A new Indigenous consultation process for mineral exploration in British Columbia could spell the end of its mining sector. If fully realized, Premier David Eby and the B.C. NDP would effectively shut down prospecting and early-stage mining exploration, killing investment needed to keep B.C. a leader in mining and metals production.

The province is bringing in a new mineral staking system, without making any legislative or regulatory changes, on March 26. Mineral staking is the first step to setting up a mine: miners are automatically granted exclusive rights to explore and develop an area of land in B.C. by staking out a claim to it and registering that claim with the government.