MSBC is a collaborative initiative that promotes and supports the advancement of sustainability practices in the British Columbia mineral exploration and mining sector through collaboration with the following key stakeholder groups:
- Industry
- First Nations
- Communities
- NGOs
- Government
- Academia
One of the goals of MSBC is to develop a "made-in-B.C." approach to incorporating sustainability into the mineral exploration and mining industry. In order to develop this approach, MSBC focuses on the activities of B.C.-based organizations, and when necessary, national and international information, research and methods are drawn upon.
MSBC's activities are identified and achieved by the collaborative efforts of the Mining and Sustainability BC Working Group.
It is the role of the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) to facilitate the work of the MSBC Working Group.
The MSBC Working Group comprises volunteers drawn from a broad rang of interests who have demonstrated a willingness and an ability to contribute to this initiative as interested citizens. The Working Group's role is to guide the overall progression of the initiative and advise on strategies to achieve MSBC's objectives. Members of the MSBC Working Group are expected to attend quarterly meetings and contribute to both the planning and implementation of activities as needed.
MSBC Working Group Responsibilities:
- Serve as an advisory board for sustainability initiatives in which Working Group members are involved via their respective organizations. Issues related to these initiatives can be brought to the Working Group for advice, support, and identification of synergies and opportunities for collaboration.
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Identify key individuals and groups that should be engaged in discussing or taking action to address specific issues, and invite these stakeholders to participate when and where appropriate.
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Identify and prioritize gaps and opportunities related to sustainability issues in exploration and mining. These gaps and opportunities are evaluated to determine whether they should be be followed up with Working Group–led actions or as initiatives to be led by outside players, perhaps with advice/support from the Working Group.
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Seek opportunities to organize learning or networking events that are aligned with MSBC objectives.
MSBC activities focus on the following:
- Fostering solutions-focused dialogue among stakeholders aimed at advancing the mineral exploration and mining industry's potential to develop in a sustainable manner by contributing to economic growth and prosperity while fostering social progress and environmental stewardship.
- Co-ordination of networking, continuing education and knowledge/experience-sharing activities for sustainability in the mineral exploration and mining sector.
- Recognizing, rewarding and documenting leading practices and innovation.
- Ben Chalmers, Mining Association of British Columbia
- Dr. Silvana Costa, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
- Nic Milligan, Fording Coal Ltd.
- Teresa Ryan, First Nations Manager, Gitlan, Tsimshian
- Dr. Malcolm Scoble, University of British Columbia
- Andrew Thrift, Terrane Metals Corp.
- Laureen Whyte, Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia
