Amendments announced for Ontario’s Mining Act

In an attempt to eliminate red tape and attract investment in Ontario’s mining sector, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines has revised the province’s Mining Act.

The revisions, which the government says will create a “healthy business environment,” affect five parts of the Act.

* The definition of “minerals” has been changed to include precious minerals, ensuring that such commodities as diamonds are covered by a mining claim. The amendment reflects the growing interest in diamond exploration in Ontario.

* Placer mining claims will be eliminated in favor of a single mining claim for both surface and underground mineral rights. Under the old system, a single party filed one claim for surface or placer rights and another for underground claims. The change is expected to reduce the expenses associated with filing claims.

* Ontario’s director of mine rehabilitation will be authorized to allow alternatives to outlined methods of mine rehabilitation on condition that such an alternative meets or exceeds environmental standards. This revision is designed to encourage the use of innovative and less costly technologies in the rehabilitation of mines.

* In addition, the province’s lieutenant-governor will be authorized to make regulations that are time- and site-specific. Such regulations could consist of environmental guidelines for mineral staking in certain areas of the province.

* Mining fees, which are currently prescribed in regulations, will now be determined by the minister of mines.