Reclamation activity in the mining industry has increased across Canada as more mines reach the end of their life, and progressive rehabilitation becomes part of day-to-day operations. Reclamation planning often starts even earlier, during the prefeasibility and feasibility stages of a project when conceptual plans are developed and design alternatives reviewed. Kilborn conducted this review of reclamation and closure requirements in order to assist property managers with a preliminary assessment of their reclamation planning responsibilities.
In general, planning and implementation of reclamation at Canadian mine sites is under the authority of provincial or territorial agencies. Most of the provinces have already developed, or are currently preparing, reclamation guidelines, enabling legislation, and overall requirements for closure. Reclamation requirements are generally formalized through the mine planning or permitting process prior to development, although existing mines are also required to comply according to a negotiated or set schedule.
On completion of the planning process, an agreed upon level of financial assurance or security is often required to support final reclamation should the owner either physically or financially abandon the site, and the environmental liability revert to the Crown. This requirement is often significant, and must be assessed when determining the feasiblity of a new project, or in the review of environmental liabilities associated with the sale and transfer of an existing operation.