What is Mineral Tenure Act reform?
- Mineral Tenure Act reform is a longstanding priority for many First Nations and First Nations organizations, and a commitment shared by the Province.
- The modernization of the Mineral Tenure Act is identified as in the Province’s Action Plan or the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
- Mineral Tenure Act reform will support increased collaboration at all stages of exploration and development, legal clarity within the tenure system, and overall certainty within the mineral exploration and mining sector.
- Alignment with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the foundational driver of this work. Key principles of the UN Declaration include:
- Self-determination and self-government
- Lands, resources and territories
- Cultural and ecological protection and preservation
- Economic revenues and benefits
- Alongside UN Declaration alignment, the Mineral Tenure Act reform is an opportunity to support shared First Nation, Government and interested party interests, such supporting a healthy, responsible, and progressive mineral exploration and mining sector in BC.
The Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) Reform is an opportunity to advance the social, environmental, and economic priorities of First Nations, the Province, and industry – and to support a healthy, responsible, and progressive mineral exploration and mining sector in BC.