BC Mining Law Reform
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It’s time to clean up mining in B.C. TAKE ACTION: Tell the government to reform its mining laws 👇
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reformbcmining.ca
Thanks to the Gitxaała and Ehattesaht First Nations for their leadership and resolve to push for reforms that will bring about changes that will benefit all British Columbians.
Read the full decision here: bit.ly/3XzQKpE
(11/11)
Read the full decision here: bit.ly/3XzQKpE
(11/11)
2025 BCCA 430 Gitxaala v. British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner)
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Thanks to the Gitxaała and Ehattesaht First Nations for their leadership and resolve to push for reforms that will bring about changes that will benefit all British Columbians.
Read the full decision here: bit.ly/3XzQKpE
(11/11)
Read the full decision here: bit.ly/3XzQKpE
(11/11)
The Path Forward
Reconciliation is meaningless without action. B.C. must move forward on delivering a modern mineral tenure law that honours Indigenous jurisdiction and protects the land for generations to come. (10/11)
Reconciliation is meaningless without action. B.C. must move forward on delivering a modern mineral tenure law that honours Indigenous jurisdiction and protects the land for generations to come. (10/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The Path Forward
Reconciliation is meaningless without action. B.C. must move forward on delivering a modern mineral tenure law that honours Indigenous jurisdiction and protects the land for generations to come. (10/11)
Reconciliation is meaningless without action. B.C. must move forward on delivering a modern mineral tenure law that honours Indigenous jurisdiction and protects the land for generations to come. (10/11)
Today’s Decision: A Win for Indigenous Rights
Today the Court affirmed that Indigenous rights under Section 35 and UNDRIP are legally enforceable.
The path is now clear: B.C. must replace its colonial-era system with one built on consent, respect, and justice. (9/11)
Today the Court affirmed that Indigenous rights under Section 35 and UNDRIP are legally enforceable.
The path is now clear: B.C. must replace its colonial-era system with one built on consent, respect, and justice. (9/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Today’s Decision: A Win for Indigenous Rights
Today the Court affirmed that Indigenous rights under Section 35 and UNDRIP are legally enforceable.
The path is now clear: B.C. must replace its colonial-era system with one built on consent, respect, and justice. (9/11)
Today the Court affirmed that Indigenous rights under Section 35 and UNDRIP are legally enforceable.
The path is now clear: B.C. must replace its colonial-era system with one built on consent, respect, and justice. (9/11)
Government Acknowledgement
Even before this appeal, B.C. admitted:
-The free-entry system violates s.35 of the Constitution
-The MTA must be modernized to be consistent with UNDRIP
This was an important shift — but meaningful change has not reached the ground. (8/11)
Even before this appeal, B.C. admitted:
-The free-entry system violates s.35 of the Constitution
-The MTA must be modernized to be consistent with UNDRIP
This was an important shift — but meaningful change has not reached the ground. (8/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Government Acknowledgement
Even before this appeal, B.C. admitted:
-The free-entry system violates s.35 of the Constitution
-The MTA must be modernized to be consistent with UNDRIP
This was an important shift — but meaningful change has not reached the ground. (8/11)
Even before this appeal, B.C. admitted:
-The free-entry system violates s.35 of the Constitution
-The MTA must be modernized to be consistent with UNDRIP
This was an important shift — but meaningful change has not reached the ground. (8/11)
A new “framework” released in spring 2025 was only a stop-gap measure, and remains inconsistent with the right to free, prior and informed consent. The appeal sought to ensure protections under UNDRIP are legally enforceable, not optional. (7/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
A new “framework” released in spring 2025 was only a stop-gap measure, and remains inconsistent with the right to free, prior and informed consent. The appeal sought to ensure protections under UNDRIP are legally enforceable, not optional. (7/11)
Why the Appeal?
Despite acknowledging the system violates Indigenous rights, the Province’s reforms have been slow and insufficient. (6/11)
Despite acknowledging the system violates Indigenous rights, the Province’s reforms have been slow and insufficient. (6/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Why the Appeal?
