Chile’s Codelco to invest $16bn 2011-2015

The resource is "one of the highest-grade open-pit gold resources in Canada owned by an exploration company," its CEO says.

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.

Copper mining has already reduced the "karachi" population due to water extraction.

The world's second-largest lithium producer reported a 73% drop in third-quarter net profit on Wednesday.