Mining Exploration Hits All-Time High

By 250 News

There's a 'rush' going on in the province and it isn't just gold...

Mineral exploration activity in the province last year surpassed the record-setting high of 2006 to climb to almost $416-million dollars.

"Investment in exploration spending is up 57- percent over that of 2006 and over 1,300-percent from when we took office in 2001," says Minister Responsible, Kevin Krueger. "With 472 exploration stage projects across the
province, British Columbia is steadily gaining a greater share of Canada’s exploration activity,  providing a tremendous boost to local economies."
     
Four new mines opened in 2007 and 23 new mine development proposals were in the works for 13 metal mines, seven coal mines and three industrial mineral mines.

The President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC, Mike McPhie says, "Increased exploration provides a tremendous boost to our economy and, when it leads to mines, creates well-paying jobs and  helps us build strong, vibrant communities."

Regionally, the projects breakdown as follows:
     

REGION: Northwest B.C.
# of PROJECTS: 144
EXPENDITURE($M): 170.2

REGION: Northeast B.C.
# of PROJECTS: 10
EXPENDITURE($M): 10.5

REGION: Central B.C.
# of PROJECTS: 88
EXPENDITURE($M): 94.6

REGION: South Central B.C.
# of PROJECTS: 119
EXPENDITURE($M): 84.4

REGION: Southeast B.C.
# of PROJECTS: 78
EXPENDITURE($M): 43

REGION: Southwest B.C.
# of PROJECTS: 33
EXPENDITURE($M): 13

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