Be Your Own Boss

Operating mines and mineral exploration projects in BC and Canada are supported by many supply and service companies. These companies range from large corporations exporting products and services around the world to specialized small companies focused on local markets.

Over the past 10 years, many Aboriginal-owned supply and services businesses have been started in the mineral exploration and mining industry and are very successful. This is true in BC, as most of the province’s mines and exploration projects are in remote areas near Aboriginal communities. If you want to be your own boss or be part of an Aboriginal-owned enterprise, the supply and service sector could be a good fit for you, especially in today’s environment.

Aboriginal-owned companies are now involved in activities ranging from camp construction and maintenance to large infrastructure projects. Environmental monitoring is another sector where a growing number of Aboriginal people are starting businesses. Some of these companies work in the mining industry but also market their products and services to the forestry and oil-and-gas sectors, as well as the general construction industry.

Aboriginal leaders and industry associations have recently signed new partnership agreements to ensure that economic benefits flow to First Nations communities through preferential hiring practices and by using local supply and service companies wherever possible. Starting a new business is not without risk, so it helps to have specialized expertise, a strong work ethic, entrepreneurial instincts, start-up money and a strong and detailed business plan. Understanding the four phases of the Mine Cycle and the opportunities available to supply and service companies are two more good steps.

Useful Supply & Services Links

BC Supply and Service Companies

The Mining Suppliers Association of BC (MSABC), which is affiliated with the Mining Association of BC (MABC), has a membership of about 200 companies based mostly in Vancouver. A listing of these companies and details of their services, products and equipment are provided on MSABC’s website.

Canadian Mine Supply and Service Companies

Canada has 250 primary suppliers of mining equipment and services, which include drilling contractors, analytical laboratories, geophysical survey companies, mining and milling equipment suppliers and specialized consulting firms, to name but a few. These companies service mines and mineral projects around the world. The Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE) has a list of Canadian-based supply and service companies on its website.

A Helping Hand: Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC)

ABC is a program of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada that provides Aboriginal entrepreneurs (off or on-reserve) support in areas such as business planning, start-up, expansion and marketing, as well as financial assistance to eligible enterprises. ABC has published an excellent step-by-step guidebook to help budding Aboriginal entrepreneurs get their business plans and concepts off the ground and on a solid footing. The booklet is available on-line.

One-Stop Guide to Aboriginal Resources

The Aboriginal Canada Portal is a single window to First Nations, Metis and Inuit online resources and government programs and services

Industry Council for Aboriginal business (ICAB)

The Industry Council for Aboriginal Business (ICAB) facilitates programs furthering dialogue and relationship-building between industry and Aboriginal communities in BC. ICAB brings Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal leaders together to create opportunities for business and pursues the vision of a vibrant BC economy where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people prosper together. More information can be found on the company website.

Paul Martin Aboriginal Initiative and the CAPE Fund.

The Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative (MAEI) is a charitable organization that supports education for Aboriginal students across Canada. MAEI’s guiding vision is to empower Aboriginal students with the knowledge and confidence they need to complete secondary school and go on to post-secondary studies. The Cape Fund is a $50 million private-sector investment fund initiatives by 21 of Canada’s leading companies, individuals and US based Foundations. Cape Fund is focused on mid-market opportunities with a strong degree of Aboriginal involvement and connection to Aboriginal communities throughout Canada. Its mission requires that it act with the same rigor, discipline and best practices with regard to the application of its investment guidelines, processes, and corporate governance standards applied in the private sector.

OPPORTUNITY • TRAINING • RESULTS

Want to make a difference in your life and your community?

BCAMTA can help by connecting you to training and jobs in mineral exploration and mining. Get the skills, training and work experience you need to find a career with the potential to last you a lifetime.