2007 Ci Annual RPT

Mining and Minerals Division
Annual Report
of the
Chief Inspector of Mines
2007
A Message from the Chief Inspector

The Chief Inspector of Mines is appointed by the Minister of Energy, Mines and
Petroleum Resources to administer and enforce the Mines Act and the Health, Safety
and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia.
The purpose of the Code is fourfold:
Protect mine site employees and others from undue risks to their health and
safety;
Safeguard the public from risk associated with mining;
Protect and reclaim land and watercourses affected by mining; and
Monitor the extraction of mineral and coal resources and ensure maximum
extraction with a minimum of environmental disturbance.
The Chief Inspector of Mines is also the Executive Director of the Mine Health and
Safety Function, which operates through a central office in Victoria, four regional
officesCranbrook, Kamloops, Prince George and Smithersand a satellite office in
Fernie. In October of 2006, Mr. Fred Hermann, Chief Inspector since 1995, retired from
the Ministry. The position was filled on an interim basis by Mr. Ricci Berdusco until I
was appointed in June 2007.
One of the key responsibilities of the office of the Chief Inspector is an annual report
detailing the status of mines and mining activities across British Columbia. I am pleased
to transmit this Annual Report for 2007.
The Ministry and the office of the Chief Inspector works closely with industry, workers
and communities to ensure that the Province continues to enable the extraction of our
many valuable mineral resources with the highest standards of safety, environmental
responsibility and community sustainability. This effort continues to ensure that mining
remains one of the safest heavy industries in British Columbia.
Respectfully submitted,
Douglas E. Sweeney
Chief Inspector of Mines
Page ii
Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Table of Contents
1
Principal Mining Functions ____________________________________________ 1

1.1
1.2
Mining Health and Safety Function ______________________________________ 1

1.1.1
1.1.2
Mine Rescue Stations _____________________________________________ 2
Mining Administration Function _________________________________________ 2

1.2.1
Mandate/Activities _______________________________________________ 2
Health & Safety ________________________________________________________ 3

2.1
Occupational Health Section ____________________________________________ 3

2.1.1
Roles and Responsibilities ________________________________________ 3
2.1.3
Summary of Activities ____________________________________________ 3
2.1.2
2.2
2.3
2.2.1
2.2.3
Summary of Activities ____________________________________________ 4
2.3.1
2.3.3
First Aid Competitions ____________________________________________ 7
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
Mine Rescue Competitions ________________________________________ 6

46th Annual Safety Awards _______________________________________ 8
Certificates of Achievement _______________________________________ 9
National Safety Awards John T. Ryan Trophies ____________________ 9
Examinations and Certifications _________________________________________ 9

2.4.1
Board of Examiners _____________________________________________ 10
2.4.3
Total Underground Coal Fireboss Certifications __________________ 10
2.4.2
2.4.4
2.5
Structure and Organization _______________________________________ 4
Competitions and Awards_______________________________________________ 5

2.3.2
2.4
Structure and Organization _______________________________________ 3
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering ___________________________________ 4

2.2.2
2.4.5
Shiftboss Certificates ___________________________________________ 10

Blasting Certificates ____________________________________________ 10
Mine Rescue Certifications ______________________________________ 11
Accidents and Incidents _______________________________________________ 11

2.5.1
2.5.2
Mandate/Activities _______________________________________________ 1
Dangerous or Unusual Occurrences _____________________________ 11

Fatalities _______________________________________________________ 14
Administration _______________________________________________________ 15
3.1
Page iii
Summary of Mine Production___________________________________________ 15
3.2
Volume of Inspections _________________________________________________ 16
3.4
Notices of Work _______________________________________________________ 18
3.3
Audit Program ________________________________________________________ 18
Reclamation __________________________________________________________ 20
4.1
Roles and Responsibilities _____________________________________________ 20
4.2
Summary of Activities _________________________________________________ 21
4.1.1
Structure and Organization _____________________________________ 21
4.2.1
Permitting _____________________________________________________ 21
4.2.3
Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage (ML/ARD) ________________ 22
4.2.2
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.2.6
4.2.7
4.2.8
4.3
4.4
4.2.9
Reclamation Securities and Funds _______________________________ 22

Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation ______________ 23
National Orphaned/Abandoned Mine Initiative (NOAMI) ___________ 23

Mine Reclamation Symposium ___________________________________ 24
The Annual British Columbia Mine Reclamation Awards ___________ 24
Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage Workshop _______________ 26
Industry Reclamation Record ___________________________________________ 26

Geotechnical/Mining Roads ____________________________________________ 28
4.4.1
4.4.2
Cooperation and Consultation with Stakeholders _________________ 22
Roles and Responsibilities ______________________________________ 28

Summary of Activities __________________________________________ 29
For More Information_________________________________________________ 30
Page iv
1 Principal Mining Functions

1.1
Mining Health and Safety Function
1.1.1
MANDATE/ACTIVITIES
The Mining Health and Safety Function derives its mandate from the Mines Act and its
accompanying Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (the
Code).
The Code is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Code Review Committee, which
comprises representatives from labour, industry and government. The Chief Inspector of
Mines chairs this committee, which ensures that the Code remains current as new
technology, mining practices and health and safety concerns emerge. The Committee
convened in Vancouver in the fall of 2007 to review recommendations for amending the
Code.
With respect to health and safety, the key mandate of the Mining and Minerals Division
is to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public. In order to accomplish this
mandate, Division functions include the following:
review of aspects of mining and exploration proposals related to health

and safety;
mine inspections and the monitoring of mining activity for compliance
with the Mines Act and the Code;
the approval of mine plans with regard to health and safety concerns;
the completion of audits to evaluate how well a health and safety
program has been implemented at a mine;
the collection of data and maintenance of records with respect to
accidents, dangerous occurrences, inspection frequencies and audiometric
(hearing test) data; and
participation in relevant research and development projects to enhance
procedures, technology, and practices in mine health and safety.
Additional guidance for Division activities is derived from the British Columbia
Mining Plan, which is based on four Cornerstones:
Page 1
Focus on Communities and First Nations;

Protecting Workers, Protecting the Environment;
Global Competitiveness; and
Access to Land.
1.1.2
MINE RESCUE STATIONS
Regional mine rescue stations were consolidated in 1999. All mine rescue equipment is
now located in a single centrally located station in Kamloops. This station is under the
supervision of the Inspector of Mines, and the Director of Health and Safety in Victoria.
1.2
Mining Administration Function
1.2.1
MANDATE/ACTIVITIES
The Mining and Minerals Division administers and regulates the full mining cycle,
including exploration, development, production, reclamation and closure for metal,
placer, industrial mineral and coal mines, and gravel pits and quarries located in British
Columbia. This mandate includes the following:
the review of applications and issuance of permits under Section 10 of the

Mines Act for all mining activities taking place in B.C., including major
mining projects subject to the Environmental Assessment Act;
the establishment of geotechnical and reclamation standards and security
levels;
participation in regional and sub-regional planning; and
reviews of draft legislation and policies being developed by other
agencies. Division staff also provide guidance and assistance to
companies and individuals exploring for minerals, and monitor
exploration and mining activities in order to provide policy advice to
government.
2007 was an extremely busy year for the B.C. mining industry and the Mining and
Minerals Division. While the total value of mineral production in B.C. dropped by 5%
from the previous year, it was still well over $5.5 billion. Commodity prices rose
substantially, and mineral exploration investment hit an all-time high of $470.6 million
(according to Natural Resources Canada). 2007 was also a busy year for mine
development, with anywhere between 20 and 30 development projects moving through
the permitting process at any given time.
In addition to health and safety functions, Mines Inspectors address the environmental
and social sensitivities of proposed and permitted mines. The process for review of
Mines Act permit applications includes consultation with other government agencies
and affected stakeholders, including First Nations, to identify concerns to be addressed
through site-specific permit conditions. Inspectors monitor mining activities to ensure
compliance with these permit conditions and take enforcement actions if necessary.
Page 2
2 Health & Safety

2.1
Occupational Health Section
2.1.1
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia requires that
mine managers develop a written occupational hygienemonitoring program. Larger
operations in particular are required to establish procedures and to perform their own
measurements of chemical and physical hazards to which workers are exposed in the
workplace. These include, among others, dusts, silica, respirable combustible dust,
noise, gases and fumes, radiation (ionizing and non-ionizing) and heat/cold stress. The
Occupational Health (OH) section also makes comparative measurements to ensure
companies follow proper methodology and obtain accurate results.
Underground mine ventilation and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
(WHMIS) programs are also included in the OH section's responsibilities. OH staff
provide assistance in program development and also periodically schedule audiometric
technician training as needed.
A written, preventative training program to educate Occupational Health and Safety
Committee (OHSC) members in the recognition, evaluation and prevention of adverse
health effects resulting in musculoskeletal disorders is also a requirement of the Code.
Such musculoskeletal disorders may consist of lower back injury, repetitive strain,
overexertion or vibration-induced injuries. Training must include a practical component
using tools to identify and quantify risks and develop practical solutions. The OH group
assists mines in supplying this training by providing information and assistance as
needed.
2.1.2
STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION
During 2007, there were three people in the OH group with specialties in industrial
hygiene, engineering and human factors/ergonomics.
2.1.3
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
In 2007, the OH group:
Page 3
conducted frequent on-site inspections of mines to fulfill their mandate to

monitor workplace conditions;
responded to noise and dust concerns raised by neighbours of sand and
gravel operations;
2.2
maintained and inputted data into the Ministrys audiometric database,

which records the results of hearing tests that are undertaken at mine
sites across the province;
provided audiometric technician training courses for a number of
mineworkers from across the province;
updated and added web and print resources for use by industry and the
public to enhance awareness of and education in Occupational Health
hazards, including musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) identification and
control;
delivered MSD Prevention training to safety representatives from B.C.
mines; and
organized the Open Pit and Small Underground Awards Competition
and Awards Dinner.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
2.2.1
Mechanical and electrical inspectors ensure that all mechanical and electrical equipment
installed and used at mines complies with the Mines Act and the applicable codes and
standards, and that the equipment is maintained and operated in acceptable condition
so that its operation causes no hazard to people or property.
2.2.2
There were three staff members in the Mechanical and Electrical Section in 2007. One
Inspector of Mines, Electrical was added in November. Throughout 2007, there was a lot
of activity with new and reopened mines, and there was a large demand on this small
section to keep up with the design, approval and construction plans of the new mines, as
well as rehabilitation and improvement plans of existing operations. The Mechanical
and Electrical group also worked with the provincial audit group and participated in or
provided input for two new audits and six follow-up audits in 2007, which further
stretched their limited resources.
2.2.3
Mechanical Engineering
Delivery of new machinery and equipment to mines, together with the steady
upgrading of the existing items, enables mines in British Columbia to maintain their
competitive capabilities. At the same time, safety systems of new and upgraded
equipment are usually enhanced, often as a result of new technology employed in such
Page 4
systems. The highly automated and complex control systems found on new equipment
demands a high level of skill from those who operate and maintain the equipment.
Ministry staff are involved in reviewing engineering drawings associated with the safety
systems on such equipment, as a precursor to installation and field inspections on the
items. The Ministry endeavours to keep abreast of the many changes and innovations. In
addition, inspectors, in collaboration with the mines, have to ensure that people
operating equipment are aware of how equipment modifications may affect its
operating functions, and ensure operators, maintenance and supervisors understand the
consequences of failures occurring in installed control or sensing systems.
Electrical Engineering
The inspectors performed electrical inspections at major mines, including the larger sand
and gravel operations as well as some of the smaller sand and gravel/quarry operations.
The additions of several new operations (e.g., Orca, QR, Lexington) required extra
inspections and review of engineering specifications and drawings. A number of new
projects (e.g., Jersey, Ruby Creek, Morrison, Davidson, Tulsequah) were reviewed
initially for compliance. All of these operations also required considerable time in the
review of their new equipment and installations to ensure compliance with the
necessary B.C. and Canadian code requirements. A number of changes are anticipated to
be made to the Canadian Electrical Code and the Canadian Standards Associations CSA
M421-00 (Use of Electricity in Mines) in 2009, and potential changes are being studied by
the Ministry to determine what impact they will have on the industry in British
Columbia.
2.3
Competitions and Awards
2.3.1
The primary mandate of the Mining Health and Safety Function is to ensure worker
health and safety, public safety and suitable reclamation and protection of the land and
watercourses affected by mining and exploration in B.C.
The Mines Act and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in
British Columbia stipulate the legal responsibility of provincial mining companies in
meeting this mandate; however, many B.C. mining companies and their individual
workers voluntarily and consistently exceed these legal requirements. Through the
efforts of these individuals, companies and staff of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and
Petroleum Resources, mining is one of B.C.'s safest heavy industries.
Mine rescue competitions, first aid competitions and safety awards all serve as a means
to promote safety at B.C. mines. Reclamation awards acknowledge those companies that
Page 5
go beyond what is called for in their mining plans by conducting superior research and
introducing innovative techniques to restore the land.
2.3.2
MINE RESCUE COMPETITIONS
The Provincial Mine Rescue competitions are judged by mines inspectors and industry
personnel who are responsible for all aspects of worker and public safety in B.C.'s
mining industry. The 52nd annual Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid competition was
held in Williams Lake on June 9.
Open Pit Mine Rescue Competition
The East Kootenay Zone competitions were held in Fernie in May 2007. The following
winning teams moved forward to the Provincial Competition:
Greenhills Operations, Elk Valley Coal Corporation

Fording River Operations, Elk Valley Coal Corporation
The North/South Central Zone competition was held in Williams Lake on June 7, 2007.
The following winning teams moved forward to the Provincial Competition:
Endako Mines Ltd.

