BC Mining meetingProvince launches 'roadmap' to improved social licence for mining With metals needed for renewable energy in demand, B.C. adds to its sales pitch for the province as an good place to invest. Mines Minister Bruce Ralston. Mines Minister Bruce Ralston. British Columbias mining sector and the province said Monday they are working together to improve B.C.s sales pitch as a competitive, innovative and responsible place for mining investment as part of a postpandemic economic rebound. The Mining Association of B.C. unveiled what it calls a B.C. Mining Innovation Roadmap for an industry that offers valuable near-term opportunities for increased economic growth and social benefits, according to association CEO Michael Goehring. Trackerdslogo And the minister responsible for mines, Bruce Ralston, repeated the provinces commitment to mining as a key piece of governments recovery strategy. One goal of the process is to seize the moment for British Columbia mining given prices are high for minerals in demand for renewable energy projects, such as copper, said Ralston. The idea is to leverage B.C.s environmental, social and governance practices to earn social licence. Such practices are increasingly important for institutional investors when deciding where they will support mining. The Mining Association used a $1 million grant from Ralstons ministry to create the roadmap, involving input from 281 individuals and from government, industry and Indigenous groups, including the First Nations Energy and Mines Council. Actions set out in the roadmap include establishing a so-called innovation hub to coordinate research and development especially into improved practices for environmental management. American Lithium is capitalizing on increased lithium demand Advancing high-grade projects in Quebec to meet the growing demand for copper The roadmap includes the establishment of a risk-based regulatory framework for permitting new mining innovations. Ralston and Goehring released the roadmap document on the same day the Tsilhqotin National Government launched an appeal before the Environmental Appeal Board of Taseko Mines Ltd.s permit to discharge water from the tailings pond of its Gibraltar mine to the Fraser River. Ralston said the Environment Appeal Board will reach a resolution to that challenge, but argued that generally speaking, the industry and government have good relations with Indigenous communities based on environmentally sustainable, economically prosperous mining. There are differences of opinion, legitimate differences of opinion, Ralston said. The regulatory programs will sort that out. We pride ourselves here, I think, in British Columbia on a well-regulated sector, and thats an advantage with investors. Ralston said government is still working toward implementation of governments law adopting the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Our relations, British Columbias formal relations, with Indigenous First Nations and their participation is a strong asset for companies, Ralston said. In a pandemic-hit 2020, B.C.s mining sector rallied from initial interruptions, operating under COVID-safety protocols as essential businesses, to post strong financial results. Mining-exploration projects spent $422 million on exploration work in 2020, B.C.s best year since 2011, and Goehring said Monday that companies have a number of new mines and mine extensions on the books. Those could support thousands of new jobs, Goehring said, and advance economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.