Viridian Metals says it has become the largest claim holder in Newfoundland and Labrador
This month, Viridian was chosen by BHP from hundreds of global applicants to participate in its 2025 Xplor accelerator program.
British Columbia Premier David Eby on Thursday outlined a three-part plan to counter proposed United States tariffs on Canadian imports during remarks at the AME Roundup conference in Vancouver.
Eby says the province will support federal ‘everything’s-on-the-table’ tariffs. It will work to strengthen B.C.’s economy through providing additional mining supports and by diversifying trade away from the U.S. The province’s mineral wealth is increasingly being treated as the province’s main bargaining chip and economic strength.
“It’s bizarre to see the U.S. Department of Defense investing in Canadian mines one week and then labeling those same resources a threat deserving tariffs the next,” Eby said at the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Roundup conference.
The 25% tariffs, threatened by newly sworn-in U.S. President Donald Trump, show the fragility of Canada’s trade relationship with its largest partner, the premier said.
Mining remains key to B.C.’s economy and its resilience amid external pressures, Eby said. The premier, with a new majority mandate after the Oct. 19 election, minted the new Mining and Critical Minerals portfolio and appointed Minister Jagrup Brar to head the ministry.
In 2023, Canada exported 77% of its goods to the United States, its largest trading partner. Metals and minerals made up a large part of these exports. They were worth $46.97 billion, and that made Canada the U.S.’s largest supplier of these resources, U.S. International Trade Commission data from Jan. 14 shows.
Eby pledged full support for Ottawa’s response. It includes targeting Republican-led areas with countermeasures. “We are fully supportive of the federal government applying retaliatory tariffs in the U.S., especially focused on Republican jurisdiction, to encourage those key decision makers on whom the President relies for assistance to pass his bills of the close connection that we share with the U.S., their friends, their family,” Eby said.
Eby plans to meet with U.S. governors and business leaders in Washington next week. He wants to stress that tariffs would harm the economy. “Everything from the cost of pasta to housing will rise if these tariffs take effect,” he said.
Mining forms the backbone of B.C.’s countermeasures. Government data reveals that In 2023, British Columbia’s mineral exploration expenditures totalled C$552.1 million, down 13% from the previous year’s C$643.5 million, but still the fourth-highest on record.
Mining’s production value is forecast to reach C$16.5 billion this year, with private investment doubling since 2017 to C$4 billion.
Eby pointed to Teck Resources’ (TSX: TECK.A, TECK.B; NYSE: TECK) Trail smelter. It’s the only North American source of germanium, a critical mineral for U.S. defence and tech.
“If the U.S. doesn’t get germanium from Canada, it can’t get it anywhere,” Eby said.
“The success of mining is the success of our province,” Eby said. “We will work with you to ensure B.C. remains a global leader in resource development.”
The premier acknowledged the role prospectors and explorers play in preparing the province for the bargaining table. They boost B.C.’s economy and its bargaining power. He said prospectors’ work ensures the province’s leverage in global trade.
“When you identify resources unavailable elsewhere, you bolster our economy and bargaining power,” he said.
To reduce dependence on the U.S., B.C. is expanding trade with Asian markets, including Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. B.C. has geographic proximity to those markets and the government aims to implement diversification strategies, to make it the least U.S.-dependent province in Canada.
B.C.’s critical minerals, which meet many ethical and sustainability standards, give the province an edge in securing international markets.
“You don’t want to buy metals and minerals from authoritarian regimes. Canada is your partner in democracy and sustainability,” Eby said.
Also speaking this week during the Roundup event was the Mining and Critical Minerals Minister Brar. He also stressed the need to diversify the province’s trade. He showcased recent investments in infrastructure and permits to support sector growth.
The provincial government says it has reduced permitting delays to help speed up mining projects. So-called notice-of-work approvals now take an average of 140 days, down from 166, while major mine permitting timelines have fallen by over 30%. Yet, challenges persist.
Victoria also works to address changes to the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) after a court ruled that authorities must consult more with First Nations. A court deadline for updated legislation looms in late March.
Eby told explorers that the government should manage these talks. This way, prospectors can keep working without extra challenges.
Keerit Jutla, AME president and CEO, underlined the importance of collaboration in resolving these challenges. “We either learn to compromise, or our collective future will be compromised,” he said.
The premier acknowledged concerns about the act’s implementation but promised minimal disruption. He says a new $1 billion fund is to support First Nation participation in resource development, including equity partnerships.
“When First Nations are equity partners in a mine, permits move faster because everyone has a shared interest,” he said.
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