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If you work in the mineral sector in Ontario two recent initiatives will affect your future. It’s important that you be aware of them and provide comment.
Ontario claims management system
Mining Act Modernization – Phase III involves many changes to the claims management system, including computer-based claim acquisition, electronic administration of all aspects of the land management system, revised assessment work regulations and conversion of all existing ground-staked (legacy) claims to UTM-based cell claims.
With the new system the position of mining claims will no longer be based on the location of corner posts on the ground, but will be defined by GPS coordinates on a grid system.
As well, in spring 2017 there will be a one-time conversion of all existing ‘legacy’ claims to cell-based claims.
Currently there are approximately 35,000 active mining claim units in Ontario.
The conversion of legacy claims may affect historic underlying agreements such as option or sale agreements, net smelter return agreements, and any documentation that contains lists of legacy claims, such as 43-101 Technical Reports.
APGO members who hold claims of their own, or who undertake land management duties for employers or clients are advised to investigate the possible ramifications of conversion and any possible affects on legacy claims. With planned conversion in spring 2017 there is still time to plan ahead and avoid surprises.
Several opportunities for public comment, as well as regional workshops to industry and prospecting groups have taken place last fall and this winter. A recent power point presentation by Roy Denomme, Director, Project Lead, Mining Act Modernization, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, accompanies this report. The presentation gives background information about the process.
Further workshops are planned to coincide with the Northeastern Ontario Mines and Minerals Symposium in Kirkland Lake, March 28 through 31, 2015 and at the Northwestern Ontario Mines and Minerals Symposium in Thunder Bay, April 14 and 15.
Members seeking more detailed information about electronic staking and its effects are encouraged to contact Mr. Denomme directly via the contacts listed at the link below.
Ontario Mineral Development Strategy
Ontario’s first Mineral Development Strategy was launched in 2006. A renewed Mineral Development Strategy that is being proposed will be in effect for the next several years and is currently in the public and industry comment phase.
Recent public meetings have been held in Kenora, Red Lake, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury. Future information sessions are scheduled for Kirkland Lake on March 24, Timmins March 25, the two northern Ontario regional geoscience seminars in Kirkland Lake and Thunder Bay (see dates above) and Toronto on May 6.
Documentation and further opportunities for comment are posted on the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines website.
Please click here for more information and contacts. |
Copyright 2015, Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO) |