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

Last updated on March 25, 2025

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).

On this page

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 updating the MTA to respect First Nations' rights while keeping mineral development strong, so everyone in B.C. benefits.

For information on MTA reform, see Mineral Tenure Act reform

The framework

MCCF Process Document (PDF, 529KB)

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

 

April 2025: Continuous Improvement 

MCCF to be continuously improved 

 

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

 

Engagement opportunities and materials ​

Book a meeting with us at any upcoming events using MTA@gov.bc.ca

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Past engagement opportunities and materials

  • Smithers Rock Talk (February 18-20, 2025)
  • First Nations Leadership Gathering (January 21-22, 2025)
  • AME Round Up (January 20-23, 2025)
  • MCCF briefing for industry (January 15, 2025)
  • BC Natural Resource Forum (January 13-16, 2025)
  • All nations webinar (January 9, 2025)
  • Free miner certificate holder webinar (July 30, 2024)
 

Upcoming engagement opportunities

KEG (April 8-9, 2025)

Virtual webinars TBC

 

Contact information

Send your feedback
MTA@gov.bc.ca