “But there’s a lot of enthusiasm for how those commodity prices will probably resurge and rebound.
And when might that resurge and rebound take place?
“I have to believe, maybe over-optimistically, that growth, even though it looks like it’s slowing in China, there’s still an enormous growing, middle-class in those countries and in those regions,” said Broughton. “And their demand for products is going to continue.”
Broughton also spoke of other challenges, including the Supreme Court of Canada’s Tsilhqot’in decision, which he noted brought “great clarity” to the mining sector.
“So we see that as an opportunity to do lots of very positive things, working with First Nations and other communities.”
He also admitted that last summer’s Mt. Polley tailings breach was perhaps the biggest challenge of all.
“It was a very bad event, none of us expected it. Nobody in the province had seen one like that in the 100 years we’ve been operating mines here,” said Broughton. “But again, you saw in the industry a lot of transparency about what actually occurred and a lot of lessons being learned.”
And despite all the press about LNG, he says mining remains a crucial part of our economy.
“According to Pricewaterhouse last year, there was $500 million in revenues that came to the province which helped build schools, hospitals and streets.”
In fact in 2013 alone, it generated $8.5 billion and directly employed more than 10,000 British Columbians.
He said that was through its 20 major mines, 30 industrial mineral producers and two smelters.
Comments
“So we see that as an opportunity to do lots of very positive things, working with First Nations and other communities.”
You mean those same First Nations that oppose every form of resource sector development in northern BC, tie up projects in endless provincial and federal law suits (on the taxpayers’ dime) and physically blockade work sites when they don’t get what they want? What a way to run a province and a country.
Sold out luncheon-What 50 people.
Oldman1, it was a sold out luncheon, apparently standing room only!
This event was a local Chamber of Commerce event. I’m pretty sure that all costs for the event and to attend the luncheon were paid for by Chambers members.
Oldman1, why would the attendance status be any kind of an issue to you?
So true VOR, unfortunately some think money grows on trees and the taxpayer is the tree of wealth of course. Taxpayers have very deep pockets or some think.
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