Mount Polley disaster prompts new tailings ponds regulations – Mining.com

March 20, 2015

Miners planning to set up shop in Canada’s British Columbia will now have to consider alternatives to wet tailings ponds, according to new provincial environmental regulations prompted by last year’s failure of Imperial Metals’ (TSX:III) Mount Polley tailings pond failure.

The set of fresh rules, developed in collaboration between the ministries of environment and mines, order mining companies to consider the possibility of a tailings disaster and evaluate the environmental, health, social and economic impacts of an accident.

The new requirements apply to all mining companies with applications under environmental assessment and are an interim measure while the Ministry of Mines completes a review of current mining regulations.

Read More: http://www.mining.com/mount-polley-disaster-prompts-new-tailings-ponds-regulations/