The federal government is providing $25 million to the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) to set up Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries in Vancouver.
The new institute is slated to offer developing countries knowledge of best practices in extractive technology, public policy and regulations and health and education outreach. It will aim to "empower industry, governments and non-governmental organizations to reduce poverty while protecting the environment."
The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC), a partner in the project, has welcomed news that the institute will go ahead.
"With global expertise in sustainability, environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility, the new UBC-SFU led institute will build upon the strengths of B.C.'s global centre of excellence in mineral exploration and development and will create an enduring legacy for the industry and Canada as a whole," said Gavin Dirom, president and CEO of AME BC.
