As part of BC Mining Month, PRA Communications spoke with Michael Goehring, President & CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC), on what’s driving momentum in the sector, and what comes next.
PRA: What’s driving project success in BC today?
Michael Goehring:
We’re seeing strong momentum, with several projects advancing into construction. The companies moving forward successfully combine solid fundamentals—quality assets and technical expertise, with a clear focus on relationships.
The biggest shift is moving away from a transactional mindset. Successful proponents are focused on long-term value creation with communities and First Nations partners.
PRA: How has engagement evolved?
Michael Goehring:
Engagement is now foundational. In BC, high ESG performance, transparency, and early collaboration aren’t optional, they’re required.
First Nations partnerships, in particular, are central to project success.
PRA: What’s resonating and where are the gaps?
Michael Goehring:
Awareness is growing around critical minerals and their role in electrification, energy transition, and economic security, especially given global supply chain pressures.
However, there’s still a gap in urban understanding. Many people don’t fully recognize mining’s economic impact or how technology-driven the industry has become.
PRA: What advice would you give new entrants to BC?
Michael Goehring:
Do your homework and engage early.
Understanding local expectations, and building trust with communities and First Nations, is just as important as understanding the resource itself. Without that support, projects struggle to advance.
PRA: What’s the key message for BC Mining Month 2026?
Michael Goehring:
BC is at a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
With the resources the world needs and increasing global demand, responsible mining can strengthen economic security and long-term prosperity. Simply put, mining makes BC stronger.
The biggest shift is moving away from a transactional mindset. Successful proponents are focused on long-term value creation with communities and First Nations partners.
PRA: How has engagement evolved?
Michael Goehring:
Engagement is now foundational. In BC, high ESG performance, transparency, and early collaboration aren’t optional, they’re required.
First Nations partnerships, in particular, are central to project success.
PRA: What’s resonating and where are the gaps?
Michael Goehring:
Awareness is growing around critical minerals and their role in electrification, energy transition, and economic security, especially given global supply chain pressures.
However, there’s still a gap in urban understanding. Many people don’t fully recognize mining’s economic impact or how technology-driven the industry has become.
PRA: What advice would you give new entrants to BC?
Michael Goehring:
Do your homework and engage early.
Understanding local expectations, and building trust with communities and First Nations, is just as important as understanding the resource itself. Without that support, projects struggle to advance.
PRA: What’s the key message for BC Mining Month 2026?
Michael Goehring:
BC is at a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
With the resources the world needs and increasing global demand, responsible mining can strengthen economic security and long-term prosperity. Simply put, mining makes BC stronger.
PRA Takeaways:
- Social license = project viability
Relationship-building with communities and First Nations is now as critical as technical execution. - ESG is operational, not optional
High-performance engagement and transparency are baseline expectations in BC. - Macro tailwinds are real
Geopolitics and supply chain pressures are accelerating awareness of critical minerals. - Perception gap remains
Urban audiences and younger demographics still underestimate mining’s economic and technological role. - Opportunity is time-sensitive
BC is well-positioned globally, but capitalizing on this moment requires alignment across industry, government, and communities.
