Episode Notes In this episode of Beneath the Surface, we sit down with Nikki Skuce, Director of the Northern Confluence Initiative and co-chair of BC Mining Law Reform, to dive deep into the reform process for British Columbia’s Mineral Tenure Act (MTA). Nikki brings to light the historical context of the MTA, its longstanding impact on Indigenous rights and land use, and why comprehensive reform is not just necessary but urgent. Listeners will also hear about the active role of the BC...

Episode Notes This episode features an interview with Simon Wiebe, a former mineral exploration geologist and Mining Policy and Impacts Researcher with Wildsight. Wildsight recently commissioned a groundbreaking report shedding light on the staggering costs associated with reversing selenium pollution, estimated at $6.4 billion dollars. Simon unpacks the report's findings and discusses their implications. We kick off the conversation by exploring Wildsight's mission and what drove them to...

Episode Notes We sit down with Francesca Fionda, a reporter from The Narwhal, to discuss the recent investigation she led into BC's mining reclamation funding. Our discussion focuses on the significant shortfall in the funds set aside for reclamation—sometimes referred to as the Reclamation Liability Gap. We also chat about the collaborative nature of the investigation (it was the result of a joint effort by The Narwhal and The Globe and Mail), about the data that were used to tell the story,...

Episode Notes This episode of Beneath the Surface features an interview with journalist and author Christopher Pollon. We navigate the complex terrain of mining in British Columbia through the lens of his provocative book, "Pitfall: The Race to Mine the World’s Most Vulnerable Places." "Pitfall" explores the role of mining in our past, present, and future, highlighting how the industry is venturing into ever-more remote and sensitive areas in search of metals. Christopher's personal...

Episode Notes This episode of Beneath the Surface features an interview with Gavin Smith, a staff lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law. The interview delve into the legal efforts aimed at reforming mineral tenure laws in British Columbia. Gavin unpacks the historical context of mineral claims and their impact on Indigenous lands and rights. The majority of the discussion focuses on the landmark case of Gitxaała v British Columbia, which resulted in a significant legal victory mandating...

Episode Notes The inaugural episode of Beneath the Surface features a discussion with BCMLR co-chairs Nikki Skuce and Jamie Kneen. We chat about the reasons for the creation of BCMLR, the gaps that currently exist in BC's mining laws, and strategy and vision for reforming these laws. Nikki Skuce is the Director of the Northern Confluence Initiative. Jamie Kneen is the Outreach Coordinator and Canada Program Lead at Mining Watch Canada. Learn more about BCMLR (and join our network) here:...