About Mines Act fees

By Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett

1. Currently, no fees are charged for permits granted under the Mines Act, despite fees charged to the forest, oil and gas, transportation and tourism industries. Mining is growing in B.C. with record amounts being invested in exploration, new mines and expansions to existing mines.

2. Since 2011, we’ve lowered the turnaround time for a Notice of Work from 110 days to 55 days. This required extra resources and the Ministry of Finance asked the Mines Ministry to start contributing to the cost through fees.

3. One round of consultation with the industry based on a set of proposed fees is now complete and the ministry is starting a second round. An early decision: fees will not be charged to the grass roots level of mineral or placer exploration. Other final decisions about the rest of the exploration and operating mines will be made after this next round of consultations with the industry.

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