First Nations in BC are proactively working towards re-establishing sovereignty over their territories in British Columbia, by introducing and exercising their own law-making authority to regulate and monitor mining on their own lands.
News
New report shows B.C. can lead on EV battery recycling
A new report from the Pembina Institute and BCMLR partner, Northern Confluence Initiative, demonstrates that B.C.’s role as an early adopter of electric vehicles (EVs) creates a significant economic and environmental opportunity: to secure a regional leadership role in recycling metals and minerals from EV batteries at end-of-life.
B.C. Fails to Meet Indigenous Consent Standard for Mining — 8 Recent Cases
In a new backgrounder report, MiningWatch Canada and the BC Mining Law Reform network conclude that British Columbia fails to meet the Indigenous consent standard for mining, even two years after the passing of the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).
First Nation’s Legal Action Challenges B.C.’s Colonial Mining Law – Groups Urge Reform
Local, regional and national groups support Gitxaala Nation’s legal action against the B.C. government. Earlier today, the Gitxaała First Nation filed a first-of-its kind legal challenge in the British Columbia Supreme Court against the province’s “free entry” mineral claim staking regime.
Busting the Industry and British Columbia’s ‘Sustainable’ Mining Myths – Backgrounder
On September 13th, the Mining Association of Canada presented its ‘Towards Sustainable Mining’ (TSM) standard at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. MiningWatch Canada and the BC Mining Law Reform (BCMLR) network released this backgrounder on these voluntary standards, which the B.C. government often refer to even as it ignores pressure from the public and First Nations to improve its legal and regulatory controls on mining…
Mount Polley Mine Loses at Environmental Appeal Board
MiningWatch Canada is relieved that the BC Environmental Appeal Board (EAB) has dismissed Imperial Metals’ Mount Polley Mine appeal of its $9,000 fine for violating environmental permit requirements. The mining watchdog urges the BC government to beef up its environmental sanctions and stop ongoing water pollution in Quesnel Lake.
We’re Hiring! Communications Coordinator Opportunity
Do you want to be an integral part of a dynamic and creative network working for environmental and social justice in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and mining-affected communities in British Columbia?
Revealed: The Dirty Secrets Behind B.C.’s Claim to Be a World-Class Mining Jurisdiction – New Report
British Columbia’s aim to become a choice supplier of metals and minerals needed to build a greener global economy will fail unless laws are changed, according to a new report released today. Legal reform and better enforcement are needed to force B.C. mining companies to live up to the claim that they are world leaders in social and environmental responsibility.
Dilution is Not the Solution – Mining Pollution, Compliance and Recognizing Indigenous Laws to Protect Watersheds
Join the Webinar on May 12th 2021 | Noon (Vancouver/Seattle) | 3pm (Toronto/NewYork) | Featuring: Tŝilhqot’in Nation’s legal challenge against Gibraltar Mine (Taseko Mines) and Nadleh Whut’en & Stellat’en First Nations’ successful efforts at Endako Mine (Centerra Gold / Thompson Creek Metals)
New Map Shows Dozens of Mine Pollution Threats in B.C.
Today, SkeenaWild and the BC Mining Law Reform network released new maps pointing to over a hundred known and potentially contaminated mine waste sites that threaten to pollute waters, fish habitat and communities across the province.