In December 2021, the Government of Alberta introduced Bill 82: Mineral Resource Development Act (MRDA). Under that act, which has not yet been proclaimed, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) will have the authority to regulate the safe, efficient, and responsible development of Alberta’s mineral resources.
We are seeking feedback on our proposed new Draft Directive: Brine-Hosted Mineral Resource Development. The draft directive sets out the requirements that industry must follow for mineral resource development and covers the entire development life cycle, from initiation through to closure. The draft directive introduces processes and requirements that are unique to brine-hosted minerals development while incorporating applicable oil and gas regulatory instruments.
Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules has been updated to include geothermal and brine-hosted mineral development. It now enables well, pipeline, and facility licensing requirements for geothermal and brine-hosted minerals development. Consequential amendments related to Directive 089: Geothermal Resource Development released in August 2022 (see Bulletin 2022-25) have also been made, but input on Directive 056 during this public comment period should focus on the brine-hosted mineral content.
To provide feedback on the draft directives, complete the public comment form on our website, aer.ca > Regulating Development > Rules and Directives > AER Forms > Public Comment Form. Comments in other formats can be emailed to Minerals@aer.ca or mailed to Alberta Energy Regulator, Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4. Feedback will be accepted through October 31, 2022.
All feedback received will be reviewed and may be used in finalizing Draft Directive: Mineral Resource Development and Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules. The comments provided through this consultation will form part of the public record and may be attributed to the specific individuals who provided them. Personal information provided with comments will be collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. We may use the personal contact information you provide for follow-up communication related to your feedback.
The draft directives are available on our website at www.aer.ca > Regulating Development > Rules and Directives > Directives. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
