British Columbia, First Nations partner on land use project plan for resource development  

The Province of British Columbia has announced that, in partnership with the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations, land-use planning will begin in the coming weeks in the northwestern corner of BC, engaging with industry to provide greater certainty for investors, First Nations and communities. 

Last week, Premier David Eby outlined the government’s vision for attracting mining investment to the province, particularly in the mineral-rich northwest. 

The vision, Eby emphasized, is to realize an opportunity for tens of billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs throughout the province.  

The plan involves partnering with First Nations to achieve large-scale conservation and strengthen reconciliation envisioned by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), the BC government said in a news release.  

“These are foundations to establishing areas for Indigenous-led conservation for precious land and watersheds in some of the most pristine and rugged wilderness in Canada and for clearly identifying areas where critical minerals may be developed,” the release reads. 

Over the next year, the Province, Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations will undertake expedited, inclusive land-use planning and essential stakeholder and public engagement.  

The project plan  

Land-use planning will be in an area covering about 16 million hectares in the northwestern corner of the province, near the Alaska and Yukon borders.  

The aim is completion of plan development within a year through engagement with and input from communities, First Nations, regional districts, industry, tenure holders, recreation users and conservation organizations through identification of areas for conservation of biodiversity, including wild salmon, caribou, sheep and other sensitive species, and cultural values. 

There will be clear identification of areas open to potential development, including mineral exploration and development, with clear sustainability and environmental safeguards supporting improved permitting efficiency and effectiveness, the provincial government said, adding that existing land-use plans and strategic engagement agreements that clarify requirements for expedited implementation of the northwest vision will be updated.  

There will be a one-year pause on new mining-tenure registrations in just under one-third of the land-use planning area to support the joint planning process, while allowing permitting and exploration for existing projects and mineral claims to take place. 

The plans created through these collaborative processes will define what can occur on the land base, identifying important areas for both Indigenous-led conservation and areas for potential natural resource development to create a wealth of new opportunities for economic development.  

AME response

The Vancouver-based Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) issued a response to the project plan, saying it is encouraged by “earlier than normal” engagement with government in these land use planning processes and a commitment for AME to be at the table with the government, First Nations and other interested groups. 

“AME shares the government’s aspiration for certainty, including establishing clear areas for critical minerals and precious metals exploration and development,” Board Chair Trish Jacques said in the statement. 

“While there are good signs at this early stage – from the accelerated one-year land use planning process, to allowing Notice of Work permitting and existing tenures to continue throughout the planning area – mineral explorers have invested hard work and money in areas that may be considered sensitive,” Jacques said. “AME will continue to advocate to protect mineral exploration and development for the benefit of all British Columbians.”