Exploration Expenditures Estimate

See also Mineral Exploration in British Columbia.

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, Mines & Petroleum Resources staff based on permit applications and site visits.  For more information concerning these figures please contact Dave Lefebure, Chief Geologist, Phone (250) 952-0374 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, Mines & Petroleum Resources 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.