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Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF) in B.C.

Last updated on December 20, 2024

The ministry is working on a new mineral claim consultation framework with First Nations to address the findings of the 2023 B.C. Supreme Court decision. The mineral claims consultation framework (MCCF) will require consultation before any claim registration. Mineral claim registration occurs under the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA).

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Resources

Goals of the framework

  1. Address the 2023 B.C. Supreme Court ruling in Gitxaala v British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner).
  2. Ensure the Province fulfills its duty to consult under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution.
  3. Apply the framework by March 26, 2025.

Note: Work to develop and carry out an MCCF is distinct from the work to reform the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA).

The MCCF focuses on the Province's duty to consult and accommodate under section 35 of the Constitution Act. MTA reform focuses on the need to align the act with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration). 

For information on MTA reform, see Mineral Tenure Act reform

Timeline

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June – July 2024: Knowledge/information gathering 

  • Ministry provides context, background and key questions
  • Rights holders provide information to support policy work​
 

August – November 2024: Identify and consider options 

  • Ministry identifies potential option(s) to a consultation framework
  • Rights holders provide submissions to inform finalizing approach to consultation framework
  • Rights holders and interested groups inform operational and system needs for implementation

*Engagement paused during election period

 

December 2024 – February 2025: Recommended option and implementation planning

  • Ministry reports back to rights holders and interested groups and confirms option for consultation framework
  • Rights holders and interested groups training and user testing on operational and system changes
 

​ March 2025: Consultation framework in place and implemented

Consultation framework in place and implemented

 

Engagement 

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First Nations

The province will consult and cooperate with all B.C. First Nations to build the MCCF through a variety of avenues:

  • Direct engagement with First Nations governments including Modern Treaty Nations
  • First Nations Leadership Council
  • First Nations Energy and Mining Council
  • Bilateral discussions with First Nations representatives
  • Engagement with members of the First Nations Technical Advisory Group 
 

Interested groups

The province will engage a variety of interested groups on the MCCF:

  • Exploration companies
  • Industry associations
  • Free miner certificate holders

 

Upcoming engagement opportunities

  • BC Natural Resource Forum (January 13-16, 2025)
  • AME Round Up (January 20-23, 2025)
  • First Nations Leadership Gathering (January 21-22, 2025)

Contact information

Send your feedback
MTA@gov.bc.ca