Environmental Code of Practice for metal mines

Last updated: 10 December 2023

The Environmental Code of Practice for metal mines was designed to support the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act and was adopted as a guidance document by Environment Canada.  
The Code establishes best Environmental Management Practices for each phase of the mining life cycle: (1) exploration and feasibility, (2) planning and construction, (3) mine operations, and (4) mine closure. For each phase, it addresses a wide range of environmental aspects including air, water, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. 
While not in itself binding, the Code may be adopted on a voluntary basis, required by environmental performance agreements between industry and government, or used for financial lending requirements and best practice benchmarking in the industry. 

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