BC Mines Act permitting : update on government structure, roles, responsibilities and requirements

Abstract

The provincial government has introduced a new policy for natural resource management in the mineral exploration and mining sectors of British Columbia (BC) that follows a coordinated and integrated approach. The objective of this coordination and integration is to establish an authorizations process that improves the efficiency and reduces overlap of information requirements and consultation related to permitting and authorizations for major mines in the province. Typically, applications for major mining projects requiring technical reviews from multiple agencies are reviewed by a Mine Development Review Committee (MDRC), which is comprised of appropriate representatives from provincial agencies, federal agencies, and First Nations. The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) remains the key contact for BC's mining and mineral exploration industries and is the agency responsible for reviewing and permitting all mining and mineral exploration permit applications. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) is the lead for coordinating the MDRC process, as required, and is also responsible for coordinating First Nations consultation. An update on government structure and new staff at MEM; a review of the role and responsibilities of MEM; a review of key requirements of permitting under the Mines Act; and, an update regarding the changes in government structure that may affect Mines Act permit applicants is provided. ; Non UBC ; Unreviewed ; Other