Provincial Government Introduces New Quarry Resources Act
Press Release
October 31, 2023
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today outlined a new proposed Quarry Resources Act to manage and regulate the development and extraction of quarry resources. The new Act, developed following consultation with stakeholders, Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the public, would replace the Quarry Materials Act, 1998.
The new proposed Act:
- Redefines quarry resources to clarify the distinction between minerals and quarry resources, while adding dimension stone and gemstone to the definition and removing peat;
- Creates a new tenure system for quarries by creating a two-year, non-renewable wayside permit and two classes of leases for longer-term operations;
- Requires holders of exploration licences, wayside permits and leases to rehabilitate a site in accordance with the rehabilitation standards prescribed in the regulations;
- Enhances the compliance monitoring and enforcement of quarry operations; and
- Establishes quarry resource management areas to enhance short- and long-term management of quarry resources.
Quarry resources are a crucial component used in construction of public and private infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, houses, breakwaters, hydro-electric dams and offshore drilling platforms. The industry is valued at approximately $30 million per year with annual employment of approximately 550 person years.
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“This new proposed Act would ensure efficient, transparent and fair management of provincial quarries. These amendments, if passed, will support the development of quarry resources in a manner that is responsible, sustainable and competitive, with a regulatory framework that is more consistent with other jurisdictions.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
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What We Heard – Quarry Legislation Review
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