The requirements for reclamation are set forth in the Mining Act and General Regulations. The main goals for reclamation of a good mining project are:
- Fully understanding the environmental risks;
- Planning an environmentally acceptable mining operation and minimizing risks to the extent that is practical;
- Planning for progressive reclamation during operations if possible;
- Planning for post-closure reclamation to achieve a walk-away scenario if at all practical; and,
- Providing a financial security to government to cover the estimated costs of reclamation.
The goal of reclamation after mining is to return the land to a use whose value is at least equal to its previous value and to ensure the long term ecological and environmental stability of the land and its watershed. This includes leaving the site in a state that is safe to the public and physically stable for the long term. It is preferable in all cases to minimize the footprint of mining operations, plan for progressive reclamation and allow for a situation that is a “walk away” scenario.