Guest Commentary
By Gavin C. Dirom

Over the past few months, some observers in Alaska have expressed fears about mineral exploration and mining development in northwestern British Columbia. The concerns primarily relate to water quality in rivers originating in British Columbia and draining into southeastern Alaska. These rivers support important salmon runs and communities in both jurisdictions. As good neighbours and allies, Canadian mineral explorers and developers understand and respect these concerns. We also care about our shared water and salmon.
Northwestern British Columbia is a mountainous area with high mineral development potential. This rugged area, with its world-class deposits can help provide us with the critical metals and minerals that we all use in our everyday lives. By discovering and developing mineral resources, our industry makes a major contribution to modern society. Without it, we would have no bicycles, no boats, no electric cars, no iPhones, no lights and no hospitals. These are just a few of the things that require metals and minerals that we all take for granted.
Finding a balance between environmental, social and economic values is a challenge we all face. But that is nothing new. Responsible mineral explorers acknowledge that there will always be some impacts when developing a mine, and we agree that these need to be soundly assessed and properly mitigated. In fact, in British Columbia – far from being given light treatment from governments – proposed mineral exploration and mining projects are subject to stringent B.C. provincial and Canadian federal laws.
Just like almost every critical human activity, the industry in British Columbia has continually evolved, changing its practices in practical ways based on sound facts, scientific information and innovative technology.
It’s important to recognize that these changes over the past 40 years have not been limited to environmental practices, but have included collaboration between industry, organized labour and government to successfully develop regulations such as the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia. As a result, the exploration and mining sector in B.C. has a world-leading safety record that is three times better than the average for all sectors in B.C. This is a hard-earned result that all British Columbians can take pride in.
The majority of “mines” in B.C.’s northwest are in fact mineral exploration projects that may (or may not) develop into mines. The probability of all the projects being developed into full-scale mines is unlikely, especially all at the same time. In the rare event that mineral explorers discover a worthwhile mineral deposit, the project proponent must adhere to rigorous environmental standards and processes. When one digs a little deeper into B.C.’s environmental assessment records, one will find that not all proposed mine projects are approved - even though the socio-economic benefits of a mine are significant. 
Nevertheless, we have heard some people say that government oversight of B.C. mining projects is insufficient and doesn't allow for input by Alaskan interests. This is simply not true. Consideration of any mining project near the border with Alaska, from very preliminary exploration activities to full-scale mining, involves detailed reviews by multiple levels of government and is open to participation by Alaskan regulators. 
Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that the mineral exploration and mining industry is the largest private-sector employer of aboriginals in B.C., as well as in Canada. By establishing partnerships and building mutual understanding, the industry is creating meaningful economic and training opportunities in First Nation communities.
Some readers will know that government officials from the State of Alaska and the Province of British Columbia are currently in discussions about cross-border issues related to mining. AME BC acknowledges and supports the leadership of both governments in undertaking this important initiative. The interests of all Alaskans and British Columbians are best served by addressing these regional matters through direct and respectful dialogue. We are hopeful that such positive discussions will improve the already strong neighbourly relationship between Alaska and British Columbia. There is no need to have Ottawa and Washington involved. That would just be wasteful of everybody’s time and limited resources.
We all benefit by having a fair, transparent and robust regulatory system that is efficient and environmentally effective. Through the respectful sharing of all the facts, responsible mineral explorers and developers will continue shaping practical 21st-century regulatory processes that help protect our shared environment, while finding and supplying the key metals and minerals that we all need.

Gavin C. Dirom is president and chief executive officer of the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia.