New Underground Mining Regulations Approved

ENVIRONMENT AND LABOUR--New Underground Mining Regulations Approved

The province has approved new regulations governing underground mining. The regulations define the duties and responsibilities for employers and employees of underground mines. They establish training requirements and qualifications for mine workers and the technical specifications for safe mine operation.

"The new regulations will make Nova Scotia's mines safer places to work," said Kerry Morash, Minister of Environment and Labour.

An industry-based committee was consulted extensively during development of the regulations, which replace two out-of-date statutes. The new regulations apply to underground mines of all types and come into force on Nov. 8.

Currently, the Canada Salt Company mine in Pugwash is the only operating underground mine in Nova Scotia.

The approval of the regulations continues the province's implementation of changes to workplace safety management. Many of the new regulations were suggested by the report from the Westray Mine Public Inquiry.