New provincial legislation is coming out to update the rules on how extraction will be done in the mining and aggregate industry.
The Aggregate Resources and Mining Modernization Act, introduced by the provincial government on Oct. 6, is aimed at setting new regulations on how these companies will operate in Ontario, will update fees and royalties, and will increase public participation in the entire extraction application process.
The government said the new management rules will improve environmental accountability and increase the oversight in this industry.
In the mining industry, the government said the bill will “enhance” the province’s international competitiveness by allowing claims to be done online and improve how claims are registered via the electronic mining lands administration system.
The province said the online claims registration would make boundaries more precise.
“If passed, the Aggregate Resource and Mining Modernization Act will enable the province to implement a contemporary and efficient system to register mining claims,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines in a statement.
“Aggregate resources are used to build our roads, schools and hospitals and as Ontario makes the largest infrastructure investment in this province’s history there is an ongoing need for this important resource. The proposed bill would create a modern regulatory framework for aggregate resources, and help companies and communities benefit from this important resource as we continue building these vital infrastructure projects,” said Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.
In 2015, Ontario’s mining sector employed 26,000, maintained 50,000 jobs in processing and manufacturing, and produced $10.8 billion in minerals.
For details go online at: www.mndm.gov.on.ca/en/mines-and-minerals/mining-act
