Quebec Mining Industry: Regulatory Reform Is Underway

In February, the government published a draft regulation that will tighten the rules applicable to the financial guarantee that exploration and mining companies are required to provide in connection with the restoration of mining sites.

The draft regulation, which will amend the Regulation respecting mineral substances other than petroleum, natural gas and brine, reiterates a number of the legislative proposals set out last year under Bill 14 amending the Mining Act, before it died on the National Assembly's Order Paper when elections were called in August 2012. The government has chosen to go forward with such amendments before it tables a new bill amending the Mining Act, which is expected in the coming months.