Eby's pledge to streamline projects is welcome, but real change means cutting the approval timeline down to 10 years, at the very least
Premier David Eby’s announcement to streamline 18 projects worth $20 billion is a start. Faster mining approvals will create jobs, boost rural economies and help B.C. hedge against economic instability, especially with Donald Trump’s tariff threats. But shaving a few years off the current timeline won’t be enough. If B.C. wants to be a reliable global supplier of critical minerals, the government must cap mine approvals at 10 years.
Why Faster Approvals Matter
B.C. has 17 critical mineral projects, including copper, nickel and rare earth elements, all needed for clean energy technologies like batteries, solar panels and wind turbines. Mining Association of B.C. President Michael Goehring calls this a “once in a generation” opportunity that’s hanging in the balance. These projects have $36 billion in near-term investment, 302,000 person-years of employment and almost $11 billion in tax revenue. But all that economic benefit will be lost if the province continues to have an unpredictable and slow permitting process.
The data backs it up. A major mine in central B.C. took 11 years to get permits before breaking ground in 2023. Another in the northwest took 8 years before getting approval in 2015. A major mine extension in the southeast started permitting in 2020 and won’t get final approval until at least 2028. That’s unacceptable in a world where competitors like Ontario and Quebec are cutting red tape to attract investment.
A Key Strategy Amidst U.S. Trade Volatility
Trump’s proposed tariffs—25 percent on all Canadian goods except energy, which would face a 10 percent tariff—highlight the need to reduce B.C.’s economic reliance on the U.S. As Eby himself said, B.C. must prepare for the worst-case scenario and “leveraging our incredible natural advantages”. Redirecting exports to global markets through Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports is a viable strategy but only if the projects are actually built. Ramping up domestic production is meaningless without stable investment and that stability will only come with predictable, efficient approval timelines.Good on the province for fast-tracking four major mining projects—Eskay Creek, Highland Valley, Red Chris and Mount Milligan—but this needs to be a long-term fix not a short-term reaction to trade pressures. If B.C. is serious about competing in the global market, permitting needs to be reformed beyond a political cycle.
Investors Need Certainty Not Chest-Thumping
Cutting approval times from 12-15 years to 10 is not a pipedream—it’s a necessity. Mines don’t go up overnight and no one expects them to. But investors need to know projects won’t languish in bureaucracy forever. As Tim McEwan of MABC pointed out, B.C. has critical mineral projects ready to enter permitting this year. If capital flees to more investor-friendly jurisdictions those opportunities will be lost.
Industry expert Fred Sveinson, a 40+ year mining engineer, says successful mine development relies on experienced leadership and solid financial planning. His advice is clear: permitting should allow for methodical development, including feasibility studies, project financing and environmental considerations.
And Sveinson warns against half measures. Mines need enough cash flow to offset early stage risks, so early permitting certainty allows investors to plan for a two-to-three year payback period. If B.C.’s regulatory framework remains a puzzle, companies will take their investment elsewhere.
The Way Forward
The province must enact full permitting reform that meets three key criteria:
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Standardized Timelines: Every major mining project should have a clear road map to approval, 10 years max.
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Inter-Governmental Coordination: Federal and provincial agencies must work together to streamline overlapping regulations, not operate in silos.
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Indigenous Engagement & Economic Reconciliation: Consultation must be clear, fair and timely, the Indigenous communities must be partners in economic development not perpetual roadblocks. British Columbians support responsible mining 75 percent want to be a global leader in critical minerals. Good intentions won’t get the job done. If Eby’s government is serious about delivering on that promise, it must not just react to US tariffs. 10 year mine approvals is the only way to get stability and be competitive and responsible mining jurisdiction in the future.