Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF) in B.C.
Last updated on January 12, 2026
The Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF) ensures B.C. meets its duty to consult First Nations before registering claims under the Mineral Tenure Act. The Framework was developed in response to a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that granting claims—and activities that don't require a Mines Act Permit—may impact First Nations’ rights and title.
On this page
Goals of the framework
- Address the 2023 B.C. Supreme Court ruling in Gitxaala v British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner).
- Ensure the Province fulfills its duty to consult under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution.
- 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
This diagram outlines a generalized process on when consultation occurs, who is involved at each stage, and target timelines leading to decision. The Ministry recognizes that complex cases may require extensions. The Ministry commits to track, share and review timeline metrics with industry and First Nations to continually improve the process.
MCCF Process Document (PDF, 529KB)
Mineral claim application dashboard
Following the implementation of the Mineral Claims Consultation Framework, the Ministry is continuously monitoring and regularly publishes statistics on claims.
Statistics include number and status of claim applications, timelines for decisions, and decisions made. The tables below will be updated regularly.
Mineral and placer claim applications
Application process stages and definitions
| Process Stage | Definition |
|---|---|
| Application Submitted | Application and payment received; with BC for creation of the consultation package(s) |
| Consultation Initiated | Application referral package with the First Nation as part of the consultation process |
| Application Decision | Application withdrawn, approved, denied |
| Category | # Applications |
|---|---|
| Applications received | 4241 |
| In process | 3122 |
| Total processed | 1119 |
| Approved | 1000 |
| Withdrawn | 64 |
| Declined* | 55 |
*To date, declined applications relate to administrative reasons, such as the deletion of intervening claims under section 67 of the Mineral Tenure Act. No applications have been denied for consultation reasons.
Implementation timeline
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
- MCCF Six-Month Review Report
Technical webinar: using Mineral Titles Online and iMapBC
Watch this recorded webinar to see how Mineral Titles Online (MTO) and iMapBC help assess potential impacts of proposed mineral and placer claims. The session answers common questions about using these tools and shows how they help identify claim locations and related map information.
Contact information
Mineral.Titles@gov.bc.ca