{"id":111514,"date":"2026-03-04T05:34:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T08:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tech.einnews.com\/article\/897480130"},"modified":"2026-03-04T05:34:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T08:34:38","slug":"supporting-tech-companies-to-boost-b-c-critical-minerals-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/03\/04\/supporting-tech-companies-to-boost-b-c-critical-minerals-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting tech companies to boost B.C. critical minerals sector"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As part of the implementation of the Look West economic strategy, B.C. businesses now have new opportunities to test, deploy and scale cutting-edge technology that can support the continued growth of B.C.\u2019s mining and critical minerals sector.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy putting innovative tools in the hands of B.C. companies, this new mining and critical minerals testbed will fast-track permitting, strengthen supply chains, and develop cutting-edge solutions, creating good-paying jobs for British Columbians, and building a stronger economy here at home,\u201d said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. \u201cThis is our Look West plan in action.\u201c<\/p>\n

The first project through the new testbed will see a partnership between North Vancouver\u2019s EMP Metals and Richmond-based Saltworks Technologies. These companies will work on a demonstration plant that will turn Saskatchewan\u2019s high-quality lithium brines into battery-grade chemicals. This technology will boost B.C.\u2019s capacity to produce battery-grade lithium, <\/strong>while supporting high-value, innovative employment in the province, resulting in approximately 18 new jobs and 24 sustained positions.<\/p>\n

\u201cBritish Columbia is home to world-leading critical mineral technology firms,\u201d said Ben Sparrow, CEO, Saltworks Technologies. \u201cSupport from BCIM through the mining and critical minerals testbed is instrumental to grow this sector and accelerate global commercialization of technology developed in British Columbia. This project will generate real-world performance data and strengthen Canada\u2019s critical minerals value chain, while anchoring high-value engineering, manufacturing, and clean technology jobs in B.C.\u201d<\/p>\n

Support for mining and critical minerals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Through the Integrated Marketplace, delivered by Innovate BC, B.C. businesses have access to a new provincewide mining and critical minerals testbed, which links technology providers with potential industrial buyers. Projects at the testbed will focus on:<\/p>\n