MINING ACT: Changes now in effect in Quebec

QUEBEC – Changes to the Quebec Mining Act have come into force in the province, thanks to Bill 70. The bill was adopted on Dec. 9, 2013, the fourth attempt to amend and modernize Quebec's mining legislation. The bulk of the amendments are now enforceable. Only a few sections will come into force at a later date.

A review of the changes has been posted by legal experts Norton Rose Fulbright. They cover aboriginal communities, mining claims and leases, surface leases, new limits to the power of expropriation, more severe penalties for breaching the law, designation of "mining incompatible" areas, and changes to environmental impact assessment and review.

Readers are urged to brush up their knowledge of the new Mining Act delivered in plain language by clicking here.