B.C.'s mining industry will forever be at risk without a bottom-line approach to reaching agreements with First Nations regarding new mines, experts said today.
"We are here today to tell the industry and government that there is a constructive way forward that will bring lasting benefits to First Nations and the mining industry," said Dave Porter, CEO of the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council.
Porter said a new approach to reaching agreements would be a step-by-step process with First Nations that analyzes the impact and benefits of a project prior to its start.
Porter pointed to a new report released by the Walter Duncan and Gordon Foundation that serves as a toolkit to help First Nations groups negotiate deals with mining companies.
"While it focuses on the mining sector, it could also apply to other resource industries such as the energy and forest sectors," said Ginger Gibson, the report's co-author.
B.C.'s mining companies and First Nations have a long history of disagreements over projects.
Northeast B.C.'s West Moberly Band won a legal battle this week against the province and First Coal Corp. after a judge ruled the band hadn't been properly consulted on a proposed coalmine.
B.C. has not had a major new mine built since the 1990s.