The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals is introducing new fixed permitting timelines for mineral exploration. Factors will include consultation with First Nations, the size and complexity of the proposed project, the extent of ground disturbance and other variables. This will be achieved through a combination of improvements, including clear up-front guidance, systems changes and process transparency, the ministry said. If timelines are not reached, the application will be escalated to the chief permitting officer for a decision within 14 days. “The Association for Mineral Exploration BC has been calling on government to allocate more capacity funding for permitting and the MCCF implementation,” said Todd Stone, president and CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME).