FMC's Brian Abraham presents a historical overview of mining in British Columbia, as well as relevant legislation, and covers topics related to mineral titles online.

1. International Mining Congress
Presented by:
Brian Abraham
October 29, 2009
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2. Historical Overview
• Spanish explorers late 1600s, early 1700s
• English explorers mid 1700s
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3. Map of Canada
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4. Map of British Columbia
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5. Map of Gulf Islands
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6. Historical Overview
• August 1858 colony of British Columbia formed
• 1871 British Columbia joins the Dominion of Canada
• Crown Grants
• Mineral Crown Grants
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7. Historical Overview
• 1860 Mining Act
• 1888 an Act to encourage coal mining
• 1970s Canada goes metric
• Units of 500 metres x 500 metres or 25 hectares
• Assessment work ‐ $4.00 per hectare in first three years, $8.00
per hectare thereafter
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8. Historical Overview
• Distinction between placer minerals and lode minerals
• Mineral Tenure Act
• Coal Act
• Petroleum and Natural Gas Act
• Grid system
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9. Historical Overview
• Map Staking System – MTO – Mineral Titles On Line
• Free Miners Certificate
• January 12, 2005 – MTO goes live
• Grid system
– 49th parallel – 21.19 hectares
– 60th parallel – 16.19 hectares
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10. Historical Overview
• Staking from electronic terminals
• Mining lease requirements
• Database for mineral deposits
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11. Mineral Titles Online
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12. Mineral Titles Online
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13. Mineral Titles Online
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14. Mineral Titles Online
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15. Statue and Implementation
• Chief Gold Commissioner
• Mediation and Arbitration Board
• January 2002 announcement of MTO to be adopted
• Consultation with industry
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16. MTO
• Mineral Tenure Advisory Group
• Map selection not unique to British Columbia
• Process to acquire mineral tenures
• A claim may consist of up to 25 cells
• January 12, 2005 MTO becomes effective
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17. National Instrument 43‐101
• Response to frauds in mining
• Review and update currently underway
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18. Brian E. Abraham
brian.abraham@fmc‐law.com
+1 604 443 7134
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