Private Property Mineral Exploration

WHEREAS one of the most valued and fundamental rights in our society is the ability for a person to own land and be entitled to the quiet enjoyment of such land; AND WHEREAS the Mineral Tenure Act provides that a free miner may stake a mineral claim on private property which entitles him to prospect, explore, locate, mine and produce minerals, notwithstanding the negative impact which such activities may have on the rights of the private property owner: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities petition the provincial government for changes to the Mineral Tenure Act which would preclude the ability of a miner to stake a claim on private property without the consent of the property owner.