Mining

QSA's Week in Mining (#12, 2025)

Agnico Eagle's regulatory impact; StatsCan water survey data; Strategic response fund for auto sector; Manitoba critical minerals boost; BC mining claims framework changes.

Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning metals and non-metals miners, explorers and prospectors.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-23
End Date: 2025-03-29

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Agnico Eagle's Meliadine Mine Expansion Approved

The Government of Canada has approved the expansion of the Meliadine Mine, operated by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. This expansion includes the addition of tailings impoundment areas, impacting 161.2 hectares of fish habitat. A fish habitat compensation plan is in place to offset these impacts, with a letter of credit secured for $2.57 million over 11 years. The regulatory amendments facilitate this development under stringent environmental and socioeconomic assessments.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

StatsCan Releases New Water Intake Data for Mining Sector

Statistics Canada has published a model-based estimation of industrial water intake for sectors including mining. This dataset bridges gaps from non-survey years, offering insights into water usage across manufacturing, mining, and thermal-electric power industries. The data is crucial for understanding resource management in times of pandemic-induced data collection challenges.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Nova Scotia's Internal Trade Legislation

Nova Scotia has introduced a bill to ease inter-provincial trade, focusing on resource development and reducing dependency on external markets.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

BC Approves Mt. Polley Tailings Dam Height Increase

BC's ministers have approved an increase in the Mt. Polley Mine tailings dam height to manage spring water volumes, following extensive technical reviews.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Increases Investment in Critical Minerals

The Manitoba government is investing $1.5 million in a campaign to attract foreign investment in critical minerals. This partnership with the Mining Association of Manitoba aims to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on U.S. trade, showcasing Manitoba's vast array of critical minerals to international partners.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

BC Introduces New Framework for Mining Claims

British Columbia has launched a new consultation framework for mining claims, ensuring First Nations are involved from the claim registration stage. This initiative follows a 2023 court ruling requiring early engagement with Indigenous communities, aiming to balance development with constitutional obligations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

New Gold Mine to Create Jobs in Northern Manitoba

Manitoba announced the construction of a new gold mine near Lynn Lake, expected to create hundreds of jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

BC Approves Height Increase for Mt. Polley Dam

The BC government has consented to raise the Mt. Polley Mine tailings dam, ensuring compliance with updated safety regulations following past environmental issues.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Three Alberta Companies Fined Under OHS Laws

Three companies in Alberta have been fined $1.2 million collectively for breaches of occupational health and safety laws related to a 2022 workplace fatality.