Policy Update: Response to 6-month Mineral Claims Consultation Framework Review & Calls for Proper Resourcing

Press Release

Vancouver, BC, Canada – January 12, 2026 – The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) has responded to the Government of British Columbia’s 6-month review of the Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF) today.

The MCCF system is currently not operating within the 90–120-day service delivery timeline that was set out by the government last year. The average processing time was 127 days between March 25th and August 1, 2025, with this number expected to have increased over the fall and winter.

Between March 25th and September 30th, 2025, the Ministry received applications for or registered 1,516 mineral claim applications, a 29% decline compared to the seven-year average of 2,124. The total area applied for or registered has also decreased, with 273,423 hectares in 2025, a 60% decline compared to the seven-year average of 703,995 hectares.

The MCCF is currently not functioning well and lacks the confidence of industry. While it remains early, it’s clear that mineral explorers are apprehensive about using the system. The review includes suggestions and process changes that we hope will be implemented in a timely manner. Any further discussion about increasing staking fees requires detailed discussions with system users.

AME is also calling on the provincial government to properly allocate resources to the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to run the process. When it was initially implemented, no new resources were provided and without increased budget, the process will continue to struggle.

The review meets a commitment from government to review the first six-months of applications and provide transparent data about the system with solutions. AME has fielded many concerns from members and shared these with government over the past year. Much of this feedback is included in the report, along with feedback from Indigenous communities who have engaged with the system for the first time.

AME is also pleased to see a system in place that allows for the continuation of mineral claim staking following Gitxaala Nation v. British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner), 2023 BCSC 1680 and the most recent appeal decision.

If you have any questions or feedback your claims, please reach out to AME Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, Jack Middleton at jmiddleton@amebc.ca.

About AME

The Association for Mineral Exploration (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 6,000 members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in BC 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.

AME Contact:

Jack Middleton,
Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
Association for Mineral Exploration
jmiddleton@amebc.ca

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