Mining Association of BC Congratulates New BC Liberal Leader

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 28, 2011) - The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) congratulated Christy Clark, the new Liberal Leader and incoming Premier of British Columbia. 

"The mining industry in BC is growing in British Columbia, enabled by the strong tax and fiscal record of the current government," stated John W. McManus, Chair of MABC and Senior Vice President of Taseko Mines Limited. "Many BC mines and smelters that have been operating for many years are making major investments in modernization, four new mines are in construction, and mineral exploration spending is rising, all creating wealth for the province and thousands of jobs and business opportunities for British Columbians and their families. MABC and its members look forward to working with the new Premier and her new cabinet to continue to foster the responsible growth of BC's mining sector."

MABC noted that Christy Clark expressed strong support for mining and BC's resource sectors during the leadership race. In particular, Ms. Clark emphasized the importance of improving the timeliness of project review processes, particularly projects that involve both the federal and provincial levels of government. She spoke of the importance of ensuring that one of BC's largest metal deposits, the Prosperity copper-gold project, is built. She also stressed the importance of ensuring that resource ministries have the resources necessary to enable timely decisions and responsible oversight of the sector.

"Ms. Clark was clear throughout the leadership campaign that she recognized the importance of BC's resource sectors to the provincial economy, particularly in rural BC where they support the livelihoods of thousands of BC families," added Gratton. "She spoke positively of the need to build on the strengths of the mining industry, to open new mines and create a positive investment climate for our sector."

MABC noted that the government and industry should focus on the following priorities: 1) timely, predictable project review and permitting processes, including reviewing the recent restructuring of resource ministries to ensure it is achieving its objectives; 2) working with the federal government to build on and improve BC's transportation infrastructure, particularly its port systems; 3) maintaining BC's energy cost advantage and implementing a climate change strategy sensitive to trade-exposed sectors; 4) continuing to foster First Nations support for mining through innovative policies such as resource revenue sharing, support for business entrepreneurship and education and training initiatives.

MABC represents companies involved in the exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. MABC is the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.