The Association for Mineral Exploration is raising significant concerns as the Government of BC misses the one-year deadline on the Northwest Land Use Plan and decision to use Environmental Land Use Act orders.

Speaking about the issue AME President and CEO, Todd Stone said “With over 7 per cent of the province covered in ELUA orders that impact different phases of exploration, our members are tired of waking up and wondering whether government is going to shut them down. The Province’s continued use of ELUA orders to shut off mineral exploration without consultation or engagement through an Order in Council (OIC) is simply draconian. This flies in the face of investment certainty from a government that has big goals around finding and developing mines in our province.”

The Northwest land use plan, announced on June 3, 2025, was meant to take one year of engagement with industry to complete. It quickly drifted off track and has now been extended to late Winter 2026.

Section 7 of the ELUA order allows the governor in council sweeping abilities to protect land without compensation for impacted interest holders. They have been used in other regions of BC specifically to target mineral explorers with the goal of shutting down mineral exploration activity. Eight mineral exploration-relevant ELUAs passed by Order in Council (OIC) are in force. Approximately 7 million hectares of land are subject to some form of mineral exploration restriction under ELUA. This equals 7.33% of the province. 89 claimholders are affected, with over 799 mineral tenures overlapped across BC.

About AME
The Association for Mineral Exploration 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:
Stephanie Marshall-White
604.404.1031
media@amebc.ca