Mineral exploration in British Columbia more than doubled in 2010, nearly three quarters of that spending taking place in northern B.C.
Minister of State for Mining Randy Hawes revealed on Monday $322-million was spent on mineral exploration last year.
It's the third-highest total in the province's history and a 109 per cent increase on the $154-million spent in 2009.
"This is a remarkable turnaround for the mining industry, which shows continued steady growth from the lows of the 1990s," said Hawes.
In addition to exploration spending, the mining industry invested more than $1 billion last year expanding existing operations and developing new mines in B.C. Exploration and mine development investments are both key indicators of mining's future.
Among the investment projects is a $500-million upgrade and expansion at the Endako molybdenum mine west of Prince George.
