Photo of underground mining operation with big truck

MAC Report: Project Permitting in Canada and the Mining Industry

The transition to a low carbon economy, as well as changing technology and geopolitical stresses, requires the expeditious development of new mining, energy generation and infrastructure projects in Canada. There is a broad consensus that the timeline for the planning and approval process for new projects, (including “no go”) has to be shortened from 10-15 years without losing the requirements for good planning, environmental protection and Indigenous consultation. The federal government is exploring how the project permitting process can be improved. At the same time, the federal government is requesting an opinion from the Supreme Court of Canada on the constitutionality of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) after the Alberta Court of Appeal in May 2022 determined the IAA and the associated Physical Activities Regulations are unconstitutional. 

Photo of mining operation

New Critical Minerals Strategy Positions Canada as the Leading Supplier of the Mined Materials Essential to a Lower Carbon Future

The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) congratulates the Government of Canada on the release of its Critical Minerals Strategy (CMS), a 21st century industrial strategy that is built on Canada’s strength as a globally-leading supplier of sustainably produced minerals and metals needed to enable the energy transition.

Countries Commit to the Sustainable Development and Sourcing of Critical Minerals

Yesterday, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced at COP15 that Canada, along with Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, are launching the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance to drive the global uptake of environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive and responsible mining, processing and recycling practices and responsible critical minerals supply chains.

Ariel photo of a mining operation of natural resources.

COP27: UNECE Presents UN-Approved System for Natural Resources Management to Support Low-Carbon Transition

UNRMS, a toolkit for the integrated and sustainable management of natural resources, was presented last week at COP27 at the side event: “Accelerating the circular economy agenda to tackle climate change and foster economic transformation”. UNRMS will help countries use their natural resources efficiently, obtaining good social, environmental and economic outcomes.