All news

BC Mineral Explorers Respond to Fraser Institute Survey of Mining Companies

NEWS RELEASE

BC Mineral Explorers Respond to Fraser Institute Survey of Mining Companies
Survey indicates strong potential but need for greater business certainty

Vancouver, BC – March 3, 2011 – The Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC) is encouraged by British Columbia’s return to the top half of the Fraser Institute rankings of mining companies’ perceptions of the province, but acknowledged that challenges remain with regard to business certainty.

This year’s report ranked BC 36th overall out of 79 jurisdictions in the survey’s Policy Potential Index, up from 38th out of 72 jurisdictions last year, but considerably down from 24th out of 71 jurisdictions in 2009. The province continues to be ranked 10th overall among Canadian jurisdictions in the Fraser Institute survey.

“We are encouraged that the federal and provincial governments are working to improve efficiency and remove permitting barriers to mineral exploration,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC.  “However, our decline in rankings regarding our geological database (down from 8th to 10th), supply of labour (down from 8th to 12th) and uncertainty regarding the application of existing regulations (down from 38th to 48th) are of concern. As well, we will encourage government to be more transparent, clear, and accountable regarding disputed land claims, expropriated mineral titles, and areas of the province that will be protected as wilderness zones, parks, or archaeological sites.”

On the positive side, there were significant improvements in companies’ perceptions of BC in some areas. The ranking of BC’s taxation regime rose from 43rd to 32nd, and the ranking of the labour environment rose from 46th to 39th.

“As mentioned last year, continued investment in geoscience and greater certainty for mineral tenure holders in both the security of their tenure and their opportunity  to explore will improve the ability of industry to discover and develop new deposits,” said Dirom. “The new leadership in the provincial government presents an excellent opportunity for BC to potentially lead the world in key mineral exploration and development policies that will  improve investor confidence, increase exploration and development activities, and create safe, family-sustaining jobs in all regions of the province.“

About AME BC:
AME BC is the predominant voice of mineral exploration and development in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME BC represents thousands of members including geoscientists, prospectors, engineers, entrepreneurs, exploration companies, suppliers, mineral producers, and associations who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in BC and throughout the world. Through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships, AME BC promotes a healthy environment and business climate for the mineral exploration industry.

-end-

For further information, please contact Jonathan Buchanan, Director, Communications & Public Affairs, AME BC, at 604.630.3923 or jbuchanan@amebc.ca.  B-roll footage of prospecting, geological work, drilling, helicopter transportation, and other mineral exploration activities on properties in BC is now available on request. Contact Jonathan Buchanan.

Printer Friendly Version 

News Release page