Handbook for Mineral and Coal Exploration in British Columbia
WORKING DRAFT
(March 2006)
 

The draft Handbook for Mineral and Coal Exploration in British Columbia has been developed over the past two years as a joint effort of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Environment, Association for Mineral Exploration in British Columbia (AME BC—formerly the British Columbia and Yukon Chamber of Mines) and the Mining Association of British Columbia.  It is meant to assist the mineral and coal exploration sectors in planning and implementing their exploration activities with due regard for worker health and safety and environmental protection. 

The handbook is a compilation of recommended management practices that, subject to site-specific assessment and adaptation, can be implemented in the field and complement good planning and execution of the work program, as well as subsequent closure and reclamation activities on an exploration site.

AME BC has produced complementary guides that supplement this handbook.  These guides, available through AME BC, include the following:

• Mineral Exploration, Mining and Aboriginal Community Engagement Guidebook, 2005 (provides advice on establishing and maintaining relations with First Nations communities); and
• Safety Guidelines for Mineral Exploration in Western Canada, 4^th edition, 2005: (outlines a wide range of safety considerations and advice).
   

VIEW ELECTRONIC VERSION OF HANDBOOK (PDF)
(Click HERE to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

A limited number of published and CD-ROM versions of the handbook can be obtained from Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources regional offices or at the AME BC office in Vancouver.

The Handbook for Mineral and Coal Exploration in British Columbia is being released in a draft form for use in the 2006 and 2007 exploration seasons.  Constructive feedback from the exploration sector will assist ongoing improvements to the draft using field expertise and experience.  Your feedback is welcomed at any time and is very much appreciated. 
 

For more information, or to provide written feedback on the use of this handbook, please contact

Bob Cox
Project Manager, Standards and Guidelines
Ecosystem Branch, Ministry of Environment

OR

Graeme McLaren
Executive Regional Director
Mining and Minerals Division, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Last Updated June 02, 2006