Despite acknowledging the system violates Indigenous rights, the Province’s reforms have been slow and insufficient. (6/11)
Despite acknowledging the system violates Indigenous rights, the Province’s reforms have been slow and insufficient. (6/11)
Major Victory
In 2023, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that sections of the MTA violated the Canadian Constitution, finding the Province has a duty to consult Indigenous Nations before granting mineral tenure claims and ordering the Province to provide for that consultation. (5/11)
In 2023, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that sections of the MTA violated the Canadian Constitution, finding the Province has a duty to consult Indigenous Nations before granting mineral tenure claims and ordering the Province to provide for that consultation. (5/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Major Victory
In 2023, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that sections of the MTA violated the Canadian Constitution, finding the Province has a duty to consult Indigenous Nations before granting mineral tenure claims and ordering the Province to provide for that consultation. (5/11)
In 2023, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that sections of the MTA violated the Canadian Constitution, finding the Province has a duty to consult Indigenous Nations before granting mineral tenure claims and ordering the Province to provide for that consultation. (5/11)
Under the Province’s free-entry mining regime, claims could be staked in minutes — credit card, click, claim — creating a legal interest even on cultural and ecologically sensitive areas. (4/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Under the Province’s free-entry mining regime, claims could be staked in minutes — credit card, click, claim — creating a legal interest even on cultural and ecologically sensitive areas. (4/11)
How the System Worked
For over a century, B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act treated Indigenous territories as if they were unoccupied land and privileged mineral exploration over virtually all other land uses. (3/11)
For over a century, B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act treated Indigenous territories as if they were unoccupied land and privileged mineral exploration over virtually all other land uses. (3/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
How the System Worked
For over a century, B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act treated Indigenous territories as if they were unoccupied land and privileged mineral exploration over virtually all other land uses. (3/11)
For over a century, B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act treated Indigenous territories as if they were unoccupied land and privileged mineral exploration over virtually all other land uses. (3/11)
Where Did This Case Start?
Gitxaała & Ehattesaht First Nations — supported by several intervenors — challenged BC's free-entry mining regime, where anyone could register a mineral claim online with no notice, no consultation, and no consent from Indigenous Nations. (2/11)
Gitxaała & Ehattesaht First Nations — supported by several intervenors — challenged BC's free-entry mining regime, where anyone could register a mineral claim online with no notice, no consultation, and no consent from Indigenous Nations. (2/11)
December 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Where Did This Case Start?
Gitxaała & Ehattesaht First Nations — supported by several intervenors — challenged BC's free-entry mining regime, where anyone could register a mineral claim online with no notice, no consultation, and no consent from Indigenous Nations. (2/11)
Gitxaała & Ehattesaht First Nations — supported by several intervenors — challenged BC's free-entry mining regime, where anyone could register a mineral claim online with no notice, no consultation, and no consent from Indigenous Nations. (2/11)
To learn more about what this is and why it matters, check out this in-depth analysis on the “Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor” in The National Observer: bit.ly/3XhVVue (7/7)
Carney's 'Critical Conservation Corridor' came out of nowhere. What is it?
The announcement of a protected area in northwest BC that would be tied to huge new mining and infrastructure project caught many by surprise — including the project’s own proponents.
bit.ly
November 30, 2025 at 7:34 PM
To learn more about what this is and why it matters, check out this in-depth analysis on the “Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor” in The National Observer: bit.ly/3XhVVue (7/7)
– creating significant conservation areas while considering new mines where appropriate and creating more electric power infrastructure. (6/7)
November 30, 2025 at 7:34 PM
– creating significant conservation areas while considering new mines where appropriate and creating more electric power infrastructure. (6/7)
While BC, the federal government and First Nations signed a Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation in 2023, the federal government seems to have recently recognized this opportunity in the northwest as “critical” – (5/7)
November 30, 2025 at 7:34 PM
While BC, the federal government and First Nations signed a Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation in 2023, the federal government seems to have recently recognized this opportunity in the northwest as “critical” – (5/7)
The outcome of this process has the potential to create large protected areas while also providing greater certainty for the mining sector, investors, First Nations and communities alike. (4/7)
November 30, 2025 at 7:34 PM
The outcome of this process has the potential to create large protected areas while also providing greater certainty for the mining sector, investors, First Nations and communities alike. (4/7)
Since then, the province and First Nations have started engaging with industry, conservation organizations, wilderness tourism operators, guide outfitters, and other stakeholders to share values and interests in the planning areas. (3/7)
November 30, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Since then, the province and First Nations have started engaging with industry, conservation organizations, wilderness tourism operators, guide outfitters, and other stakeholders to share values and interests in the planning areas. (3/7)
Back in June, the province announced that it would be moving forward with land-use planning in northwestern B.C. in partnership with the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations. (2/7)
November 30, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Back in June, the province announced that it would be moving forward with land-use planning in northwestern B.C. in partnership with the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations. (2/7)
Stay Connected
Don’t miss our next update on mining reform and resource justice in B.C.
📥 Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/4gCg8DU
(8/8)
Don’t miss our next update on mining reform and resource justice in B.C.
