News Release
Modernizing Ontario’s Mining Sector
October 21, 2009
McGuinty Government Takes The Next Step In Improving Ontario’s Mining Act
NEWS
Ontario’s mining sector became more competitive and responsive with the passage of ground-breaking legislation today — benefiting mining companies, First Nations, local communities and Ontario’s economy.
The Act to amend the Mining Act (Bill 173) includes a number of progressive provisions, which will make Ontario a national leader in mineral resource stewardship, including:
- Incorporating aboriginal consultation in mining legislation and regulations
- Introducing a dispute-resolution process for aboriginal-related issues in mining
- Requiring awareness training to obtain a prospector’s licence
- Strengthening environmental considerations during mineral exploration
- Creating an efficient, made-in-Ontario map staking system
- Protecting the property rights of private land owners who do not own their mineral rights.
QUOTES
“These changes to Ontario’s Mining Act offer a balanced approach to mineral development in Ontario that considers a range of interests while supporting a competitive economic climate for the minerals sector.”
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
QUICK FACTS
- In 2008, Ontario’s mineral production was valued at more than $9.6 billion. Ontario’s 27 metal mines — all located in Northern Ontario — accounted for $6.6 billion of that total.
- The minerals industry is Canada’s largest private-sector employer of Aboriginal Peoples.
- Read the amendments to the Mining Act
- Find out more about how Ontario is supporting the mines and minerals sector
Rob Merwin, Director, Mining Act Modernization Secretariat, MNDMF, 705-670-5627
ontario.ca/mines
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