About The Guidelines

Introduction

Indigenous communities in Manitoba have existing Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and are keenly focused on ongoing stewardship over ancestral lands. Accordingly, Indigenous communities have an interest that mineral exploration activities are conducted in a sustainable manner that minimizes the environmental impact.

Early exploration, including such activities as Prospecting, Line Cutting and Diamond Drilling is an important component of the mining industry. Most Early Mineral Exploration projects will not lead to a mine being developed but can still create significant economic benefits.

According to Natural Resources Canada, in 2022, exploration expenditures in Manitoba increased to a record $190.6M (million), comprising 4.3 per cent of the national expenditures total and representing a 92 per cent increase from 2021 and a 209 per cent increase from 2020. Of that investment, $160.5M was spent on exploration activities (up from $76.6M in 2021) and $30.1M was spent on deposit appraisals (up from $22.6M in 2021). Manitoba’s 2023 exploration and deposit appraisal spending intentions projected initially at $163.8M have been revised to $197.8M, representing 4.6 per cent of the national expenditure total.

Early exploration is the initial search for minerals, which frequently does not but could eventually lead to a commercial mining operation.

Mineral exploration activities that DO NOT require a Manitoba Mineral Exploration Work Permit include some geophysics work, aerial surveys, and Prospecting on Crown Land using hand tools only and certain activities that do not create an accumulation of slash or debris and/or surface disturbance.

A Manitoba Mineral Exploration Work Permit is required for exploration activities where a surface disturbance may be generated. See Work Permits on Crown Land for more information.

A Timber Permit is also often required for any activities that result in damage to timber.

Early engagement with Indigenous, First Nation and Métis communities is critical for a successful exploration project, regardless of the level of mineral exploration activity, when exploration is occurring within a traditional territory. Early engagement fosters good relationships, co-operation and understanding.

Projects that progress from early exploration to advanced exploration triggers additional regulatory requirements. Field activities are subject to the regulatory oversight of various Acts & Regulations. Some activities, for example, Line Cutting or timber clearing for trail access on traditional hunting grounds, also trigger government’s duty to consult with First Nations, Indigenous and Métis communities as these activities have potential to infringe upon or adversely affect the exercise of an aboriginal right or treaty right of an Aboriginal community.

The Guidelines for Early Mineral Exploration in Manitoba focuses and outlines activities related to Early Mineral Exploration only, as every project starts at this stage and few move to advanced exploration or mine development. This guide is designed to direct all early exploration in Manitoba towards Best Management Practices (BMP) and is intended to provide technical guidelines for prospectors and companies conducting Early Mineral Exploration activities. This document also serves as a reference tool for communities and regulatory bodies evaluating mineral exploration projects in Manitoba.

The Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. (MAMI), with assistance from Manitoba’s Department of Economic Development, Investment and Trade, and Natural Resources (EDITNR), have developed the Guidelines for Early Mineral Exploration in Manitoba as a dynamic tool that can be updated depending on changes in regulations, Indigenous knowledge, and enhancements to proven BMPs in mineral exploration. This document may be further enhanced with additional input.

Dynamic Guidelines

The Guidelines for Early Mineral Exploration in Manitoba aim to provide proponents with practical guidance on how to meet resource protection requirements and sustainable exploration project outcomes. Proponents are encouraged to tailor these recommended practices to site specific conditions.

These guidelines are intended to be an evergreen document, with ongoing review planned to assess how the Best Management Practices (BMPs) contained within are being used by the mineral exploration sector. The guidelines need to be adaptable in nature because of adapting and changing policies, technology change within industry, legislative changes, market conditions, feedback by Indigenous communities. Results of these ongoing reviews will serve as inputs to future modification and improvement of this document and the practices it contains. Newly emerging techniques, materials and equipment may better enable Early Mineral Exploration companies to meet regulatory requirements and enhance sustainable outcomes for Early Mineral Exploration.