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The Policy Framework in Canada for Mine Closure and Management of Long-term Liabilities: A Guidance Document (Cowan Minerals Ltd., 2010)

The Policy Framework in Canada for Mine Closure and Management of Long-Term Liabilities: A Guidance Document (Cowan Minerals Ltd., 2010) The report provides a policy framework and guidance document on mine closure and the management of related long-term liabilities. The document also provides discussion on long-term care, monitoring and maintenance of mines that may cease to operate and the options whereby mining jurisdictions may accept mining lands back to the Crown. Issues considered include:

1. Financial Assurance,
2. Cost Estimation,
3. Perpetual Care,
4. Long-term Monitoring and Maintenance
5. Corporate Failure/Premature Closure
6. Emergency Legislation
7. Relinquishment
8. Consultation
9. Institutional Care

Stakeholders, including industry, Aboriginal Canadians, communities, governments and non-government organizations, will find the report a useful reference when considering these issues. Two approaches were used to execute the report. Canadian and foreign agencies responded to a questionnaire on how these issues are currently managed in their jurisdiction. This information was distilled into key observations and trends. In addition, a series of briefing notes on policy elements were prepared, from which guidance concepts for a policy framework could be developed.