Nearly 34 percent of the 513 million dollars spent on mineral exploration in BC in 2020 was spent in the Northwest.
Of the 10 areas which saw the highest mineral exploration expenditure in 2020, 4 are in the Northwest, according to data released yesterday by the Association for Mineral Exploration, and Natural Resources Canada.
Smithers paced the province, with 105.2 million in expenditures, Stewart ranked 5th with 30 million, Burns Lake’s 19.7 million was good enough for 8th, and Terrace saw 19 million, good for 9th.
Prince George also finished in the top 10, with just under 63 million in exploration expenditures, good for 3rd place.
In addition, the Association conducted a deeper “Explore our Economy” report in to 110 communities, covering 148 million in expenditures.
They found more than 30 investments in to Indigenous communities, totalling around 200,000 dollars.
In addition, an estimated 21 percent of the total mineral exploration spend in BC went to Indigenous-affiliated vendors.
Yesterday, Minister Bruce Ralston also announced a near-record setting expenditure of 659.8 million for 2021.
Map from Explore our Economy Report, linked above
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