Prospector Podcast – Todd Stone on BC Mining Boom: $750M Spent, Permitting Fixes & DRIPA Challenges
Join Michael Fox as he interviews Todd Stone, President and CEO of the Association of Mineral Exploration of British Columbia (AME), representing 6,500 members driving Canada’s vital mineral exploration industry. Stone shares his full-circle career journey—from tech founder and BC MLA (including Minister of Transportation) back to mining advocacy after 2024—while diving into BC’s mining boom, with $750M spent on exploration in 2025 amid challenges like lengthy permitting (now targeting 40-140 days), claim filing delays causing claim jumping fears, restricted land access (47% off-limits), and DRIPA-related First Nations hurdles. Discover policy fixes, government commitments like $3M for mining capacity, and why junior miners need support to unlock critical minerals for Canada’s future. We finish up with optimistic takes on Roundup conference success and BC’s path forward!
