Vancouver, B.C. — December 1, 2025 — New Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) research is highlighting a need for the Government of British Columbia to clarify criteria for defining areas for protection under its 30×30 initiative, which aims to protect 30 per cent of land in B.C. by 2030.
A new AME policy paper includes research highlighting that up to 47 per cent of land in British Columbia is already covered by conservation measures and parks – far beyond the 30×30 target. AME recommends looking at these existing measures prior to creating new ones that may impact mineral exploration and many other activities.
Commenting on the issue, AME President and CEO Todd Stone said: “AME is happy to see the provincial government’s focus on mineral exploration and mining. We’re accomplishing a lot together and we share the Premier’s vision for prosperity in our sector. Unfortunately, there are many initiatives underway that could hold back this opportunity. One of those barriers appears to be the government’s 30×30 plan which, if implemented incorrectly, could add 10 per cent new conservation areas to a province that is already up to 47 per cent conserved. There’s nothing more important to our members than access to land and they need to explore a lot of land to find the mines of tomorrow. We need to see policy from this government that supports that need and doesn’t restrict it.”
Despite pausing a process to define areas classified for protection in 2021, the B.C. government has continued to introduce new conservation measures. Many areas being considered for future protection include existing mineral exploration projects and mineral tenures – meaning that low-impact work to explore land and understand an area’s geology could be restricted.
AME is calling on the government of British Columbia to ensure all policies help enable our economic future, including on the 30×30 plan. Clarity and transparency are required to move forward on these issues.
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
Senior Director, External Affairs
Association for Mineral Exploration
604-404-1031
[email protected]