Industry Sector Guidance for Natural Resource Major Projects

Guidelines, industry-specific information, and resources for major projects in different sectors.

On this page:

• Major Clean Energy Projects
• Major Mine Projects
• Major Natural Gas & Oil Projects
• All-Seasons Destination Resort Projects
• Utilities & Other Major Projects

Major Clean Energy Projects

To deliver a reliable supply of electricity, a balance between dependable capacity resources, such as large hydro storage projects on the Peace and Columbia River systems, and intermittent renewable resources is required.

Due to B.C.’s climate and geography, the province’s clean and renewable energy potential is diverse, vast and enviable. Not only can power projects use water and wind to produce energy, they can also use biomass, waste wood, solar, tidal, wave, geothermal and other natural resources.

Clean Energy projects have the potential to generate energy that meets and balances economic, environmental, and social concerns. Clean energy projects make up about 40% of all major projects in B.C.

• Waterpower
• Wind Power
• Ocean Energy
• Clean Energy Resources

Major Mine Projects

British Columbia is a national leader in mining and mineral production. B.C. has vast deposits of copper, molybdenum, gold, silver, lead, zinc and more than 30 industrial minerals.

The large concentration of exploration companies and geoscience professionals is reflected in the number of major mine projects across the province. Almost one-quarter of all major projects are related to mines and mineral exploration. Currently, projects include building new mines, decommissioning old ones and expanding existing ones.

Policies and legislation ensure that the economic and social benefits of mining are maximized in a sustainable way so communities can prosper for the long term.

The Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation manages mine permitting processes, including the coordinated authorizations process for major mine projects.

Major Natural Gas & Oil Projects

The B.C. Oil & Gas Commission is a regulatory agency that oversees oil and gas operations, including geothermal development across British Columbia. B.C. has a large network of pipelines and facilities that transport natural gas, heavy oil, water, and other fluids to markets across the province. Major projects in this category develop the infrastructure required for supply and transmission of specific materials — for example, building compressor stations or laying pipelines.

As one of B.C.’s newest industries, LNG is off to a strong start with several projects underway. The goal is to build the cleanest LNG industry in the world, while using safe and responsible technology and processes. Most development for this industry will be in northern B.C.

Guidance for natural gas and oil projects is provided by the BC Oil & Gas Commission who have a information on their permitting process and other resources including tools, services and documents to help make applications and authorizations simpler.

All-Seasons Destination Resort Projects

British Columbia is an international tourism destination year-round for activities like hiking, mountain biking, and other adventure tourism excursions. Provincial all-season resorts are the foundation of these activities, and they provide a strong economic base for other tourism-related small businesses.

Learn more about all season resorts in B.C.

Utilities & Other Major Projects

Major utility projects are related to the infrastructure required for delivering services like gas, hydro and electricity across British Columbia.

These include:

• Tunnels
• Sewer & water systems
• Transmission or distribution lines
• Well modifications

Learn more about using Crown land for utility projects