BC mineral and coal exploration spend up 28% in 2020 despite turbulent year News provided by Share this article Exploration spend across the province reached $422m in 2020 Grassroots and early-stage exploration accounted for 35% of total exploration The Northwest Region contributed 53% of total expenditure for the province TORONTO, March 4, 2021 The latest annual British Columbia Mineral and Coal Exploration Survey finds that exploration spend across the province increased by 28% year-over-year to $422m — just short of the highs experienced in 2011 and 2013. "Though the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic initially caused numerous delays, projects were able to capitalize on favorable commodity prices and available venture capital, attracting additional investment and strengthening budgets in the latter half 2020," says Iain Thompson, EY Canada Mining & Metals Consulting Leader. "These factors helped to support an increase in exploration in BC and kept Canada third in global rankings."