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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – An opportunity for mining investments will help strengthen relationships with one of the largest consumers of metals on earth, said Bill Bennett, Minister of State for Mining, as he left for the 2006 China Mining Congress in Beijing, China.
“Mining in British Columbia is an industry worth more than $6 billion and growing,” said Bennett. “We welcome China’s investment, and see this as a great opportunity for British Columbia and a key element of our Asia-Pacific Strategy.”
B.C. is actively strengthening its trade relationship with Asia, and the 2006 China Mining Congress will be the first time the province has had the opportunity to attend. The Mining Congress is Asia’s largest mining exhibition, with over 2,000 delegates attending. This year’s event is happening in Beijing from Nov. 14-16.
The minister and ministry staff will be meeting with Chinese officials, mining companies and investors during their stay in Beijing and will be promoting and encouraging opportunities for investing in exploration activities and mine development in British Columbia.
“B.C. has a strong reputation internationally in its mining sector, as well as an interesting story to tell when it comes to mineral reserves,” added Bennett. “We want to showcase our strengths to the Chinese in order to attract investment and show our competitive advantage.
“At the same time, B.C. possesses cutting-edge technology such as digital data systems for mineral exploration, Mineral Titles Online and MapPlace, and we can share some of our technology and management programs with China to help their mining sector realize its full potential.”
B.C. has the world’s largest concentration of exploration companies and mining professionals, with 60 per cent of Canadian exploration and mining companies based in the province.
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Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 250 952-0628 250 213-6934 (cell) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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