The British Columbia mining story is exceptional. Few industries create wealth out of raw resources as mining does. A vast amount of future potential is waiting to be tapped. Mining builds operations, communities and prosperity.
The sustainable environmental practices of mining in B.C. are a global beacon of good practice. Its jobs pay the most of all industrial sectors, and B.C. is the world’s leading centre of expertise for mineral exploration.
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Most members of the public never get to see for themselves these sources of so much of the material wealth our society enjoys. Yet our society directly benefits, every day, from mining.
Taseko's (
TSX:T.TKO,
Stock Forum) proposed New Prosperity mine near Williams Lake will produce nearly 1 billion tonnes of copper and 4.5 million ounces of gold over its life.
The direct and indirect benefits of a multi-decade, export-driven mine project are immense.
They are to be found not only in the mines and mining communities. Goods and services are sourced through the Lower Mainland and other densely populated areas creating permanent employment. The benefits of these jobs radiate out through the province.
If it were not for projects like New Prosperity that require thousands of construction, planning, operational and support jobs, the alternative would be higher taxes and fewer services. This would directly impact our quality of life.
From the sourcing of materials, to the recycling of construction site waste, to using state of the art technology that reduces impacts over the long term, the construction companies who build New Prosperity will help Taseko protect the environment.
Ervin Charleyboy, former chief of the Tsi Del Del First Nation, said of the New Prosperity development, “All these environmentalists who are challenging this proposal, if they win we are the ones who will suffer the consequences, still living welfare cheque to welfare cheque and seeing no future for our kids.”
Russell Hallbauer, the President and CEO of Taseko Mines, says “The public value and benefit generated by the construction and operation of New Prosperity can be measured in thousands of jobs and in billions of dollars in new tax revenues for government.”
The New Prosperity mine would bring $553,800 in additional annual taxes and charges paid to the city of Williams Lake if there are 200 new mineworker-headed households related to the project. The 2013 operating deficit of the city is $499,000, based on average rates paid in 2012.
The New Prosperity mine’s local impacts will be massive and long lasting, growing the economy in nearby communities like Williams Lake for decades to come.