The $404-million Northwest power line has been approved following a B.C. environmental assessment.
B.C. Environment Minister Murray Coell and Forests and Mines Minister Pat Bell announced Wednesday they had approved the project.
"I think it's good news for the the mining industry, and it will open a window for additional projects," said Bell.
In an effort to streamline the review process, the federal government had delegated responsibility for the environmental review to the province, but retained authority for the decision.
Bell said Ottawa is expected to announce a decision soon, which will be based on the same materials the province used to make its decision.
The 344-kilometre power line is touted as a catalyst to opening up northwest British Columbia to mining, as well as providing a connection for hydro-power projects.
The projects, if they get off the ground, are expected to have benefits for Prince George.
The federal government has already committed $130 million to the project, and Alberta-based AltaGas Income Trust is providing $180 million towards the power line.
There are several proposed mines along the power line corridor which would benefit from the construction of the power line.
NovaGold had originally been planning to contribute $158 million to the construction of the power line. However, the Galore Creek project was put on hold in late 2007 when construction costs for the gold, copper and silver mine more than doubled to $5 billion. NovaGold recently announced a new pre-feasibility study was underway for a revamped mining plan.
The Galore Creek project is among 10 mining projects that a 2009 report found would attract more than $15 billion in investment and create 10,700 jobs if the power line was built. The report cautioned that the estimates were based on 10 mines being built, some of which are still in the preliminary stages of development.
