One of the greatest sources of revenue that powers British Columbia’s economy is the extraction of metals from the vast reserves scattered throughout the province. However in recent years, as a result of expansion, companies have begun to encroach on lands in close proximity to reserves and cultural landmarks.
In the context of the New Prosperity mine, first nations members have banded together in an effort to conserve the land by declaring a large section of the Chilcotin as a tribal park. This would place restrictions instituted by the government on the extraction of resources and the level of industrialization that could occur in the park, which could potentially cripple the 1.1 billion dollar mining project. In a separate campaign located in BC, members of the Secwepemc nation have blockaded a road to gold mine Red Chris, preventing further development and garnering media attention.
These events, among others, have highlighted the social and political limitations that could hamper the economic growth of the mining industry in BC. As a result, fewer firm are willing to make substantial investments into developing in an area that is constantly under pressure from conservationists and First Nations groups. The constant external threats to mining operations have begun forcing firm to look to other parts of the world, taking with them valuable jobs and capital.
Sources:
Image from: http://www.globalresearch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/bc-mine.jpg