Mineral Resources Act Regulations Support Responsible Development

New mining regulations will save industry money, reduce red tape and encourage mineral exploration and responsible development in Nova Scotia.

The regulations were released today, Nov. 14, and they will come into effect on Dec. 18, along with the new Mineral Resources Act.

“The mining sector is important to our economy and for creating jobs in our rural communities,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette. “At the same time, our standards for environmental protection are high, and these changes provide a clear regulatory path that allows development and protection to coexist.”

The regulations make it easier and less expensive for industry to manage exploration licences saving business about $175,000 a year.

Additional changes include:

• requiring written permission for exploration work
• extending exploration licences from one year to two years
• removing royalty calculations from the act and placing them in the regulations
• requiring an updated reclamation plan and security review every three years
• providing conservation officers with enforcement authorities
• requiring engagement plans for all stages of exploration
• ending special licences and leases

The new Mineral Resources Act passed in the legislature in April. The new regulations are available at https://www.novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/2018-196.pdf .