TORONTO – The Ontario government is introducing a new regulation under the Mining Act that would make it easier to recover residual metals and minerals from mine waste that could be found at operating, closed or abandoned mine sites. This would benefit the province’s mining sector by encouraging innovation through advanced technologies to unlock potential economic value from materials previously viewed as wastes while creating jobs.

“This regulation is the first of its kind in Canada and would provide Ontario’s mining sector with new opportunities by helping position the province as a global leader of responsibly sourced metals and minerals,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “By having a dedicated pathway to the recovery of minerals, our government is fostering innovation, sustainable mining practices and economic growth, while ensuring health, safety and protection of the environment.”

Mining waste consists of tailings, waste rock and other byproducts left over from the extraction of metals like nickel, copper, and gold. That waste may contain small amounts of critical minerals like lithium, platinum and cobalt previously considered uneconomical to recover. Those critical minerals are crucial to technologies such as electric vehicle batteries, smartphones and laptops.

The Recovery of Minerals regulation is among the more than 60 initiatives in the 2024 Red Tape Reduction package. The regulation would provide sufficient flexibility to allow for the reprocessing of mine waste without the need for a full closure plan or mining lease for public land projects, while ensuring health, safety and environmental protection. It would also streamline the applications process for permits, while ensuring health, safety and environmental protection.

“This legislation, part of our Fall 2024 Red Tape Reduction package, demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation and creating opportunities in critical industries like mining,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Red Tape Reduction. “Since 2018, our red tape reduction initiatives have saved over $1 billion and 1.5 million hours annually, helping businesses thrive while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.”

The Recovery of Minerals regulation does not exempt projects from other provincial or federal requirements and requires recovery permit applicants to prepare a Recovery and Remediation Plan as part of the application process. Any recovery permit holder would need to ensure that their recovery activities follow all applicable public health, safety and environmental legislation and/or regulations. More details on the permitting process for recovery will be made available before launch.

Once the new regulation comes into force on July 1, 2025, Ontario will become the first jurisdiction in Canada to enable a dedicated regulatory pathway to recover residual minerals from mine waste.

“This initiative follows extensive consultations with industry and Indigenous communities and will strengthen Ontario’s position as a world leader in the mining sector, creating jobs, attracting international investment, and driving economic growth,” said Stephen Crawford, Associate Minister of Mines. “By supporting a sustainable supply of critical minerals, it not only secures resources for the future but also delivers meaningful opportunities for northern and Indigenous communities.”

This new regulation supports Ontario's Critical Minerals Strategy, a five-year plan designed to position the province as a reliable global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals, which encourages the recovery of minerals from mining waste.