Conservation planning Natural resource development

WCS Canada comments on proposed changes to Ontario’s mineral exploration plans and permits regime

O'Connor, C. & Southee, M.

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Abstract

WCS Canada has been tracking mineral claims in Ontario since 2013, and mineral exploration permits since 2016. We are familiar with the scope and extent of mineral claims and early mineral exploration in Ontario, and with the inadequacies of the processes for finding information about the location and ownership of mineral claims, exploration permits, and plans. We support an updated approach to Ontario’s mineral exploration plans and permits regime.

Our overarching recommendation is that all changes to Ontario’s mineral exploration plans and permits regime must serve to:

1. Improve consultation processes with Indigenous People;
2. increase transparency of updates about mineral exploration plans and permits regime for the public; and
3. make it easier for Ontario, Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders to track and manage cumulative impacts of mineral exploration.

Recommended citation

O'Connor, C. & Southee, M. (2023). WCS Canada comments on proposed changes to Ontario’s mineral exploration plans and permits regime. WCS Canada. https://wcscanada.org/resources/wcs-canada-comments-on-proposed-changes-to-ontarios-mineral-exploration-plans-and-permits-regime/