Mining Suppliers to Gain from Proposed Northwest Power Line

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 24, 2011) - The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) is very pleased that BC Hydro has received an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed Northwest Transmission Line Project.

Many large-scale operating mines in B.C. exhibit low grade deposits and require access to line power in order to be viable. They cannot run economically on diesel generated power due to the cost and volumes of fuel required to be purchased, transported and stored.

"There are at least six mining projects with completed bankable feasibility studies that stand to benefit from access to this transmission line," said Terry Mulligan, President & CEO of MSABC. "If these projects proceed they will create thousands of jobs for the companies that supply mining operations in B.C."

A 2009 study issued by the Northwest Power Line Coalition found that the transmission line has the potential to attract more than $15 billion in investment, create 10,700 jobs and generate $300 million in annual tax revenues to governments. BC Hydro will still need to obtain the necessary provincial licences, leases and other approvals before the transmission line project can proceed.

The Mining Suppliers Association of B.C. comprises suppliers, contractors and consultants to the B.C. mining industry who are committed to promoting the sustainability of this valuable resource sector.