British Columbia creates new mining ministry to tackle critical minerals amid doubts over capacity

British Columbia Premier David Eby on Monday split the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation into two: Mining and Critical Minerals and Energy and Climate Solutions, to fast-track projects and tackle regulatory and social challenges.

Jagrup Brar, appointed as the first Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, will oversee 17 projects advancing toward construction. He will also lead reforms to the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA), the government said in a media briefing late Monday. The government sees these tasks as steps to streamline permits, attract investment, and modernize old regulations.

Brar, an MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood since 2017, has no known mining background, but previously served as Minister of State for Trade.

Eby said the restructuring positions BC to leverage its copper, lithium, and rare earth reserves, materials that are critical for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy.

“The transition to a low-carbon future represents a generational opportunity we must seize, not abandon,” he said during the new cabinet’s swearing-in ceremony Monday in Victoria, just weeks after his NDP party won a tight provincial election.

However, his appointment was well received by local mining associations.

Keerit Jutla, president and CEO of the Association of Mineral Exploration, told The Northern Miner that the new ministry’s creation is “a significant and important step by the government.”

“I see this government beginning to implement some of the recommendations industry has made,” he said in response to questions.

The Mineral Association of BC (MABC) also welcomed the Minister’s appointment. Association president and CEO Michael Goehring told The Northern Miner that the province had a unique chance to attract private investment. This would create jobs and economic benefits for decades. It would also support the energy transition and North American security goals.

Goehring agrees that a new mining ministry shows the government’s commitment to mining. It could help speed up permit timelines.

“Recognizing the urgent need to modernize and speed mine permitting, the NDP platform committed to guaranteed permit review timelines while maintaining environmental and safety standards,” he said in an emailed statement. “It’s imperative the NDP follows through on this commitment.”

The new cabinet includes notable appointments such as Brenda Bailey as Finance Minister, Adrian Dix leading the Energy and Climate Solutions portfolio, Ravi Parmar as Minister of Forests, and Christine Boyle overseeing Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

“In order for BC to realize its full potential as a natural resource leader, a whole-of-government approach will be needed to ensure it is built holistically, and representative of all of BC, urban and rural,” Jutla said.

Critical vision questioned

Critical minerals are central to BC’s economic vision, with demand for lithium expected to grow sixfold by 2030 and copper demand projected to double by 2050, according to government data. The province’s mineral base could attract billions in investment and create thousands of jobs, particularly in rural areas, industry advocates say.

Yet, the industry remains skeptical. Mining companies cite permitting delays and regulatory uncertainty as major barriers. Approvals often take years. Reforming the MTA to meet Supreme Court-mandated Indigenous consultation requirements will test Brar’s leadership. The government has offered few details on how to fast-track these projects while maintaining environmental standards and honouring Indigenous rights.

Much of the proposed development of mineral resources overlaps with Indigenous land claims. Unresolved issues over sovereignty and benefit-sharing could cause delays. The government has pledged to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous groups. It will include traditional Indigenous knowledge in project planning. However, industry and First Nations question the potential to turn promises into real collaboration.

Environmental concerns further complicate the push for critical minerals. The province touts these resources as vital to the clean energy shift. Yet, mining risks habitat destruction, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions, critics like the BC Mining Law Reform network said in its ‘Dirty Dozen 2023’ report.

Others such as the Business Council of BC has said that framing mining as a climate solution oversimplified its impacts. It also doubts the province’s ability to cut emissions 40% below 2007 levels by 2030.