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Vancouver, B.C. – October 20, 2025
The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) has submitted an Interest Statement to the B.C. government about land use planning processes in the Northwest (Kaska Dene, Meziadin, Tahltan and Taku River).
The statement is based on input from AME members and mineral tenure holders in the region. It highlights that, if done right, land use planning processes in the Northwest can unlock investment and prosperity while supporting conservation goals. It includes practical values and principles that must be included to ensure successful future mineral exploration in the Northwest is a competitive advantage.
What This is About and What to Expect
In June, the B.C. government announced four 12-month land use planning processes with Indigenous Nations in the Northwest. You can see AME’s initial response here.
At the time, AME Board Chair Trish Jacques said:
“AME shares the government’s aspiration for certainty, including establishing clear areas for critical minerals and precious metals exploration and development. 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. AME will continue to advocate to protect mineral exploration and development for the benefit of all British Columbians.”
Since June, AME has been listening to members through town halls, individual meetings and other methods to ensure our approach and response accurately represents member and tenure holder needs.
The Interest Statement is AME’s technical submission, and we expect government to issue a draft plan for further feedback in December. AME will continue to provide regular updates to members, and you can keep up to date on government information for each of the four planning processes here:
- Kaska Dene: https://www.planninginpartnership.ca/p/666b568a6b56900039b8f585/project-details
- Meziadin: https://www.planninginpartnership.ca/p/666765246b56900039b8e007/project-details
- Tahltan: https://www.planninginpartnership.ca/p/60ae88e7636b3e002209775a/project-details
- Taku River Tlingit: https://www.planninginpartnership.ca/p/66677e6d6b56900039b8e264/commenting