China to invest $1.3B in B.C. mining projects

Chinese companies have signed deals to invest $1.3 billion in two B.C. mining projects, one which must remain secret,Premier Christy Clark has announced.

One of the projects is a coal mine near Hudson's Hope in northeast B.C., and the provincial government says it could operate for more than 40 years and produce two million tons of coal a year.

However, the government is refusing to release details of the second project, citing confidentiality agreements.

Clark signed the agreements in Beijing as part of her Asian trade mission and claims the projects could create at least 6,700 jobs.

The projects are partnerships between Chinese and Canadian firms, including Kailuan Group Ltd., Shougang Group and Canadian Dehua International Mines Group Inc.

The projects now face environmental assessments, permit applications and consultations with local communities and First Nations, all of which could take at least two years.