Province announces the "Council on Mineral Exploration and Mining"

“The First Nations Leadership Council has highlighted the need to implement the FN-BC New Relationship in the mining sector in order to recognise the importance of building ties between B.C.’s First Nations and the mining industry.” - Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit

The provincial government has publicly rolled out the Council on Mineral Exploration and Mining. According to a government news release, the Council is expected to:

• build relationships between government, First Nations and industry
• identify key challenges and opportunities for communities, industry, First Nations and the Province
• identify conditions necessary for the long-term success of mineral exploration and mining
• provide input and make recommendations for a revised mining sector strategy
• develop a work plan which reflects government, First Nations and industry priorities for the fiscal year
• produce a newsletter to report on progress made by the council

Members include:

• Province of BC
• First Nations Leadership Council
• Aggregate Producers Association of BC
• Coal Association of Canada
• Mining Association of BC
• Association for Mineral Exploration BC
• Other industry leaders