The Association for Mineral Exploration B.C. has welcomed the approval of the $404-million Northwest Transmission Line project.
The 344-kilometre transmission line extends power from just south of Terrace to a new substation near Bob Quinn Lake.
A 2009 report found that 10 mining projects could 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 the mines being built, some of which are still in the preliminary stages of development.
The projects, if they get off the ground, are expected to have benefits for Prince George.
"The granting of the environmental assessment certificate for the Northwest Transmission Line represents the start of a new era for the mineral exploration and development sector, and all communities, in northwest British Columbia," said Gavin Dirom, president of the mineral exploration association.
He noted the project would also support regional economic development.
Public hearing to determine $3B natural gas licence
The National Energy Board will hold a public hearing to consider an application submitted by KM LNG Operating General Partnership for a 20-year licence to export natural gas from northern B.C.
The project includes a $3-billion liquefiend natural gas (LNG) plant at Kitimat, and a $1.2-billion pipeline that will connect Kitimat to the existing pipeline system at Summit Lake, north of Prince George.
The joint-owners of the LNG plant and the pipeline are U.S.-based EOG Resources and Apache.
In its application, KM LNG says the majority of the natural gas supply for the proposed exports will come from shale gas resources located in northeastern British Columbia. The natural gas would then be liquefied at the proposed Kitimat LNG Terminal and transported by tankers to markets primarily located in Asia Pacific.
KM LNG has requested authorization to export up to 13,300,000 cubic metres per year (468 billion cubic feet/year) of natural gas in the form of LNG. If the licence is approved, it would be Canada's first export licence for liquefied natural gas.
An information is being held in Kitimat on Tuesday.
The hearing will be held in June.
