Modernizing mineral titles online

The Mineral Titles Online (MTO) registry is a web based system that helps manage mineral, placer and coal titles in British Columbia. It supports laws like the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) and the Coal Act along with associated regulations. It helps government, industry and the public understand who owns mineral rights and what work has been done.

Why it matters

• For industry: It’s the tool for acquiring and managing mineral titles in BC.
• For First Nations and the public: It provides transparency about who holds the mineral rights in BC.
• For government: MTO helps ensure mineral rights are being managed in line with the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) and Coal Act. The data from MTO helps with land-use planning and policy decisions.

What’s changing

The current MTO system is now 20 years old and need a major upgrade. The Modernizing Mineral Titles Online (MMTO) project is replacing the old system with a new one that’s easier to use and better aligned with new requirements.

Key projects happening now:

• Mineral Titles Online - Ongoing with regular updates
• Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF) - A new consultation process with First Nations before claims are approved.
• MMTO Project:.
  • Phase 1 (launched on March 25, 2025): MTO now supports the MCCF and stops automatic claim registration.
  • Phase 2 (coming Fall 2026):  A brand new system with better technology and smoother workflows.
• Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) reform - Modernization of mining legislation for alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the action plan which may lead to a potential phase 3 of MMTO.

Benefits of the new MTO (MTO2) system

Timeline

MTO2 Project Phases

Date	What's Happening
March, 2025	Phase 1 launched: MTO now supports the MCCF, stops automatic claim registration, and adds in consultation
Fall, 2025	Phase 2 planned: Full system upgrade with new software and streamlined workflows