The province has announced a proposed update to the Mines Act that would ensure better protection for workers and the environment.
If passed, the legislation will create a new chief permitting officer position, distinct from the chief inspector of mines. The chief inspector will retain responsibility for health, safety and enforcement as well as ensuring the permitting process is effecient and effective. The legislation will also strengthen the government’s ability to hold mines accountable. These changes include strengthening investigation authorities, clarifying offence provisions and increasing the limitation period from three to five years in both the Mines Act and the Environmental Management Act.
Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources notes, “With the changes we are bringing forward today, our government continues to act on the unanimous recommendations of the Mining Jobs Task Force to strengthen B.C.’s mining sector and improve the permitting process.”
The proposed changes will also mean the creation of the Mines Audit and effectiveness unit. The unit will ensure that mining regular in B.C. is effective and practices are in line with the global best.
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