Reforming Mining Laws

Mining has been a part of B.C.’s economy for over a hundred and fifty years. Yet even as the industry has expanded its footprint and embraced new technologies, mining laws have changed little since the Wild West days.

Northern Confluence works to bring BC’s mining laws into the 21^st Century, in particular the Mineral Tenure Act. We believe stronger safeguards will ensure northwestern B.C. builds the right mines in the right locations at the right scale—and with local consent.

Mining gets a free pass from land use plans

But right now, B.C.’s outdated policies still favour mining over all other uses of the land—including First Nations’ rights and title. And these policies do not ensure companies are held accountable for spills, non-compliance and even major catastrophes such as the Mount Polley Mine disaster in 2014. Northern Confluence is committed to modernizing BC’s mining and mineral staking regimes to adhere to FPIC, ensure accountability and that the polluter pays to clean-up sites, and reduce risks and pollution to our watersheds and communities.

We co-coordinate the BC Mining Law Reform Network. We commission research and offer technical analysis during public comment periods and to policy makers on provincial mining regulations. Northern Confluence advocates for broadening the solutions needed for the energy transition and takes a critical look at “critical minerals”.