By Khushi Arora
Mining’s role in supporting Cariboo jobs and businesses, and what it will take to sustain the industry, were the focus of a recent discussion in Williams Lake.
A luncheon hosted by the Mining Association of B.C.(MABC) in partnership with the Williams Lake & District of Commerce as part of its BC Chambers Mining Roadshow, took place on Oct.14, at Chances Signal Point Gaming.
The BC Chambers Mining Roadshow is MABC’s series of visits to communities, working with local chambers of commerce to discuss mining’s economic impact and future opportunities.
The luncheon included presentations from mining industry representatives and supplier representatives outlining opportunities for Cariboo workers and businesses.
Michael Goehring, MABC president and CEO said he was pleased to return to Williams Lake after several years and wanted to discuss the momentum building in B.C.’s mining sector and what it could mean for communities like Williams Lake.
While Gibraltar mine general manager Darren Mawhinney said, “We directly employ 800 people, and the majority of those people live within the region of the community.”
Mawhinney further explained the mine also relies on local suppliers, contractors and service providers to maintain its operations, extending its economic impact beyond its workforce.
He said, “Whenever possible, we support local. It just makes sense. It’s good business sense.”
According to Mawhinney, Gibraltar’s current time plan extends to 2044, with potential for operations beyond the timeline.
Beyond Gibraltar’s existing operations, Goehring said new and expanding mining projects could create further opportunities for Cariboo workers and businesses, while identifying permitting and workforce shortages as challenges to that growth.
“Every 10 jobs at our mine site supports another 18 jobs off site, in local rural communities, and in urban communities, in greater Vancouver,” he said.
Goehring also highlighted Cariboo Gold and Spanish Mountain Gold as projects that could bring further investment and employment to the region.
However, Goehring argued that lengthy and complex permitting processes continue to discourage investment and delay employment opportunities.
“That’s something that we can control. That’s something the government can control. We can’t control pricing. We can’t control the global market,” he said.
Goehring added that there should be greater support for First Nations to build the legal, administrative and technical capacity needed to assess mining proposals and participate in project discussions.
Finding enough skilled workers will also be a challenge, Goehring said, as the industry seeks to replace retiring employees while preparing for potential growth.
According the MABC’s economic impact study released in May 2026 the province’s mining industry will need to hire 35,000 workers over the next decade.
The study also notes mining and smelting support more than 56,000 jobs across B.C., including employment at mine sites and jobs supported through suppliers and other businesses.
He said, “Our workforce is ageing. People are retiring and attracting new talent remains difficult.”
Ainsley Wooding, Trekors Metal’s director of corporate affairs outlined the company’s growth beyond Gibraltar, discussing Florence Copper in Arizona and the proposed Yellowhead copper project in B.C. She emphasized the company’s continuing connections to the Cariboo.
Jason McCleery, a mining equipment sales and representatives with SMS equipment and chair of the Mining Suppliers Association of B.C. said the company supplies equipments, parts, technical expertise and field support to Gibraltar and Mount Polley. Its Williams Lake branch also employs workers locally.
