VANCOUVER, BC, March 20, 2025 – The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) acknowledged the release of the new Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF) but expressed reservations regarding its development and specifics.

The framework’s final version was released less than a week before the March 26, 2025, implementation deadline, which was mandated by the Supreme Court of British Columbia in September 2023. The MCCF mandates Indigenous consultation during the claim staking process through a new application procedure before registration. Previously, Indigenous community consultation was only necessary when applying for permits for mechanical mineral exploration.

While AME welcomes the publication of the framework, it has significant concerns about both the process used to create it and the framework itself. The framework does not address crucial industry needs, such as ensuring dependable timelines and maintaining applicant confidentiality for unbiased decisions. Trish Jacques, Board Chair of AME, stated, “AME recognizes the need to implement the framework by March 26. However, it took the full 18 months to reach this point, and the government only recently began engaging meaningfully with the industry. This limited our association’s ability to provide thorough feedback on certain complex issues, although some progress was made.”

“AME does not support the final version of the framework because it contains unresolved serious issues. Despite our consistent recommendations, the government has opted for a political response in some of its decisions, which is disappointing to AME and its members.”

Jacques added, “The B.C. government has not adequately addressed two of our primary concerns. Including applicants’ names in the processes compromises applicant confidentiality and intellectual property protection, making it impossible to guarantee unbiased and objective decisions. Additionally, the framework’s timelines are targets rather than firm commitments, despite the Premier’s promises to guarantee permitting timelines.¹ We must wait and see how the government manages timelines to support the mineral exploration industry. AME has emphasized that timelines must be upheld to encourage investment in early-stage mineral exploration.”

AME appreciates the government’s commitment to continuous improvement for the MCCF and will provide expertise in reviewing timelines and effectiveness at six months, with the possibility of program adjustments and recommended changes.

It is crucial for the government to acknowledge that implementing the MCCF creates instability for the mineral exploration industry. Based on the industry’s experience with the MCCF’s development, AME is deeply concerned about the government’s stated goal of modernizing the Mineral Tenure Act in 2026. At a time when economic uncertainty is heightened by Trump Tariffs and democratic instability, this initiative risks further discouraging investment in the sector. AME urges the government to slow down and allow the MCCF and its management to prove themselves before adding more change and instability to the industry.

AME remains dedicated to providing practical solutions to improve the process and is working with the government to share information about issues through a transparent and continuous improvement process. With the court-mandated deadline for the framework’s implementation approaching, the B.C. government has left the industry in a precarious position by not addressing AME’s core concerns and ignoring prudent recommendations to ensure industry stability.

Background:

The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) is the leading association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Founded in 1912, AME represents, advocates for, and promotes the interests of over 6,000 members involved in mineral exploration and development in BC and worldwide. AME promotes a safe, economically strong, and environmentally responsible industry by offering clear initiatives, policies, events, and tools to help its members deliver responsible projects that advance reconciliation and benefit all British Columbians.

SOURCE Association for Mineral Exploration – AME

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