Mining Association of British Columbia Welcomes New BC Cabinet Members

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 10, 2013) - The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) congratulates and welcomes the Executive Council Members of Premier Christy Clark's new Government. The Cabinet members will be sworn in in Victoria today.

In particular, MABC would like to welcome the Honourable Bill Bennett as the new Minister of Energy & Mines. Minister Bennett has been a cabinet member since 2005, serving in the roles of Minister of State for Mining and Minister of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources, among others.

In 2012, the mining industry contributed $9.2 billion in gross mining revenue, more than $500 million in payments to the government and 10,400 private citizen jobs with an average annual salary of more than $121,000 including benefits. Over the next 10 years, the mining industry is poised for tremendous opportunities and growth with more than 30 projects in the approval process and $30 billion in investments under consideration.

"The combined value of projects currently in the approval process and potential investment, represents a remarkable contribution to the BC economy and we look forward to working with the current government to ensure the mining industry continues to grow in a sustainable and responsible manner," said Karina Briño, President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC.

MABC wishes to acknowledge the Honourable Rich Coleman for his leadership as the Minister responsible for the mining portfolio over the last two years. "It is under Minister Coleman's command that government has been able to begin addressing the project approval process and permitting backlog," concluded Briño.

MABC represents companies involved in the advanced exploration and development, mining and smelting of minerals, metals, coal and industrial minerals in British Columbia. It is regarded as the pre-eminent voice of mining in the province.