The B.C. government has opted to extend a moratorium on new mineral claims across large areas of the north of the province amid ongoing land-use discussions and negotiations with First Nations.
The temporary suspension applies to new mineral and placer claims across northwestern and north-central B.C. stretching from the interior toward the Alaska border, and will stay in effect until Jan. 31 of next year instead of expiring on June 3 as previously planned.
“The orders under the Environment and Land Use Act scheduled to expire on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, are being extended to provide sufficient time to complete the work with the Tahltan First Nation, Taku River Tlingit First Nation and Kaska First Nations, including more meaningful engagement with industry, local governments and other interested parties,” B.C.’s Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals stated….