Mineral exploration group welcomes B.C.’s new fixed permitting timelines

NewsElectionRegional NewsNews TipsVideoBusinessCommunityLifeTravelWest Coast TravellerToday’s HomeEntertainmentContestsPuzzlesHawaii Trip for Two ContestSportsOpinionLettersSubmit Letter to the EditorObituariesIn MemoryPlace An ObituaryPublic NoticesClassifiedsAll ClassifiedsBook A Print AdJobsLocal WorkJoin Our TeameEditionSpecial Sections HomeServices About UsContact UsSubmission FormsNewsletter Sign-UpeEdition Special SectionsNews Regional NewsElectionVideoNews TipsBusinessCommunityLife West Coast TravellerToday’s HomeTravelEntertainment ContestsPuzzlesHawaii Trip for Two ContestSportsClassifieds All ClassifiedsBook A Print AdJobs Local WorkJoin Our Team Mineral exploration group welcomes B.C.’s new fixed permitting timelines Published 6:27 am Friday, February 6, 2026 By Marisca Bakker The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) is welcoming the Government of British Columbia’s announcement of fixed permitting timelines and $3 million in new spending for mineral exploration. The announcements were made during the AME Roundup 2026 in Vancouver last month. “AME has been calling on the government to allocate more capacity funding for permitting and the MCCF implementation,” said AME President and CEO Todd Stone. “To that end, we thank the government for their provision of $3 million in additional funding. This is a key initiative to assist prospectors and junior miners. AME will continue to work with government to make sure that these dollars are put to use immediately and efficiently to help deliver on the government’s promise of fixed permitting timelines for all explorers.” British Columbia’s Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF), which came into effect last year, replaced automatic online staking with a 90-120 day, application-based system to meet the duty to consult First Nations. It requires consultation before mineral claim registration following the 2023 Gitxaala ruling, involving application, review, consultation, and decision phases. According to the AME, The MCCF, has struggled to meet its service timeline of 90-120 days, currently averaging 127. “Information released by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals earlier in January indicated a decline in mineral claims staking of 29 per cent and a 60 percent decline in the area of claims staked against the seven-year average,” stated an AME press release. Properly resourcing the MCCF is key to getting early-stage mineral exploration and prospecting back on track.” Also last month,AME launched the Minerals for Tomorrow campaign to highlight the need for a strong mineral exploration sector to supply the future materials the world needs for everything from our devices to clean technology and defence. “Canada is at a crossroads,” said Stone. “The technologies and infrastructure we rely on every day — from clean energy and healthcare to housing and national defence — all begin with mineral exploration. Without exploration, there are no future mines. And without future mines, Canada becomes more dependent, more expensive, and more vulnerable.” You Might Like Regional News Freestyle skier Megan Oldham wins Olympic gold for Canada in big air event News Sooke launches online tool to guide development permit screening News Curtain closes for the Metro Studio after 20 years of entertainment News ‘We will be back’ former Tumbler Ridge teacher tells mourning Okanagan crowd Sections Services Our Company © 2026 Sooke News Mirror. Privacy Policy Terms of Service