The B.C. Liberal government is contributing another $12 million to industry-led Geoscience B.C., an agency that provides high-level mineral exploration data in an effort to spark mining interest in the province.
The non-profit agency was created in 2005 with $25 million in seed money from the provincial government. The agency, which has partnered with industry and other non-profits on some projects, has focused in regions of the province hit by the mountain pine beetle epidemic.
That includes north-central B.C., which faces a decline in timber supply and jobs in the near future.
Geoscience B.C. has also provided data to support the shale gas and other energy developments in northeast B.C.
"The exploration for and development of new mines and oil and gas plays can fundamentally diversify rural economies. We know this funding is a strong investment in our province's future, leading to good paying jobs and healthy communities," said B.C. Energy Minister Rich Coleman.
The provincial government noted that one new major metal mine in B.C. could create a $20-million to $50-million payroll and contribute $15 million to $30 million annually in mineral tax revenues. The development of just one new major metal mine could create 300 to 600 high-paying jobs and lead to the creation of an additional 250 to 500 spinoff jobs.
Mineral exploration spending rose to more than $322 million in 2010, more than doubling the 2009 figure of $154 million.
Geoscience B.C. president Lyn Anglin said the agency is pleased to continue its partnership with the provincial government. "The data and knowledge we generate helps to attract mineral and energy exploration and development investments to the province, to the benefit of all British
Columbians," she said.
