Overview

An abandoned mine is a mine that is permanently closed or not operating. It may be Crown-held, privately-owned or have a filed closure plan. In instances where there is no owner, it is deemed an “orphaned” or abandoned mine.

There are over 4,600 abandoned mine sites in Ontario under the Mining Act jurisdiction with over 18,000 mine features, known as hazards. These hazards range in size from small exploration sites to large scale sites.

In 1999, the Abandoned Mines Rehabilitation Program (AMRP) was established to:

  • address the rehabilitation of Crown-held mine hazards
  • respond to abandoned mine emergencies
  • deliver public education on the dangers of abandoned mines

Through the AMRP, the ministry is committed to the rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites to ensure the protection of public health, safety and the environment.

Mine hazard

A mine hazard is any feature of a mine, or disturbance of the ground, that has not been rehabilitated to the standards set out in Ontario Regulation 35/24, including the Mine Rehabilitation Code.

Mine hazards include:

  • unprotected and concealed shafts or pits
  • deteriorating structures
  • unstable ground
  • derelict mining-related equipment
  • destabilized and collapsing underground mine workings
  • contaminated mill tailings
  • discarded tanks or drums of chemicals
  • toxic gases
  • unstable explosives

Entering abandoned mines is not safe

  • Pay attention to hazard warning signs and fenced areas.
  • Do not try to rescue someone or yourself. Call 911 for help immediately!

Abandoned mine, no trespassing

You may be found guilty of an offence under the Trespass to Property Act and/or subject to criminal charges if you are found on or rescued from an abandoned mine site. You may be required to pay for the costs of any recue operations.

Criminal prosecution

You may be found guilty of an offence under provincial law and/or subject to criminal charges if you remove tools, equipment, construction materials and any other items from an abandoned mine site. Anyone who alters, destroys, removes or impairs any rehabilitation work done under the Mining Act without the written consent of the Minister of Energy and Mines may be:

  • fined of up to $500,000
  • sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to a year
  • both

Contact us

To report an abandoned mine or if you have questions about an abandoned mine, contact the Mine Rehabilitation Program Coordinator at minerehab@ontario.ca.

To report an abandoned mine emergency, call 911.