Insights from the BC Mineral and Coal Exploration Survey 2024

BC exploration spending declines as flagship projects mature - a call for grassroots growth

Aligned with global markets, but lagging other major exploration provinces like Ontario and Québec, exploration spending in British Columbia declined for a second consecutive year in 2024, despite favourable commodity prices for predominant minerals in the province such as gold and copper.

In contrast to the record-highs in spending seen two years ago, this decline can in part be attributed to flagship exploration projects in the province, which received significant funding in years gone by, progressing through the exploration lifecycle as they mature from the exploration stage towards operations. However, with a declining grassroots sector which faced another difficult year in terms of financing and an overall 15% decrease in meters drilled, there are opportunities for the provincial government of BC to incentivize prospectors and junior exploration companies to boost exploration in the province.

Analyzing the survey results, financial reports and press releases from 130 companies representing 283 projects from across the province, the report delves into:

1. How nickel and industrial minerals can help soften the impact of declining copper and gold exploration
2. The resurgence of metallurgical coal exploration in BC
3. How provincial policy may be creating a gap between BC and Canada’s other exploration powerhouses and how well-placed incentives can better tip the scales
4. The impact that effectively shifting spending from mature projects to grassroots exploration can have on struggling junior companies

Co-authored by: 

Iain Thompson, EY Canada Metals and Mining Consulting & West Leader
Kyle Wolhuter, EY Canada Senior Manager, Business Consulting
Safwaan Hassan, EY Canada Senior Consultant, Business Consulting
Harry Armstrong, EY Canada Senior Consultant, Business Consulting