The B.C. government has achieved an 84% reduction in the 2011 mining permit backlog, two months before the target completion date set out in the BC Jobs Plan.
In September 2011, the government identified the backlog of Notices of Work, along with Land Act authorizations and Water Act authorizations, as bottlenecks in the current review process for natural resource development activities.
The 229 Notice of Work applications that were backlogged as of September 2011 have been reduced to 37 applications – exceeding the province’s goal of 46 applications.
In a release, the province said, “The government committed to reducing the time it takes for businesses to get decisions on their applications, while upholding its high environmental standards and requirement for First Nations consultation.
“Now that the reduction target is met, the government will focus on reducing the average turnaround time for a decision to 60 days for Notices of Work.”
Currently it is 85 days, down from 110 days in 2011.
“Mineral explorers appreciate the ongoing commitment of the B.C. government to reduce the backlog of Notices of Work permits,” said Gavin Dirom, president and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC.
“Our members look forward to a further reduction in the permitting turnaround time, which will enhance B.C.’s reputation as a destination for more investment in mineral exploration and development.”
