Reclamation and Closure

British Columbia's world-class reclamation laws ensure that upon mine closure, land, watercourses and cultural heritage resources are returned to a safe and environmentally sound state.

Before starting work at a mine site, companies are required to obtain a permit approving the mine plan, a program for protection of the land and watercourses, and a reclamation program. Permittees are required to submit annual reclamation reports to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation in compliance with their Mines Act permits and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia.

Mining companies must also place a security with the Province to ensure reclamation obligations are kept. This security is only returned once the mine site has been reclaimed to a satisfactory level and there are no ongoing monitoring or maintenance requirements. The intent of the Province’s reclamation legislation is to ensure that modern mine sites in B.C. do not leave an ongoing legacy or require public funds for clean-up activities.