British Columbia Fossils: Legal Status, Legacy Claims & Responsible Collecting

British Columbia is home to remarkable fossil deposits, including important trilobite localities. However, fossil collecting and commercial sales in the province are subject to restrictions intended to protect its palaeontological heritage.

An Exception for Older Mineral Claims

Before January 12, 2005, fossils were included within the definition of minerals under British Columbia's Mineral Tenure Act. When the province changed its regulations in 2005, fossils were excluded from newly acquired mineral rights, but certain existing mineral titles retained their earlier rights.

These older mineral claims are often referred to as grandfathered or legacy claims.

The Collectors Behind Our BC Trilobites

Rocky Mountain Minerals & Fossils works with a dedicated team of fossil enthusiasts who hold claims on several trilobite localities in British Columbia. According to the claim holders, these claims retain pre-2005 fossil rights, allowing them to collect and offer specimens from the relevant localities.

The group's primary motivation is a genuine love of fossils and field collecting. Most of the specimens they recover are kept for their own collections, while selected pieces are offered for sale to help cover the expenses associated with their fieldwork.

Just as importantly, these collectors have welcomed members of the scientific community, local fossil clubs and school groups onto their claims, providing opportunities for research, education and hands-on fossil collecting.

Keith Mychaluk, owner of Rocky Mountain Minerals & Fossils, believes this approach exemplifies responsible fossil collecting: respecting the scientific importance of fossils while encouraging education, community involvement and the enjoyment of palaeontology.

Learn More

For additional information about fossil ownership, collecting regulations and pre-2005 mineral rights, visit the Government of British Columbia's official Fossil Management website.