Mining & Energy

In 2009, the provincial government signalled a shift in B.C.'s mining policy, announcing that red tape would be slashed to make it easier for mining companies to profit from B.C.'s rich deposits of gold, copper, silver and coal. Since then B.C. has experienced a significant increase in proposed mines, with plans to more than double the number of coal mines alone.

Since 2009 the focus of B.C.'s mining policy has been to deregulate and slash "red tape" to make it easier for mining companies to profit from the province's rich deposits of gold, copper, silver and coal. With large gaps in oversight and public accountability, major projects such as mines and dams are approved despite potentially significant adverse impacts related to the environment and public health. Since then B.C. has experienced a significant increase in proposed mines, with plans to more than double the number of coal mines alone.

Learn more about the Raven coal mine planned for Vancouver Island. Some mine proposals, like the Fish Lake gold and copper mine, stand to cause irreparable environmental damage and have met with staunch opposition from First Nations.

At the same time as B.C. makes it easier for mining corporations to set up shop, we have failed to modernize our Mineral Tenure Act. Our outdated Mineral Tenure Act creates strife and conflict around the province. Learn more.

British Columbia is also threatened by proposed fossil fuel infrastructure that would provide a land bridge for Alberta's tar sands crude to Asian and US markets via the B.C. coast, at a time when global warming is becoming a planetary emergency.

Learn more about the Enbridge Inc. and Kinder Morgan pipeline and tankers proposals.

In B.C.'s northeast, the proposed Site C dam and extensive new natural gas fracking operations stand to alter the landscape forever, with alarming consequences for the environment and First Nations. Learn more.

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