British Columbia Mining Surge Could Add $90B To Canadian Economy: Study

Canada expects British Columbia to drive the next generation of mining investments.

According to the 2025 Economic Impact Study, 27 projects could contribute up to $90 billion in economic activity.

The report, commissioned by the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) and prepared by Mansfield Consulting, outlines over $41 billion in direct investments. That includes 18 critical mineral, six precious metal, and three steelmaking coal mines.

Over their lifetimes, these ventures could contribute $984 billion in cumulative economic output.

"B.C. has the minerals, precious metals and steelmaking coal the world needs," MABC CEO Michael Goehring said in a prepared statement.

"Mining has the potential to drive a new wave of economic growth — creating jobs, strengthening local and First Nations communities, and generating revenues for government services," he added.

British Columbia boasts nearly 277,000 jobs supported during construction and over two million jobs through operations across Canada. Developers expect the projects to contribute over $421 billion in GDP during operation within the region alone.

Over time, the activity would generate $87.8 billion in provincial taxes and $69.2 billion in federal taxes, bolstering public services. The study urges regulatory reform under newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Industry reaction to Carney's proposals has been largely positive but cautious. According to MAC President Pierre Gratton, the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) praised his platform for proposing "trade-enabling infrastructure investments, new and expanded tax measures, and support for Indigenous participation.”

However, Carney’s ambiguity on Indigenous consent processes has raised concerns about implementation timelines, which are critical to moving projects forward responsibly and swiftly.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces a similar situation. The mining industry urges the re-elected PM to realign with the current global market dynamic.

British Columbia's projects span a diverse resource base. Critical mineral developments include the Baptiste from FPX Nickel FPOCF, Seabridge Gold's SA KSM copper-gold mine, and Giga Metals' GIGGF Turnagain project.

The Baptiste project, for example, could position Canada as a leading supplier of nickel for EV batteries. Meanwhile, with 47.3 million ounces of gold, KSM is one of the largest undeveloped deposits in the world. Turnagain stands out for its carbon-efficient processing technology and potential for low-emission nickel production. Developers expect these projects to attract billions in supplier contracts and generate long-term employment, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities.

"The responsible development of BC's critical minerals, precious metals, and steelmaking coal resources can secure BC's economic future, resiliency and long-term prosperity. It's time to get more mines built," Goehring concluded.

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