On December 2, 2021, the Mineral Resources Development Act (MRDA) received royal assent. The MRDA is being implemented in two phases. In phase 1, the Government of Alberta proclaimed the parts of the MRDA relating to brine-hosted mineral resources in March 2023. In phase 2, proclamation of the parts of the MRDA relating to rock-hosted mineral resources is anticipated in 2024. The MRDA empowers the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) as the life-cycle regulator with the authority to provide for the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of Alberta’s mineral resources.
We are currently developing the rock-hosted mineral resource regulatory framework, including rules, a directive, and other supporting documents. Liability management for rock-hosted mineral resources is also part of our regulatory framework and is currently under development. We will hold a separate public comment period for feedback concerning liability management.
We are seeking feedback on our proposed new Draft Directive: Rock-Hosted Mineral Resource Development. The draft directive sets out the requirements that industry must follow for rock-hosted mineral resource development and covers the entire development life cycle.
Throughout the coming year, we will prepare guidance concerning rock-hosted mineral resource development and make consequential amendments to existing directives to incorporate rock-hosted mineral resource development.
To provide feedback on the draft directive, 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 November 30, 2023.
All feedback received will be reviewed and may be used in finalizing the directive and any other amendments to other documents. 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 directive is available on our website at 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.
