Launch Your Victoria-Based Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying Venture
This page offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap for launching an Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying business in Victoria. It aligns with NAICS code 212390 and provides a clear requirements overview, the permits you’ll likely need at municipal and provincial levels, and a realistic view of startup costs. Learn the typical timeline from planning to operations, plus important regulatory steps to stay on track.
You’ll learn to identify and prepare the seven essential requirements, understand which permits are commonly required for quarrying activities, estimate upfront costs (equipment, site setup, insurance, and regulatory fees), and map a realistic timeline. Practical next steps include zoning checks, safety plans, and building the right local partnerships to keep delays to a minimum.
Victoria’s location on Vancouver Island offers good access to suppliers, skilled trades, and markets, plus a supportive business climate for mining ventures. With the right plan, you can build a solid foundation for growth while keeping compliance simple and manageable.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Victoria, BC is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is the baseline rulebook for how you hire and pay workers—minimum wage, hours, overtime, vacation pay, leaves—and it requires proper records and postings. You cannot legally operate with staff unless you follow these standards. It’s non-negotiable: set up compliant pay, scheduling, and leave practices from day one, and keep documentation up to date.
Beyond that, the day-to-day running of a quarry involves health, safety, and permits. You'll need WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to provide workers' compensation and meet safety rules. You’ll also need a valid Business Licence and any site-specific environmental permits for quarrying activities. If you use a trade name, BC Business Name Registration applies too. These permissions and safeguards keep you compliant with laws and protect your team.
Business Registration & Tax: To handle taxes and filings, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the CRA to manage GST/HST, payroll deductions, and other payroll taxes. If you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership, register your BC Business Name; if you’re a corporation you may still need a name registration. GST/HST Registration is required if you surpass the threshold or as mandated; Payroll Deductions Registration covers withholdings for your employees.
Next steps: start by confirming these requirements with WorkSafeBC, the BC Employment Standards Branch, your city’s licensing department, and the BC Registry; prepare the documents; reach out to an accountant or business advisor; and create a simple compliance calendar. With clear steps and support, you’ll move from planning to a solid, compliant operation. You’ve got this.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying in Victoria:
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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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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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