Mining sector seeks to expand its economic footprint in B.C. [Video]

British Columbia’s mining industry says it hopes to contribute more to the province’s economy.

“There are three things we need to do here in British Columbia,” Mining Association of B.C. president and CEO Michael Goehring told the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

“Accelerate mine permitting, support First Nations capacity and partnerships and invest in and expand our electricity grid.”

Currently, the industry contributes an estimated $ 18 billion in economic activity.

The Mining Association of B.C. says there are 27 mining projects in advanced stages of development, representing $90 billion in economic activity.

A study done for them by Mansfield Consulting claims the projects would generate $27 billion in labour income, with operations estimated to reach $984 billion in economic activity.

The province says it’s trying to expedite permitting.

“We are working on it to ensure that we have fixed timelines when it comes to the mining permitting process so that we can …