Mineral explorers welcome federal commitment to streamline review process

Association for Mineral Exploration BC | April 17, 2012 | 10:58 pm Canada 

Vancouver, BC – April 17, 2012 – The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) today welcomed Natural Resources Canada Minister Joe Oliver’s announcement of its plan for Responsible Resource Development.

“Today’s announcement is a welcome signal from the federal government that it is committed to move toward a one-project, one-review process that should create more certainty for companies, investors, stakeholders and Aboriginal communities,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME BC.

The federal budget committed $165 million over two years for the Responsible Resource Development program, which among its proposed key measures includes:

  • 45 day timeline for decisions on whether or not an environmental assessment is needed;
  • 365 day timeline for standard environmental assessments;
  • authority to allow provincial environmental assessments that meet federal standards to replace federal reviews; eliminating duplication between two orders of government; and
  • better integration of aboriginal consultations into the environmental assessment and regulatory processes

“We are pleased that the federal government has developed a reasonable and workable plan to reduce duplication in the environmental review process while maintaining the high environmental standards that Canadians expect and enjoy,” emphasized Dirom. “For everyone’s benefit, we look forward to the implementation of the Responsible Resource Development initiative so that Canada’s mineral resources can be explored for and developed responsibly and efficiently.”

About AME BC:
AME BC is the predominant voice of mineral exploration and development in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME BC represents over 4,800 members including geoscientists, prospectors, engineers, entrepreneurs, exploration companies, suppliers, mineral producers and associations who are engaged in mineral exploration and mine development in BC and throughout the world.

–end–

For further information contact Jonathan Buchanan at 604.630.3923 or [email protected].

Mining.com Recommends

More News