Abandoned Mines/Mine Hazards

Ontario has a long and proud history of mining, which has been responsible for much of both the economic and the social growth and development of the province. However, historically the focus of the owners of those mines, as well as the legislation itself, has been on removing the mineral commodities from the ground at a profit, and not on the rehabilitation of the mine features once mining had ceased. Although much money was garnered from mining companies and individuals through taxation, none of this was set aside for assuring mine siterehabilitation.

While companies may not have closed out the site in a manner that meets today's standards, some of these lands have already reverted to the Crown. Other privately held lands may become the Crown's responsibility in extreme circumstances such as a business failure or receivership. There are also combinations of circumstances that will prompt the government to address serious or immediate risks on a privately owned site - for example when a company is in receivership and there are emergency situations that may place public health or safety at risk.

General information

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines has participated in the following initiatives:

Abandoned Mines and Hazards Databases and Reports

For information on abandoned mines and mine hazards, please contact

Marc Stewart
705 670-5822
marc.stewart@ontario.ca

Government Programs

Government/Industry Partnerships

For information on the Abandoned Mines Rehabilitation Program, Government/Industry Partnerships and Voluntary Rehabilitation Provisions, please contact:

Chris Hamblin
(705) 670-5806
chris.hamblin@ontario.ca