B.C. Introduces Bill 6 To Align The Province's Mining Sector With Global Best Practices

On June 22, 2020, the Government of British Columbia introduced Bill 6 – 2020: Mines Amendment Act, 2020 (Bill 6) in the Legislative Assembly. The proposed amendments will restructure the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources by establishing a new Mine Audits and Effectiveness Unit to be led by a Chief Auditor as well as the creation of a Chief Permitting Officer. The intention of the proposed restructuring is to separate regulatory accountabilities, establish an auditing function for the Ministry and strengthen compliance and enforcement. The government also suggests that the proposed amendments will produce a more efficient and timely permitting decision-making process. Overall, the changes contemplated in Bill 6 will align B.C.'s mining regulatory framework with global best practices. While there will be new risks for mining companies associated with these changes, they reflect B.C.'s commitment to position itself as a global leader in responsible mine