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Ministry of Energy, Mines and Pertoleum Resources

Exploration Expenditures Estimate

 

See also Mineral Exploration in British Columbia Highlights

 

The British Columbia Geological Survey has been tracking mineral exploration expenditures in British Columbia since 1971 with input from Regional Geologists.  The expenditure estimates are based on mineral industry reports, discussions with company personnel and estimates by Ministry of Energy and Mines staff based on permit applications and site visits.  For more information concerning these figures please contact Stephen Rowins, Chief Geologist, Phone (250) 952-0454 or E-mail.

 

The B.C. Exploration Expenditures Estimate provides the most current information available on the level of exploration activity in B.C. and is the Ministry of Energy and Mines preferred choice for reporting these levels.  It can be likened to a snapshot in time of industry commitment to exploration work in B.C.  See also Mineral Exploration in British Columbia by area.

 

NOTE:  These estimates form part of British Columbia's contribution to the National Mining Exploration Survey figures which are prepared in conjunction with the Federal government and use slightly different criteria for types of activity included.  The British Columbia Mineral Exploration Expenditures Estimate and the National Mining Exploration Survey are reconciled during the following year to develop a common assessment of actual exploration expenditures.  The National Mining Exploration statistics are used to compare B.C. activity to other Canadian jurisdictions and provide the exploration component for Canada's National Accounts. 

 

Calendar Year
(January - December)

Exploration Expenditures
($ in millions)

 

Calendar Year (January - December)

Exploration Expenditures
($ in millions)

2011 463 1991 136
2010 322 1990 227
2009 154 1989 187
 2008 367   1988 230
 2007 416   1987 143
 2006 265   1986 84
 2005 220   1985 100
2004  130   1984 124
 2003  52   1983 108
2002  40   1982 106
2001 32   1981 189
2000  30   1980 158
1999  25   1979  82
1998 38   1978 58
1997  80   1977 83
1996 105   1976 50
1995  78   1975 42
1994  98   1974 34
1993 66   1973 42
1992 72   1972 42
  1971 44