Ontario's mining sector became more competitive and responsive with the passage of ground-breaking legislation today — benefiting mining companies, First Nations, local communities and Ontario's economy.

The Act to amend the Mining Act (Bill 173) includes a number of progressive provisions, which will make Ontario a national leader in mineral resource stewardship, including:

• Incorporating aboriginal consultation in mining legislation and regulations
• Introducing a dispute-resolution process for aboriginal-related issues in mining
• Requiring awareness training to obtain a prospector's licence
• Strengthening environmental considerations during mineral exploration
• Creating an efficient, made-in-Ontario map staking system
• Protecting the property rights of private land owners who do not own their mineral rights.

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry will now begin consultations with stakeholders to develop the regulations that will govern these new processes.