Vancouver, B.C. – June 19, 2025 – Details about a new land use planning process for parts of Tŝilhqot’in territory in British Columbia have been released by the Province of British Columbia. The plan includes the announcement of land use planning around Taseko Lake, declared by the Tŝilhqot’in Nation as Dasiqox Nexwagwezʔan, and is set to begin next year.
AME understands that the decision to launch this new process happened without engagement or consultation with many of the companies who have mineral exploration projects or properties in the proposed area.
Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Board Chair Trish Jacques said: “AME is concerned on behalf of our members in the region and across the province due to the continued erosion of certainty for mineral exploration activities. For the mineral exploration sector to be successful, investment in mineral exploration projects is required. It is unreasonable for the government to expect investment in the mineral exploration sector without ensuring certainty of land access, which is the foundational requirement to support the search for the critical minerals societies need.”
The details have been released following a June 5 announcement that included the land use planning process as part of an agreement regarding the proposed New Prosperity mine between Taseko Mines and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. This announcement came on the heels of land use planning processes for B.C.’s Northwest, which were announced on June 3.
“With the one-year Northwest land use planning processes underway, and now this additional newly announced land use planning process, we ask the government to publicly commit to not releasing any new land use plans. The mineral exploration industry is under threat from the continual and increasing uncertainty of access on the public land base. The government must focus on getting the Northwest processes right in its one-year timeline, and efforts outside of this are distracting. Government must include land users of all kinds, including mineral explorers, at a much earlier stage. The mineral exploration industry needs stable regulatory processes and certainty, so that investment into obtaining and maintaining claims on Crown land is protected, and there is no risk that tenure will be taken away.”
Land use planning in Tŝilhqot’in territory is expected to start in 2026 and start a four-step process. New documents providing detail have been added to the provincial government’s website here.
AME has been engaging with its members about the impacts of proposed land use planning on their properties and mineral exploration projects and will work with the government to attempt to mitigate negative impacts.
AME’s door is open to members, government, Indigenous nations and other land users to discuss ways to ensure clear, fair and transparent land use planning.
Map of the Dasiqox Nexwagwezʔan Area
About AME
The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) 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:
Richard Truman
604.404.1031
[email protected]