Policy Framework in Canada for Mine Closure

The National Orphaned and Abandoned Mines Initiative (NOAMI) has the role of assessing key abandoned mine issues and recommending to the Mines Ministers of Canada actions, collaborative approaches and partnerships toward remediating existing abandoned mines issues and preventing/minimizing the accrual of further abandoned mines liabilities in Canada. When first formed in 2002 NOAMI developed several guiding principles, one of which relates directly to this project: “Work toward eliminating future abandonment must continue, including the tightening of regulatory approaches.” This report was prepared in response to the NOAMI initiative to provide a “GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR MINE CLOSURE AND MANAGEMENT OF LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: EXAMINING THE POLICY FRAMEWORK IN CANADA.” The guidance document is to provide a plain language, readable text for use as a reference document by a diverse group of stakeholders including Industry, Aboriginal Canadians, Government and NGO members. For those mining jurisdictions in Canada which may need policy development in these areas, this document will provide a starting point. It examines the main components related to mine closure and post-closure site management which can include long-term maintenance and monitoring liabilities. It considers long-term care, monitoring and maintenance of mines which may cease to operate and the options whereby mining jurisdictions may accept mining lands back to the Crown