TORONTO – The Ontario government is introducing a new regulation under the Mining Act that would make it easier to recover residual metals and minerals from mine waste that could be found at operating, closed or abandoned mine sites. This would benefit the province’s mining sector by encouraging innovation through advanced technologies to unlock potential economic value from materials previously viewed as wastes while creating jobs.
“This regulation is the first of its kind in Canada and would provide Ontario’s mining sector with new opportunities by helping position the province as a global leader of responsibly sourced metals and minerals,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “By having a dedicated pathway to the recovery of minerals, our government is fostering innovation, sustainable mining practices and economic growth, while ensuring health, safety and protection of the environment.”
Mining waste consists of tailings, waste rock and other byproducts left over from the extraction of metals like nickel, copper, and gold. That waste may contain small amounts of critical minerals like lithium, platinum and cobalt previously considered uneconomical to recover. Those critical minerals are crucial to technologies such as electric vehicle batteries, smartphones and laptops.
The Recovery of Minerals regulation is among the more than 60 initiatives in the 2024 Red Tape Reduction package. The regulation would provide sufficient flexibility to allow for the reprocessing of mine waste without the need for a full closure plan or mining lease for public land projects, while ensuring health, safety and environmental protection. It would also streamline the applications process for permits, while ensuring health, safety and environmental protection.
“This legislation, part of our Fall 2024 Red Tape Reduction package, demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation and creating opportunities in critical industries like mining,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Red Tape Reduction. “Since 2018, our red tape reduction initiatives have saved over $1 billion and 1.5 million hours annually, helping businesses thrive while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.”
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