Ontario Introduces Regulation for Mineral Recovery from Mine Waste

The Ontario government has announced a new regulation under the Mining Act aimed at facilitating the recovery of residual metals and minerals from mine waste. This regulation is described as the first of its kind in Canada and is intended to provide new opportunities for Ontario's mining sector by allowing the reprocessing of mine waste without the need for a full closure plan or mining lease for public land projects. The regulation is part of the 2024 Red Tape Reduction package, which includes over 60 initiatives.

The regulation targets mining waste such as tailings and waste rock, which may contain small amounts of critical minerals like lithium, platinum, and cobalt. These minerals are essential for technologies such as electric vehicle batteries and electronics. The regulation is expected to streamline the application process for permits while ensuring health, safety, and environmental protection.

According to George Pirie, Minister of Mines, the regulation aims to position Ontario as a leader in responsibly sourced metals and minerals. It is also intended to foster innovation and sustainable mining practices. The regulation will come into effect on July 1, 2025, following consultations with industry and Indigenous communities.

The initiative supports Ontario's Critical Minerals Strategy, which is a five-year plan to establish the province as a global supplier of critical minerals. The government claims that this regulation will create jobs, attract international investment, and drive economic growth in the mining sector.