Mining Association of BC lists Kamloops as largest mining community by spending

The Mining Association of BC has released a new report outlining the mining industry and Kamloops was at the forefront.

According to the report, Kamloops was BC's largest mining community by spending in 2018. A total of 410 mining suppliers in the River City sold over $342.5 million worth of materials, goods, and services to the industry. In comparison, Prince George, the province's second-leading spender, saw 300 suppliers generating $252 million.

"We commissioned a report to study the mining supply chain and quantify the dollar value of the materials, goods, and services purchased by the province's mining industry," said Michael Goehring, MABC President and CEO. "By supply chain, we mean all of those businesses that sell materials goods and services to the province's 17 metal and steelmaking coal mines, and two smelters."

"Kamloops is the biggest mining town by spend with 410 mining suppliers that generated $343 million in economic activity for Kamloops."

Goehring explained that mining packs an 'economic punch,' adding that even businesses not usually associated with mining, such as "Kal Tire," often play a part.

"Kal Tire, their manufacturing hub is just on the edge of Kamloops on the highway, they're a great example of a mining supplier as they manufacture and repair tires for haul trucks and other mining vehicles. They service many of the mines in British Columbia and, based on their reputation, they also serve the global mining industry."

The report also showed that mining had a significant impact on BC's urban population with 34% of the province's mine suppliers being located in 20 Metro Vancouver municipalities.

As a province, BC purchased $2.9 billion worth of materials, goods, and services from more than 3,700 businesses in 215 urban, rural, and Indigenous communities.

“B.C.’s mining and smelting operations support substantial economic activity and jobs in urban, rural and Indigenous communities in every region of our province. Last year the industry injected almost $3 billion into 215 urban, rural and Indigenous communities through more than 3,700 mining suppliers.”

For the full report, click here.