The BC Mining Association says it continues to present its case to the B.C. government about making changes to the carbon tax.

President Michael Goehring says the mining industry supports a carbon tax, but says B.C.’s is among the highest in the world. He also said in October

“It’s true, we have asked governments to level the playing field with our Canadian and global competitors for our industry, to protect our workers and to mitigate carbon leakage. Of all the jurisdictions in the world that have a comprehensive carbon tax, B.C. could do more to protect its trade-exposed industries.”

Energy Minister Bruce Ralston says the mining industry can get a rebate above $30 per tonne if it meets certain emission standards.

“So it’s an incentive to the industry to set very high standards, to adhere to them, and then in that way reduce the carbon tax that they would otherwise pay. And that’s the carbon tax above $30 dollars,” he says. “Above $30 dollars, if the emissions profile of the industry meets world-leading standards, it can earn the carbon tax back.”

Ralston says the government has met several times with the BCMA about carbon pricing. While any decisions would fall under the Ministry of Environment, Ralston suggests the province isn’t considering any changes to how the carbon tax is levied.

“I think we can have a competitive mining sector without undermining our climate goals and our drive to have a low-carbon emission economy.”

Both Goehring and Ralston were asked by NL News on Monday about the topic, which was Mining Day in the province.

The carbon tax in B.C. will rise from $40 to $45 per tonne on April 1. It’s expected to rise to $50 per tonne on April 1, 2022.