Mineral Exploration

S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 11 T h e N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e Permitting Project (NRPP) is a modern, citizen-centred approach to improving the way business is done in the natural resource sector in British Columbia. The project will provide citizens and businesses with the ability to apply online for the authorizations they need (licences, permits and tenures) to do activities on the land base. Through the new Natural Resource Sector Online Services, the provincial government is bringing together rel- evant information, tools, technology and streamlined processes to help citizens and businesses apply for and get the timely decisions on authorizations they need. This new online service delivery plat- form will provide three key features to improve how mineral explorers and min- ers do business with the Province: Better customer service By using the new Natural Resource Sector Online Services, miners will get better access to information to complete online applications. Initially, the tool will provide pre-application information and services – spatial (map) data, clear appli- cation requirements and guidance – all in one online location. Miners looking to expand an operation can use the Natural Resource Sector Online Services to view existing rights in their area of interest that could limit certain activity. Better process for Notice of Work authorizations This year the Natural Resource Sector Online Services will support Notice of Work authorizations. Miners will be able to upload and manage digital docu- ments, and manage one account for ser- vices including financial requirements and communications. To make sure the Natural Resource Sector Online Services delivers the best possible tool, NRPP is involving industry stakeholders in user testing over the summer of 2016. Time-saving registration As part of the Notice of Work authoriza- tions process, miners will be able to register once and then use their single client iden- tifier for future interactions with the Province's natural resource sector. This will streamline the registration process and result in better-quality applications. Why this matters The Natural Resource Permitting Project is part of the provincial govern- ment's commitment to reduce red tape and make it easier and faster for British Columbians to access services. Through NRPP, the Province is making a sig- nificant investment in balancing future economic development with resource stewardship in British Columbia. To learn more Visit bit.ly/1T4XEOA and watch the three- minute NRPP Overview video. Wilf Bangert is assistant deputy minister, NRS Transformation and NRPP – Natural Resource Sector Transformation Secretariat with the Government of British Columbia. A new way of doing business THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT'S NATURAL RESOURCE PERMITTING PROJECT IS STREAMLINING THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR EXPLORERS AND MINERS BY WILF BANGERT The Natural Resource Permitting Project is part of the provincial government's commitment to reduce red tape and make it easier and faster for British Columbians to access services.

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