Bennett has also been spreading the word at the convention about how B.C.'s northwest transmission line, which will come into service in the next few months, can help some projects get off the ground.

Bennett said despite the rejection of New Prosperity, the future of mining in B.C. remains bright. He said several new mining projects are within six months of completing the provincial environmental assessment process.

"I don't see any reason why we won't continue to see new mines being announced, as we have the last few years," he said. "We have two I expect will open in 2014, Red Chris for sure will and the Roman coal mine in the northeast and I think each year there will be one or two major mines that will announce they will be built."