The Manitoba government is introducing multi-year permitting for mineral exploration projects, in response to industry recommendations to eliminate red tape to help grow and develop this important sector, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.
“Our government recognizes that the annual renewal of work permits adds unnecessary red tape for companies pursuing multi-year exploration activities,” said Eichler. “Our government is proud to advance this valuable recommendation from the industry-led Liaison Committee for Mining and Exploration.”
Work permits for mineral exploration outside of parks will now be valid for up to three years with the option for an additional two-year extension.
“We are pleased that the Manitoba government acknowledged the mining industry in the most recent throne speech and thank them for listening and making the recommended change to multi-year permitting,” said Shastri Ramnath, chair, Manitoba Liaison Committee on Mining and Exploration. “We believe that the only path forward is to have true collaboration between Indigenous communities, government, and industry and that all partners benefit from the province’s mineral endowment.”
As noted in the Path to Progressing Together throne speech, northern Manitoba is home to an abundance of mineral resources, and the province remains committed to Crown-Indigenous consultation, collaboration and working in partnership with First Nation communities to advance mineral exploration projects and increase Indigenous participation in all phases of mineral development within their traditional territories. Together, we will strengthen efforts to make Manitoba more attractive for investment and create opportunities that will benefit First Nations, northern communities and all Manitobans.
“These regulatory changes mark a turning point toward improving mineral exploration and development in our province,” said Eichler, noting that the mining and petroleum industries are already the third largest primary resource industry of Manitoba’s economy. “This improvement will ensure that industry and northern and First Nation communities are engaging early on proposed longer term projects which will assist in the planning and information sharing process. It will better align with and support the Crown-Indigenous consultation process, all of which will better prepare communities and industry to deliver economic benefits, especially in northern Manitoba, through good-paying sector jobs and enhanced business opportunities and partnerships. Working with Indigenous communities is essential as we all achieve more when working together.” For more information, including the Manitoba Liaison Committee on Mining and Exploration’s Report of Recommendations, please visit www.gov.mb.ca/iem/