Mining Act aims to clarify consultation process

The head of the Ontario Prospectors Association says proposed changes to the province's Mining Act are — on the whole — good moves. But Garry Clark said the new rules will only work if more is done to implement them properly.

He noted one area that requires further scrutiny is consultation, especially between prospectors and First Nations groups.

Clark said the way the new rules are written, the onus will be on the prospector to consult with First Nations.

"And the problem is that there's nowhere that defines what level of consultation or what consultation would look like with these various First Nations communities," he said.

Tuesday is the last day the public can submit feedback about the proposed changes to the mining act.

The information can be found on the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines website.