British Columbia’s coal mining industry generates billions for local economy, study finds
Jan 30, 2024
British Columbia’s coal mining industry sustains tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions for the provincial economy, according to the latest research.
The economic impact study conducted by Mansfield Consulting Inc. for the Mining Association of BC (MABC), found that B.C.’s overall mining and smelting industry fuels 35,000 jobs and totalled more than $18 billion in economic activity in 2022 alone. The sector also accounted for close to 30 per cent of the value of B.C. exports in 2022.
B.C. is home to seven steelmaking coal mines, as well as 10 metal mines and two smelters. B.C. is also Canada’s leading producer of steelmaking coal (and copper), second largest producer of silver, and the only producer of molybdenum.
The industry contributed $3.7 billion to 200 local and First Nations communities by purchasing goods and services from nearly 4,000 B.C.-based businesses in 2022.
The top five urban communities by mining supply chain spend include Vancouver ($532 M), North Vancouver ($338 M), Burnaby ($218 M), Delta ($126 M) and Surrey ($72M).
The top five regional centres in rural B.C. by mining supply chain spend include Kamloops ($377 M), Prince George ($237 M), Sparwood ($188 M), Elkford ($168 M) and Chetwynd ($101 M).
More coal facts
- Coal creates over 26,000 B.C. jobs in mining, transport, equipment and other related sectors.
- The B.C. coal industry spent over $6.8 billion in goods and services in the five years up to 2021, and generated millions in public revenues for all levels of government that go to support critical services such as health care and education.
- Steelmaking coal is a key ingredient in the production of steel, which is critical to many of the things we rely on each day – our buildings, vehicles, rapid transit and many everyday household items.
Learn more at coalalliance.ca
