Reclamation area at Coal Mountain Mine.

B.C.’s reclamation laws ensure that land, watercourses and cultural heritage resources are returned to a safe and environmentally sound state.

B.C. was one of the first provinces in Canada to enact reclamation legislation and apply this policy to exploration sites. The Mines Act and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia contain requirements for mines. EMLI enforces these provisions. Mines must develop site-specific reclamation plans that are both environmentally sound and economically viable.

ENV staff assist in the review of plans to ensure that water quality protection provisions are included.

Learn more about mine reclamation.