VANCOUVER, BC, July 24,
2024 /CNW/ - The Association for Mineral
Exploration (AME) is pleased to announce the release of its
comprehensive "What We Heard" report, summarizing the recent
engagement with members, Indigenous groups and stakeholders on the
impacts of the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) modernization process on
the mineral exploration and mining industries.
The report comes in response to the B.C. government's initiative
to update the MTA and Mineral Tenure Online (MTO) systems following
the decision of Justice Ross in
Gitxaala v British Columbia. While
AME acknowledges the need for a consultation standard in any new
system, it expresses concern over the provincial government's
limited engagement to date with the mineral exploration
industry.
Although we support government's intent to separate the duty to
consult on a mineral claims framework as per Justice Ross' decision from longer-term
modernization of the MTA, government has provided an inadequate
window of less than two weeks to comment on timelines that could
have an effect on our members' livelihoods.
"The discovery and development of critical minerals are of
paramount importance to our economy," said Keerit Jutla, President
& CEO, AME. "Given the government's Critical Minerals Strategy,
it is crucial that the government actively supports the initial
stages of this process, ensuring fairness for independent
prospectors and exploration companies."
The report details the feedback received during a comprehensive
consultation process conducted by AME over a three-month period.
This process included multiple sessions across B.C., an online
survey, and one-on-one meetings with members. The feedback was
diverse and insightful, with members identifying numerous issues
and proposing solutions to ensure that exploration is supported and
incentivized.
AME urges the government to support the future mineral
exploration and mining sector by considering the feedback and
suggestions provided by its members during the consultation
process. "We believe that the government's active engagement with
mineral explorers is vital to the successful modernization of the
MTA," added Jutla.
The full report is available to the public, government, and
stakeholders, and AME looks forward to continued dialogue and
collaboration with all parties involved in the MTA modernization
process.
View Report
About AME
AME is the lead association for the mineral
exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME
represents, advocates and promotes the interests of more than 5,000
members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in
B.C. and globally. AME encourages a safe, economically strong and
environmentally responsible industry by providing clear
initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership
in delivering responsible projects that advance reconciliation and
provide benefit to all British Columbians.
SOURCE Association for Mineral Exploration - AME