Vancouver, BC — March 30, 2026 — In fall 2025, AME flagged a potential Land Use Plan in the ‘Namgis First Nations area that affected 67 mineral claims in the Northern Vancouver Island region. On November 25, 2025, we sent a letter to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) requesting that the government not proceed with creating a No-Registration Reserve and a consent-based staking framework in the area. Instead, we recommended that claims be allowed to continue and that new claims be evaluated under the Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF). Read our letter here: Gwa’ni LUPP
In March 2026, we received a reply from the Minister of WLRS, Randene Neill. This letter acknowledged our recommendations and confirmed that no additional limitations for mineral exploration will be created for this area. See paragraph screenshot from the letter:
The letter concludes by saying that “Mining and mineral exploration remain a top priority for this government.”
Thank you to everyone who engaged with AME on this file to strengthen our advocacy.
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.