Launch Your Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying in Surrey
Ready to start Your Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying business in Surrey? This page offers a practical, starter-friendly guide to NAICS 212390. You’ll get a concise overview of the seven requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline—from first steps to an active site. It’s designed to be a friendly, actionable resource rather than overwhelming jargon.
Inside, you’ll learn the seven key requirements you’ll need to meet—covering business setup, local licenses, and provincial approvals—plus what each permit typically costs and how long it takes to obtain. We break down the process into simple steps: apply for the right licenses, secure environmental and safety clearances, plan for reclamation, and set up ongoing compliance. Expect a roadmap you can actually follow.
Surrey's strategic location, business-friendly services, and growing demand for building materials make it a practical choice for this sector. With clear timelines and a practical cost picture, you’ll know what to expect every step of the way.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a mining and quarrying business in Surrey is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legal baseline that covers wages, hours, overtime, breaks, and holiday pay for anyone you employ. You cannot legally hire or pay workers without meeting these standards. This requirement is non-negotiable—treat it as the foundation of your startup and set up compliant payroll and record-keeping from day one to avoid penalties and disruption.
For health and safety, and the ongoing permits you’ll need, focus on essential operational controls first. You must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and meet provincial safety rules. In addition, a Surrey business licence is typically required to operate locally, and you should have safety training, site-specific risk assessments, and clear incident reporting processes in place. Depending on your site and activities, you may also need environmental or mining-related permits—start conversations with the city and province early to identify any site-specific permits.
From a business registration and tax perspective, you’ll handle several core items. Start by obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the federal government for tax and payroll purposes. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, register your BC Business Name. You’ll also need GST/HST registration if you meet revenue thresholds, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These registrations help you stay compliant with tax filing, invoicing, and employee payroll.
Next steps: map out a simple compliance plan and tackle these in sequence. Check Surrey’s licensing requirements and apply for your business licence and name registration, then set up your BN and GST/HST accounts. If you’re hiring staff, establish payroll setup and WorkSafeBC coverage now. With clear, practical steps and a plan, you’ll move from startup to compliant, confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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 other nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying:
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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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