Mineral Resources Act introduced
Press Release
May 13, 2026
FREDERICTON – The government has introduced a Mineral Resources Act that Natural Resources Minister John Herron says will be the foundation for one of the most agile, predictable and timely regulatory frameworks for mineral development in Canada.
“With our new Comprehensive Minerals Strategy and our new Mineral Resources Act, we are taking bold and decisive action to reimagine New Brunswick’s mineral sector,” said Herron. “Our goal is ambitious, but it is clear: to become the top jurisdiction in Canada for competitive, sustainable exploration and development, supported by a modern, progressive and efficient regulatory framework.”
Investing in the mining sector is a key part of the province’s new economic development strategy, which was recently released. The plan identifies areas, such as critical minerals, where New Brunswick has a competitive advantage.
The act would allow the government to streamline approval processes, strengthen environmental protections, enhance reclamation requirements and reinforce financial assurance measures to prevent abandoned mine sites in the future.
It would replace the Mining Act, which has been in place since 1985. The new act reflects decades of technology change in the mineral sector, evolving environmental standards and growing expectations for engagement with First Nations and local governments.
The act and its subsequent regulations would also update fees, rents and royalties to ensure New Brunswickers receive fair value from their resources, and would strengthen provisions related to reclamation, financial assurance and long-term site management.
The new legislation would allow the government to streamline the approval process for mining development by:
- Co-ordinating a single-process approval pathway with clear timelines.
- Strengthening engagement with First Nations and communities.
- Enhancing financial assurance, as well as closure and long-term monitoring requirements.
- Improving transparency and permitting predictability through modern regulatory tools.
“On behalf of the New Brunswick Prospectors and Developers Association, we want to express our strong support for the positive steps government is taking to modernize the Mining Act,” said association president Robert Murray. “We appreciate the positive changes government is making to the Mining Act by creating a modern, predictable system for exploration in our province. These changes will help create a clearer, more predictable framework for responsible exploration and development across the province. We appreciate government’s commitment to strengthening New Brunswick’s mineral sector and look forward to continuing to work together.”
“Our new act provides a strong and modern foundation for the advancement of our mineral sector,” said Herron. “It supports responsible development, strengthens public confidence and ensures that New Brunswick is well positioned to develop the critical minerals the world needs while delivering long-term economic and social benefits for New Brunswickers.”
Media Contact(s)
Nick Brown, communications, Department of Natural Resources, nick.brown@gnb.ca.
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