Prince George, B.C. - The latest report on mining in B.C. indicates the industry is strong.

 

According to the Price Waterhouse Coopers report, direct employment in the mining and minerals industry increased to 7,415 in 2007 from 7,345 in 2006.

 

The average mining salary (including benefits) also increased to $101,900 in 2007 from $99,900 in 2006.

 

Other highlights of the report include:

 

* There are 20 mine projects in the BC Environmental Assessment review process as of May 2007, which equates to an estimated 16,000 directconstruction and 15,000 operating jobs.

 

* Investment in mineral exploration soared to a record-high of nearly$416 million in 2007, a 1,300 per cent increase from 2001. The PwC report stated that this "significant increase in exploration spending is encouraging and suggests that the level of annual spending required to identify new mining projects is gradually being achieved." It also stated that the increase in claims staked is a "direct result of improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the permitting process, including the new online staking system. This continues to make the process more affordable and

more efficient."

 

 

B.C's gross mining revenues remained strong at $6.9 billion in 2007. This is a 15 per cent decrease from 2006, which was mainly due to a decrease in coal prices and decreases in overall coal and metal shipments.

 

The report states that overall 2007 was "another excellent year for the B.C. Mining Industry."