Start Copper, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc Mining in Burnaby
This page lays out a practical path for launching a copper, nickel, lead, and zinc mining operation in Burnaby. You'll get a clear overview of what it takes to move from idea to permit-ready project, including the six requirements and the licenses you'll need under NAICS 212230. It also highlights upfront costs and a realistic budget to get started.
You'll learn the step-by-step checklist, the permits and environmental approvals to secure, typical startup and ongoing costs, and a workable timeline from planning to first production. We spell out what forms to file, who to contact, and how to budget for safety, reclamation, and reporting—so you can plan with confidence. Expect a typical timeline of 12 to 24 months, depending on regulatory reviews.
Burnaby's proximity to ports, skilled labor, and a supportive business ecosystem make it a smart fit for mineral projects. With a practical plan and steady approvals, you can navigate the six requirements smoothly and move toward compliant, sustainable operations.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a mining business in Burnaby is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legal must for any employer in British Columbia, and you cannot legally hire or pay workers without following the Act’s rules on minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation pay, and proper recordkeeping and posted notices. Compliance is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of a lawful, responsible operation.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: For day-to-day activity, prioritize health and safety and lawful employment practices. You’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and demonstrate compliance, along with appropriate training, hazard assessments, and injury reporting. In tandem, ensure your employment practices meet the BC Employment Standards Act so that hours, wages, and other worker entitlements are handled correctly. While not all mining-specific permits are listed here, staying compliant on safety and worker standards is essential to keep your operation moving smoothly.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need your Business Number (BN) registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership in BC, register your BC Business Name. GST/HST registration should be completed if your revenue meets the threshold or if you want to enroll voluntarily. For payroll taxes, set up Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA. These registrations keep your business compliant, finance-ready, and ready to hire.
Encouragement: This is a lot to set up, but you’re taking smart, practical first steps. Start by confirming BC Employment Standards Act compliance and WorkSafeBC enrollment, then secure your BN, register your business name, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can map out a simple, step-by-step checklist and help you connect with the right local regulators and advisors. You’ve got this—move at a steady, compliant pace.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a copper, nickel, lead, and zinc mining in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your copper, nickel, lead, and zinc mining:
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The CMETC provides a 30% federal income tax credit (in addition to the base 15% Mineral Exploration Tax Credit) on eligible exploration expenditures renounced to flow-through shareholders for critical minerals. The November 2025 Federal Budget expanded the list of eligible minerals from 15 to 27. Valid for FTS agreements entered …
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The SMETC allows Saskatchewan individual taxpayers (excluding trusts) to claim a 30% non-refundable tax credit on the cost of eligible flow-through shares purchased from approved mineral exploration companies conducting exploration activities in Saskatchewan. The credit is claimed on Form T1279. Any unused credit may be carried forward 10 years or …
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The Ignite Program provides up to $300,000 to BC-based industry-academic teams for R&D projects in natural resources, applied science, and/or engineering. Projects must be at TRL 3 or above, have commercialization potential within 3 years, and secure 2:1 matching funds from industry or government sources. Funded by the Natural Resources …
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Under the CIIP, eligible industrial facilities reporting under the Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act (GGIRCA) and emitting more than 10,000 tCO2e per year could receive a payment equal to all carbon tax paid above $30 per tCO2e, provided their emissions intensity met the world-leading benchmark for their sector. …
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The BC CleanBC Industry Fund (CIF) uses carbon pricing revenue to support emission-reduction projects at large industrial facilities in British Columbia. Two funding streams are available: the Innovation Accelerator (supporting pilot or demonstration projects using pre-commercial clean technology at TRL 7–8) and Feasibility Studies (supporting desktop viability studies for future …
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