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Karina Briño is the president and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia.
Province is Canada’s largest producer of copper, largest exporter of coal, only producer of molybdenum
From the family fair in Princeton, to the Hudson Bay Lodge luncheon in Smithers, and the fundraising event for BC Children’s Hospital in downtown Vancouver, it was another successful BC Mining Week across the province.
As the president and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia, I had the privilege of attending a number of BC Mining Week events (April 28 to May 4) in towns and cities across the province, celebrating with communities the spirit and achievements of the province’s mining industry.
B.C.’s mining sector has much to be proud of. People who work in and with the industry do so with the satisfaction that they are making a difference in people’s lives, both in the province and around the world. As Canada’s largest producer of copper, its largest exporter of coal and its only producer of molybdenum, B.C.’s mining industry helps to provide the global community with a number of well-used and necessary products — from cars and cellphones to power lines and medical equipment.
Mining also creates wealth and opportunity at home here in B.C., through investment and job creation. In 2012, the industry generated $9.2 billion in revenues and directly employed more than 10,400 people. B.C.’s mining industry also made payments to government of $504 million, money that is then used to help fund hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and other public services that people across the province depend on daily.
B.C.’s mining industry also helps to build and sustain thriving communities from Terrace in the northwest to Trail in the southeast and, of course, in B.C.’s largest city, Vancouver. In fact, Vancouver is one of the biggest beneficiaries of mining in the province, both directly and indirectly.
Think about it: Even if you don’t work at one of the 800 mineral exploration, development or mining companies located in Vancouver, chances are that you know someone who does. Or, you likely know someone who is indirectly employed by the sector in related industries such as engineering, construction, consulting, IT, legal and financial services. Those thousands of people directly or indirectly employed by the mining industry in Vancouver support other segments of the local economy by shopping at local retailers, eating in local restaurants, working out in local gyms and buying cars at local dealerships.
Vancouver-based mining companies also make significant financial contributions to local charities, hospitals and non-profit organizations to help people in need, promote culture and support learning and development.
For the rest of this column, click here: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/2035/mining+matters+everyone/8378999/story.html