T. N. M. Nugget

ONTARIO MINING ACT HIGHLIGHTS:

CLARITY AND CERTAINTY FOR INDUSTRY:

• Map staking and a graduated regulatory approach for consultation would require companies to notify and consult with aboriginal groups based on the impact of the activity

• Exploration plans would need to be filed for lower-impact activities while permits would be needed for higher-impact activities

• Aboriginals would be able to withdraw certain cultural sites from mineral claim staking Details to be decided during regulation process ABORIGINAL AND TREATY RIGHTS:

• Aboriginal and treaty rights would be recognized through a purpose statement and aboriginal consultation throughout the mining sequence

• Prospectors would be required to complete an awareness program to obtain a licence DISPUTE RESOLUTION:

• A process specifically for aboriginal-related mining issues for disputes related to exploration permits, the filing of closure plans and any other issues decided during the regulation process SURFACE AND MINERAL RIGHTS:

• In southern Ontario, Crown mineral rights would automatically be withdrawn from mineral staking if the surface rights are privately owned. In northern Ontario, landowners would have to apply to the MNDM to withdraw land from staking

• Certain property owners would be able to apply for an exemption from the mining land tax if the property was patented by the Crown for mining but is not currently being used for mining ENVIRONMENT:

• Rehabilitation of exploration sites would be required (currently rehabilitation is only required for advanced projects)

• Fines and penalties may be increased for non-compliance, with jail time a possibility LAND-USE PLANNING IN THE FAR NORTH:

• The proposed amendments reflect the government’s promise to withdraw at least 50% of the province’s far north from development

• No new mines will open until there is a community-based land-use plan, but claim staking, exploration and development will continue during land-use planning