Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett joined more than 600 guests at Gibraltar Mine, north of Williams Lake, to celebrate the successful completion of its new mill and the hiring of 150 additional workers Sept. 19.
The addition of the new employees makes Gibraltar one of the largest employers in the Cariboo. The mine, operated by Taseko Mines Limited, just completed the recent $325-million development, which included the new facility and addition to its mining fleet. The new mill is a 30,000-ton-per-day, standalone facility that enhances operating flexibility and reliability.
“The addition of 150 new workers, Gibraltar Mine is an excellent example of how the mining industry is building and sustaining communities across B.C.,” said Barnett.
“Mining supports thousands of well-paying, secure jobs for families in communities throughout our province and continues to be a vital part of our economy.”
The new development, which is part of the BC Job Plan goal to open eight new mines and expand nine others in British Columbia by 2015, will extend the life of the mine until 2039.
“The new jobs at the Gibraltar Mine will create a stronger, more economically vibrant Cariboo region with security for families for many years to come,” said Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes.
“This just emphasizes the importance of the mining industry to this region and to our province,” the Cariboo North MLA added.
Mineral exploration and mining are important economic drivers for B.C. The production value of B.C.’s mining industry was approximately $8.3 billion in 2012.
Since the BC Jobs Plan was released, two new mines are in operation, and six more are under construction or permitted. The province also has approved six major expansions of existing mines.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said Gibraltar Mine is very important to the economic development of the Cariboo, and is one of the biggest employers in our region.
“With the recent completion of its new mill, we can look forward to Gibraltar remaining an important part of our regional economy for decades to come.”
FAST bytes
• Gibraltar mine employs 700 people in the Cariboo.
• In 2012, more than 30,000 people were employed in mining, mineral exploration and related sectors. This is significant growth since 2001 when only 14,700 people were employed in mining.
• As committed in the BC Jobs Plan, eight new mines will open and nine will be expanded by 2015. This will result in:
• An increase in annual mine-operation revenue by $1.6 billion.
• Approximately 2,000 jobs during construction.
• 2,000 new direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs during the operating life of the mine.
• Sustain 12,500 existing jobs (5,000 direct and 7,500 indirect).
• $150 million annually in government revenue.
• British Columbia already is more than halfway toward achieving the BC Jobs Plan goals.
Learn more about Gibraltar Mine at www.tasekomines.com/gibraltar/ID540166.