Victoria, B.C., Canada – March 4, 2025
B.C. Budget 2025 as introduced in the legislature today maintains B.C.’s supportive existing fiscal framework for mineral exploration, but does not provide additional resourcing to support permitting and consultation with Indigenous Nations.
The announcement of the continued extension of the New Mine Allowance to December 31, 2030 represents financial certainty as advanced mineral exploration projects become operational mines. AME is pleased to see the inclusion of developing our “critical minerals needed for the clean-energy future” as a key Budget 2025 item.
While the ministry services plan allocates $800,000 more in 2025/26 to the Responsible Mining and Competitiveness Division, which includes permitting and mineral titles, this represents underfunding of a critical aspect of getting AME members to work.
The budget shows a $9.1 billion deficit estimated in 2024/25 and growing to $10.9 billion in 2025/26. The outlook is based on challenges that will be faced now that the U.S. has implemented tariffs on Canadian goods. In response to these tariffs, the provincial government has emphasized the need to develop our natural resources.
AME Contact:
Candice Appleby
Director, Communications & Strategic Projects
Association for Mineral Exploration
604.354.5877
[email protected]