Ontario, the largest mineral producer in Canada, is modernizing its Mining Act. These six postings are from a provincial policy document – titled “Modernizing Ontario’s Mining Act – Finding A Balance” produced by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Elements of the Review
The government believes five critical policy issues must be addressed in this review of Ontario’s Mining Act:
1. Mineral tenure system and security of investment
Potential adjustments to the mineral tenure system, including free entry, to assure investment security while taking into account other interests, including Aboriginal community concerns and private landowners’ issues.
2. Aboriginal rights and interests related to mining development
Potential approaches to consultation and accommodation related to the broad range of mineral sector activities as they affect Aboriginal and treaty rights.
3. Regulatory processes for exploration activities on Crown Land
Potential approaches to regulating exploration activities, including consultation and accommodation with Aboriginal communities.
4. Land use planning in Ontario’s Far North
Potential approaches to the requirement that new mines in the Far North would need community land use plans supported by local First Nations.
5. Private rights and interests relating to mining development (mineral rights/surface rights issues)
Potential approaches to address mineral rights and surface rights issues.