Sunday, August 3, 2025

Latest

BC Supreme Court Declares Province’s Mining Permit System Unconstitutional, Calls for Indigenous Inclusion

The BC Supreme Court in a pivotal ruling has declared the province’s mining permit system unconstitutional. The current system, which automatically issues mineral claims to applicants from the industry through a government website, was found to infringe upon First Nations rights.

“Establishing an online system allowing automatic registration of mineral claims in their territories, without creating a system for consultation, breaches the obligations of the Crown,” wrote Justice Alan Ross, ordering a revamp of the system to include consultation with Indigenous communities where the mining permits are being allocated.

“The fault in the system lies, not in the granting of individual mineral claims, but in the higher-level decision making relating to the [Chief Gold Commissioner]’s discretion to consult with First Nations,” he explained. Ross gave the government a year and a half to overhaul its current system, emphasizing that his ruling doesn’t impact any existing approved mines.

This ruling is being hailed as a monumental victory by the Gitxaała Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation, the communities who brought the case forward. They stress the necessity for the provincial government to consult Indigenous nations before granting mineral claims in their territories, citing the ruling as a stepping stone towards eliminating the practice of undermining their rights without consultation or consent.

However, there’s a mixed response to the court not annulling the existing mining permits on challenged lands, highlighting concerns over continued exploitation without the consent of the Indigenous nations.

Interestingly, representatives from the mining industry have welcomed the ruling, valuing the 18-month extension granted to the current system and existing permits. They view this period as a phase of “clarity and predictability” for the industry and a chance for the much-needed modernization of the province’s Mineral Tenure Act.

Information for this briefing was found via CBC News and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

San Dimas: First Majestic Silver’s Sleeper Asset

New Gold Q2 Earnings: Record Free Cash Flow

STLLR Gold: The Tower Gold PEA

Recommended

Tsunami Warnings Spread As Largest Quake Since 2011 Hits Russia

Northern Superior Intersects 1.75 g/t Gold Over 65.0 Metres At Philibert

Related News

Teck Resources is Still Assessing Offers From Potential Buyers Amid Hostile Takeover Bid From Glencore

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX: TECK.B) is still actively evaluating various offers for its steelmaking coal...

Monday, July 31, 2023, 02:56:00 PM

Biden Wants To Change The Mining Law So Firms Would Pay 4%-8% Royalty On Minerals Extracted On US Lands

The Biden administration is advocating for substantial changes to a century-old mining law, dating back...

Thursday, September 14, 2023, 10:26:50 AM

Canada Invests $60 Million in Critical Minerals for Northern British Columbia and Yukon

Canada is injecting fresh funds to the development of critical minerals in the northern regions...

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 02:23:09 PM

Lumber In Slumber: More Sawmills To Close As Prices Poised To Hit 5-Year Low

Chicago lumber futures hit a two-year low of below $350 per thousand board feet, erasing...

Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 03:16:00 PM

US Turns To Canadian Miners As It Moves Away From China

Geopolitical tensions between the United States and China has the former reconsidering its trade relations...

Monday, November 14, 2022, 03:07:00 PM