A total of three proposed steelmaking coal mine projects has the potential to generate $2.7 billion in economic output in British Columbia, according to a recently released report by the Mining Association of BC (MABC).
The 2025 Economic Impact Study assesses the economic impact of 18 proposed critical mineral mines, six precious metal mines and three steelmaking coal mines in B.C.
Let’s dig into the numbers specifically related to coal mining.
Steelmaking coal mines produce high value, seaborne coking or metallurgical coal used exclusively in the steelmaking process. The study includes two proposed new steelmaking coal mines and one existing mine extension.
- Trend-Roman (Conuma Resources – new)
- Quintette (Conuma Resources – new)
- Fording River (Elk Valley Resources – extension)
These projects would also equate to 10,057 person-years of total employment, generating labour income of $785 million and tax revenues of $362 million.
Where we’re at now
B.C.’s mining industry accounts for $18 billion in annual economic activity and almost 30 per cent of the province’s goods exports. It supports more than 35,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 small, medium and First Nations businesses in every region of the province.
The province has long been a key global mining jurisdiction, and home to one of the largest concentrations of mining and exploration companies and industry expertise in the world. There are currently five steelmaking coal mines operating in B.C., as well as 11 metal mines and two smelters.
Battling challenging economic times
British Columbia, like much of the world, is facing unprecedented economic uncertainty and volatility. The whipsawing effect of U.S. tariffs on Canada’s auto sector and steel, aluminum and lumber exports poses an extraordinary threat to our economy, the MABC report states.
Meanwhile, our provincial economy is slowing; consumers and businesses are dealing with rising costs, and we face a provincial deficit of more than $11 billion with mounting debt.
To secure our future, Canada and B.C. must take bold steps develop B.C.’s mining resources, the report finds. This will provide billions of dollars in economic development and thousands of well-paying jobs, securing our economic future, while creating resiliency and long-term prosperity.
Read the full report here.
Graphic: 2025 Economic Impact Study, produced by the Mining Association of BC (MABC).
