Find out how mining projects are guided by regulation, evidence, continuous improvement, and best practices.
Mining projects must meet strict requirements that protect health, safety and the environment throughout the entire mining life cycle.
The mining industry provides good-paying jobs, helps fund public services and supports clean technology.
Mining regulatory processes include open, ongoing collaboration with First Nations to help achieve the best possible outcomes.
Low-carbon technologies demand critical minerals. However, with increased global demand, long-term shortages are predicted. British Columbia is developing a critical minerals strategy to help mitigate climate change, grow the provincial economy, and ensure resilient supply chains to partner nations.
The Survey’s mission is to provide accessible geoscience expertise, evolving knowledge, new technology and comprehensive public geoscience data to benefit land use planning and governance, societal development, low carbon innovation, economic opportunity, education services and Indigenous reconciliation in British Columbia.
Key legislation and regulations for mineral exploration and mining in B.C.
The Province has developed a Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF) in response to the B.C. Supreme Court's decision. The MCCF will ensure B.C. meets its duty to consult by requiring consultation before any claim registration. Mineral claim registration occurs under the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA).
The Mineral Titles Branch administers the legislation governing the application and acquisition, exploration and development of mineral, placer mineral, and coal rights in the Province.
Exploration carried out by prospectors and companies leads to discoveries of valuable deposits.
Mining is one of British Columbia's safest heavy industries, and the Province is committed to ensuring that B.C. remains a world leader in mine health and safety practices.
The provincial government regulates all mining activities in British Columbia. Activities include exploration, production, reclamation and closure. This applies to all mineral, coal, placer, sand, gravel, and quarry operations.
The Province is committed to ensuring that B.C. remains a leader in mining regulation and oversight, while enhancing responsible resource development and strengthening First Nations involvement in the B.C.'s mining sector.
The Mine Audits Unit (the Audit Unit) plays a key role in supporting the continuous improvement of mining regulation and oversight in British Columbia.
The BC Mine Information website profiles metal and coal mines across the province. Authorizations issued under the Mines Act, Environmental Assessment Act and Environmental Management Act, inspection records, and recent annual reclamation and annual dam safety inspection reports are available for these mines.
Learn more about mineral exploration and mining statistics, directives, alerts, incident information, legislation, policies, reports and publications.
On this page, you will find information on how to get access to MineSpace, set up your mine, and use the features in My Mines.
B.C. takes responsible mining seriously. Mining projects provide significant benefit to the provincial economy and are guided by regulatory requirements based on evidence, continuous improvement, and best practices.
