LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Touting BC’s ‘solid foundation’

The creation of the British Columbia Mining Initiative, announced by the provincial government on April 21, 1998, is a tribute to the commitment of B.C.’s mining executives to the future of the mining industry here.

The initiative provides a solid foundation for future mineral exploration and development, and we’re proud that it represents a true spirit of cooperation between government and an industry that has been integral to all aspects of B.C.’s development.

Through the mining initiative, B.C.’s government and mining industry have agreed to build jointly on the industry’s successes and to work to overcome recent challenges.

The initiative includes:

* the new Mining Rights Amendment Act, which recognizes the right to mine and assures access to mineral tenures, right to fair compensation when tenures are expropriated for parks, and timely permitting;

* the new Mineral Exploration Code, which offers an efficient, one-agency approach for permit approvals;

* support for mineral exploration and development through financial incentives and tax relief, including a refundable exploration tax credit that is currently being developed with the help of industry representatives; and * creation of an advocate for B.C.’s mining industry to resolve disputes and help eliminate red tape, develop strategies for supporting and effectively regulating mining, and attract international investors.

This new initiative reflects extensive consultation with industry, labor, government agencies and other stakeholders. It was announced soon after the creation of a stand-alone ministry for mining, whose focus is on issues important to B.C.’s miners. Together, these actions reflect the value this government places on mining. We hope they will also help nourish a strong, positive relationship between the B.C. government and its mining partners.

Our industry partners deserve credit for the crucial role they played in developing the initiative and for the role they will play in its implementation.

.BGlen Clark

Premier of British Columbia