📥 Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/4gCg8DU
(8/8)
Join Us! - BC Mining Law Reform
By signing up for our newsletter, you'll become a part of a growing community dedicated to reforming BC's mining laws.
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November 15, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Stay Connected
Don’t miss our next update on mining reform and resource justice in B.C.
📥 Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/4gCg8DU
(8/8)
Don’t miss our next update on mining reform and resource justice in B.C.
📥 Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/4gCg8DU
(8/8)
More Than Policy
Mining reform reflects our values — peace, accountability, sustainability, and respect for Indigenous rights.
B.C. can lead with integrity by ensuring our minerals support peace and justice, not conflict. (7/8)
Mining reform reflects our values — peace, accountability, sustainability, and respect for Indigenous rights.
B.C. can lead with integrity by ensuring our minerals support peace and justice, not conflict. (7/8)
November 15, 2025 at 11:24 PM
More Than Policy
Mining reform reflects our values — peace, accountability, sustainability, and respect for Indigenous rights.
B.C. can lead with integrity by ensuring our minerals support peace and justice, not conflict. (7/8)
Mining reform reflects our values — peace, accountability, sustainability, and respect for Indigenous rights.
B.C. can lead with integrity by ensuring our minerals support peace and justice, not conflict. (7/8)
What Responsible Mining Requires
• End-use transparency
• Full environmental assessment
• Public participation
• Free, Prior & Informed Indigenous Consent
• Long-term monitoring
• Ethical oversight of foreign investment
(6/8)
• End-use transparency
• Full environmental assessment
• Public participation
• Free, Prior & Informed Indigenous Consent
• Long-term monitoring
• Ethical oversight of foreign investment
(6/8)
November 15, 2025 at 11:24 PM
What Responsible Mining Requires
• End-use transparency
• Full environmental assessment
• Public participation
• Free, Prior & Informed Indigenous Consent
• Long-term monitoring
• Ethical oversight of foreign investment
(6/8)
• End-use transparency
• Full environmental assessment
• Public participation
• Free, Prior & Informed Indigenous Consent
• Long-term monitoring
• Ethical oversight of foreign investment
(6/8)
Why It Matters
Without proper oversight, we have no way of knowing whether minerals from B.C. are supporting clean energy solutions — like school bus batteries — or contributing to weapons systems.
That uncertainty is exactly why transparency is essential. (5/8)
Without proper oversight, we have no way of knowing whether minerals from B.C. are supporting clean energy solutions — like school bus batteries — or contributing to weapons systems.
That uncertainty is exactly why transparency is essential. (5/8)
November 15, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Why It Matters
Without proper oversight, we have no way of knowing whether minerals from B.C. are supporting clean energy solutions — like school bus batteries — or contributing to weapons systems.
That uncertainty is exactly why transparency is essential. (5/8)
Without proper oversight, we have no way of knowing whether minerals from B.C. are supporting clean energy solutions — like school bus batteries — or contributing to weapons systems.
That uncertainty is exactly why transparency is essential. (5/8)
A Transparency Gap
B.C. currently has no system to track where extracted minerals end up — whether in solar panels, EV batteries, or weapons systems.
Mining-impacted communities are left without clear answers about who benefits from this activity. (4/8)
B.C. currently has no system to track where extracted minerals end up — whether in solar panels, EV batteries, or weapons systems.
Mining-impacted communities are left without clear answers about who benefits from this activity. (4/8)
November 15, 2025 at 11:24 PM
A Transparency Gap
B.C. currently has no system to track where extracted minerals end up — whether in solar panels, EV batteries, or weapons systems.
Mining-impacted communities are left without clear answers about who benefits from this activity. (4/8)
B.C. currently has no system to track where extracted minerals end up — whether in solar panels, EV batteries, or weapons systems.
Mining-impacted communities are left without clear answers about who benefits from this activity. (4/8)
A Wake-Up Call
A recent report by @thetyee.ca revealed that the U.S. Department of War has financially backed a B.C.-based mining company.
This raises questions about who benefits from B.C.’s resources. (3/8)
A recent report by @thetyee.ca revealed that the U.S. Department of War has financially backed a B.C.-based mining company.
This raises questions about who benefits from B.C.’s resources. (3/8)
November 15, 2025 at 11:24 PM
A Wake-Up Call
A recent report by @thetyee.ca revealed that the U.S. Department of War has financially backed a B.C.-based mining company.
This raises questions about who benefits from B.C.’s resources. (3/8)
A recent report by @thetyee.ca revealed that the U.S. Department of War has financially backed a B.C.-based mining company.
This raises questions about who benefits from B.C.’s resources. (3/8)