Mine Site Reclamation and Closure

All mines in the province are subject to the Closure Plan requirements and standards of the Mine Rehabilitation Code of the Mining Act which are administered by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM). 
 

Mine Rehabilitation Code

All persons engaged in the rehabilitation of mines and mine hazards shall comply with the standards, procedures and requirements of the Mine Rehabilitation Code of Ontario set out in O. Reg. 240/00, Schedule 1 s. 4(1).

Progressive Rehabilitation

A proponent shall take all reasonable steps to progressively rehabilitate a site whether or not closure has commenced or a closure plan has been filed. A report must be filed to the Director of Mine Rehabilitation (MNDMF) within 60 days of completing the work. See myLaws - Progressive Rehabilitation.

Closure Plans

Closure must be implemented according to the Closure Plan or according to the Mine Rehabilitation Code if no Closure Plan is in place for the site.

Notice Required – Notice of Project Status

Mine or Advanced Exploration projects operating under a Closure Plan must file a Notice of Project Status when commencing any one of the three stages of mine closure (temporary suspension, state of inactivity, or closing-out) or when making any change in the stage of closure reached. See myLaws – Notice of Project Status 
 

Mine Plans

A proponent subject to a Closure Plan must prepare and update annually mine plans, which must include a surface site plan as required in the closure Plan and plans and sections showing all mine workings. These plans must be submitted to the Director of Mine Rehabilitation on request and be made available for inspection.

If the project is placed in a state of inactivity or is closed out, the proponent shall promptly revise the plans to the date of inactivity or close out and submit them to the appropriate office of the Resident Geologist of the Ministry. See myLaws – Mine Plans (Ontario Reg. 240/00, s. 25.) 

Return of Financial Assurance

Financial assurance will be returned on evidence that rehabilitation work guaranteed by financial assurance has been performed in accordance with the Closure Plan to the ministry’s satisfaction. Please contact the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines' Coordinator Financial Assurance for details.
 

Surrender of Mining Lands

Holders of mining licences of occupation, mining leases and mining patents who wish to surrender their lands/mining rights can submit an Application to Surrender Mining Lands/Mining Rights form to the minister, who may accept subject to acceptable terms, or refuse the surrender.

Surrender by Agreement Process (Exit Ticket)

The Minister of Northern Development and Mines may accept a surrender of mining lands from a proponent if the project relating to the mining lands has been closed out and monies received to cover long-term maintenance and monitoring. See myLaws – Surrender by Agreement.
 

Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER)

While not a permit process, the federal Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER) also requires a mine to notify Environment Canada in the event that the mine ends commercial operation. In addition, under the MMER, an owner/operator can also seek recognized closed mine status as part of a closure strategy.

Mine Rehabilitation Works 

It is an offence under the Mining Act to alter, destroy, remove or impair any rehabilitation work made in accordance with Part VII or a filed closure plan without the written consent of the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. See myLaws – Protection of Rehabilitation Works.

Municipal Requirements

Mine reclamation activities will interest local municipalities with respect to official plans and future development. Construction or demolition of buildings and other structures will require building/demolition permits. For more information about municipalities see the municipal requirements page.
 

Abandoned Mines and Mine Hazards

For information on abandoned mines and mine hazards see the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines' website.