The province will be handing out $3 million to Geoscience BC for aerial surveys in the Cariboo region.
Minister of Energy and Mines, Bill Bennett says Geoscience BC studies have led to many new mining projects throughout the province.
He says in the Northwest, mining projects such as the Red Chris, Kitsault, Bruce Jack and KSM projects are on the cusp of developing into new mines.
“These projects are going to become large, operating mines, they are going to generate thousands of jobs and they are certainly going to help small business and communities all across the Northwest.”
Bennett says aerial research by groups like Geoscience BC make it possible to explore certain parts of the province for mining potential.
“You would never, I think, find anything in certain areas of the province because of the amount of overburden that exists on top of the bedrock. It is just impossible other than with airborne surveys.”