Opinion: Mining matters to us all – by Karina Brino (Vancouver Sun – May 21, 2014)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

Industry employs more than 10,000 people, delivered a half-billion dollars to government in 2013

Karina Briño is president & CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia.

Much has changed since the first B.C. Mining Week more than 25 years ago. B.C. has grown to become one of the leading economies of the Pacific Rim. Vancouver is a thriving, multicultural metropolis and the Canadian gateway to Asia. A province that once relied on fisheries and forestry to employ thousands and support whole communities now looks to mineral extraction and natural gas for the same benefits.

Established in 1901, the Mining Association of B.C. is one of B.C.’s oldest associations. It aims to support a strong and vibrant mining and mineral processing industry, one that will continue to create wealth and opportunity for all British Columbians for generations to come. The contributions of the industry extend far beyond the sites and communities in which our members operate. The industry touches the lives of all British Columbians in one form or another.

In 2013, the industry generated $8.5 billion in revenues, directly employed 10,720 people, and made payments of $511 million to government — money that is used to fund hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, and other public services that people across the province depend on daily. Mining companies are also proud to contribute millions of dollars every year to local community organizations.

Mining matters to every single person in B.C. and the mining community is proud of the difference we make in people’s lives. We all depend on the products that come from mining. Whether we are talking about communications networks, residential and industrial needs, new sources of green energy, or our economy, mining is an integral part of our lives. It is an integral part of who we are in British Columbia.

As Canada’s largest producer of copper, its largest exporter of coal, and its only producer of molybdenum, B.C.’s mining industry helps British Columbians stay connected, moving, and healthy.

It is important to recognize the industry is driven by people, who share the same care and concern for the environment as their neighbours. Today’s mining companies focus as much on responsible development and shared community values as they do on the engineering required to build safe and environmentally responsible mines.

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