Ontario’s New Regulation Targets Mining Waste Recovery
By Kevin Vincent
Ontario is breaking new ground in mining regulation with a plan to recover valuable residual metals and minerals from mine waste. The initiative, set to begin July 1, 2025, will make Ontario the first province in Canada to implement a regulatory framework under the Mining Act dedicated to unlocking economic potential from materials previously considered waste.
“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.
Tailings, waste rock, and other byproducts from mining often contain small amounts of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and platinum. These elements are essential for manufacturing technologies such as electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, and laptops. Previously dismissed as uneconomical to recover, this waste now represents untapped economic value for Ontario’s mining sector.
The new regulation will simplify the process of reprocessing mine waste. Permits for recovery operations will no longer require a full closure plan or mining lease for public land projects, reducing administrative hurdles while maintaining strict environmental and safety standards.
“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.”
Applicants for recovery permits will need to prepare a Recovery and Remediation Plan as part of the streamlined process. This ensures that recovery activities align with public health, safety, and environmental legislation. Further details on the application process are expected in the coming months.
Stephen Crawford, Associate Minister of Mines, emphasized the initiative’s broader economic impact. “This initiative follows extensive consultations with industry and Indigenous communities and will strengthen Ontario’s position as a world leader in the mining sector, creating jobs, attracting international investment, and driving economic growth.”
The regulation is a cornerstone of Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy, a five-year plan to solidify the province’s position as a leading global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals. By creating a framework for mineral recovery, Ontario is not only securing future resources but also delivering opportunities for northern and Indigenous communities.
“The Ontario Mining Association commends the Ontario government’s leadership, paving the way for innovative mineral recovery solutions,” said Priya Tandon, President of the Ontario Mining Association. “By tapping into the economic potential of mine waste, we are further establishing Ontario as a global leader in the critical minerals sector, underscoring our commitment to advancing both the mining industry and the economic well-being of all Ontarians, while protecting the environment.”
With hundreds of potential mine waste sites in Ontario, the new regulation could spark a wave of recovery projects, driving innovation and sustainability in the mining industry. This bold step places Ontario at the forefront of responsible resource management, paving the way for long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Tags: Northern Ontario / Government / Minerals / All Articles