Alberta proposes modernizing regulations to become minerals leader

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“Alberta is seizing the opportunity to be at the forefront of the mineral industry as a keystone for North American critical minerals supply chains. Unlocking our untapped mineral potential will create new jobs, attract investment and encourage innovation for generations to come. These regulations will help position Alberta’s industry to meet the increasing demand for minerals worldwide,” said Pete Guthrie, Minister of Energy.

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They believe new and amended regulations will strengthen Alberta’s mineral regulatory framework and enable a one-window approach for metallic and industrial minerals extracted from underground saltwater, also known as brine-hosted minerals.

They say it will also:

• Update tenure requirements for rock-hosted minerals to help encourage timely exploration and production. Tenure is the system through which Crown-owned mineral rights, including oil sands rights, are leased and administered
• Enable the Alberta Energy Regulator to become a one-stop regulator for the province’s brine-hosted mineral resources
• Provide clarity for industry
• Ensure the safe, orderly and responsible development of Alberta’s mineral resources

The changes, they say, reinforce the implementation of the Mineral Resource Development Act, which established the Alberta Energy Regulator as the full life-cycle regulator for the province’s mineral resources, receiving royal assent in December 2021.

“The updates will support Alberta’s mineral strategy and action plan to grow the province’s standing as a preferred international producer and supplier of minerals and mineral products,” the province said in a release.

Regulations to modernize tenure for metallic and industrial minerals come into effect on Jan. 1, while the regulations to support the implementation of the Mineral Resource Development Act come into force upon proclamation of the act.

As a result, they say the next step towards implementation will be the partial proclamation of the Mineral Resource Development Act.

The rules and requirements for brine-hosted minerals become available upon the proclamation of the Mineral Resource Development Act. The Alberta Energy Regulator says they are currently reviewing feedback from Albertans, which will inform the final directives.