Environment & Sustaianbility

Mineral exploration and development have minimal environmental impact and are highly regulated in British Columbia. Over the past 50 years, AME members have collaborated with governments and other user groups to ensure low-impact exploration across various landscapes while respecting the physical environment.

Introduction

All mineral exploration work programs are subject to posting of reclamation security with the province that is returned following successful restoration of a site to its former condition. In recognition of the low impact of mineral exploration programs on the physical environment, mineral exploration projects are allowed to divert water for mineral exploration activities without a permit in most cases under the Water Sustainability Act.

AME actively works with the provincial government to ensure that legislation regarding the environment recognizes the low impact of mineral exploration on the physical environment – resulting in resources such as the Mineral and Coal Exploration Handbook and legislation including regulations to the Water Sustainability Act that specifically address water use in mineral exploration.

Guiding Principles

The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME) recognizes that for present and future generations environmental stewardship is a fundamental cornerstone of a safe, modern, and sustainable mineral exploration and mining sector.