Highland Valley Copper
Gibraltar Mine Ltd.
Huckleberry Mines Ltd.
Underground Mine Rescue Competition
The following teams competed in the underground mine rescue competition held on
June 9, 2007 in Williams Lake:
Eskay Creek
Myra Falls Operations
Quinsam Coal Mine
The overall winner was Eskay Creek Mine, Barrick Gold, Inc. The team members were
Mitch Carter, Shawn Spencer, Scott Pue, Paula Shembley, Michael Kendal, Josh Milner,
and Trent Terris.
Surface Mine Rescue Champions
The team from Fording River Operations won the 2007 surface mine competition. Team
members were Richard Tremblay (Manager), Bruce Dingreville and Brian Jones
(Coaches), Rory Marshall (Captain), Jeff Scott (Vice Captain), Nick Hucik, DArcy Lewis,
Dean Borgen, Dennis Cooper and Doug McLean (Spare).
Page 6
Surface Bench Competition
The surface bench competition originated in 1995. The trophy is awarded to the surface
mine rescue team that excels at the practical bench competition. The practical bench task
is designed to test the individual team members on their knowledge and practical skills
in mine rescue equipment and techniques. This competition is held in memory of
Maurice Boisse, Mine Rescue Team Coach, Island Copper Mine. The Fording River
Operations mine rescue team won the award in 2007.
Underground Bench Competition
The underground bench competition originated in 1978. The competition is held in

memory of the late Barry Abbott, Captain of the Cominco HB mine rescue team, who
won the Canadian Championship in 1976. In 2007, the award was won by the team from
Eskay Creek Mine.
Obstacle and Recovery
Quinsam Coal Mine provides this award in recognition of the contribution made by
Keith Bracewell to the underground mine rescue competition. This award recognizes the
winning team in obstacle and recovery, the largest task in the underground competition,
an area that Keith worked hard to develop and improve. In 2007, Eskay Creek Mine won
the Keith Bracewell Memorial Award.
2.3.3
FIRST AID COMPETITIONS
There are two separate competitions in the first aid category: the three-person first aid
competition, and the first aid component of the underground and surface mine rescue
competition. The first aid component is judged in conjunction with the provincial
surface and underground mine rescue competitions.
Underground First Aid
This award was originally introduced by Cominco Ltd. for the best first aid by an
underground mine rescue team. The award, known as the Sullivan Cup," was
presented to the Myra Falls Operations mine rescue team.
Three- Person Miners First Aid
The first provincial miners three-person first aid competition was held in 1978. After
doing a short written exam, the three team members render first aid. The St. John
Ambulance standard-level first aid course is the training standard, and only those who
work at a mine are permitted to enter this competition. The three-person first aid
Page 7
competition is designed to be an extension of training in basic first aid skills and is a

unique way for teams to prepare to assist their fellow workers in the event of an injury
or medical emergency.
The 2007 Three-Person First Aid winning team was from Fording River Operations.
Shelley Dingreville of Fording River Operations won the Kathy Lofstrom Trophy for
Best Coach of a First Aid Team.
2.3.4
46TH ANNUAL SAFETY AWARDS
The presentation of awards for the statistical year of 2007 took place at the Hotel Grand
Pacific in Victoria on April 21, 2008.
Small Underground Mine Safety Award
This award was donated by the West Kootenay Mine and Industrial Safety Association
in 1951 to encourage and promote safety in small underground mines. Since 1956, the
competition has been open to qualifying mines throughout B.C. The award is given to
the mine having the lowest compensable accident rate after working from 2,500 to 30,000
shifts per year, at least one third of which were underground. The mine must have
operated for at least nine months during the calendar year. A fatality automatically
disqualifies a mine for that year. The 2007 winner was Quinsam Coal Corporations
Quinsam Coal Mine.
The John Ash Safety Award (Open- Pit Mines and Quarries)
This award is presented to the mine that has worked more than 1,000,000 hours in a year
and attained the lowest compensable injury frequency rate. The 2007 winner was Elk
Valley Coal Corporations Elkview Operations.
The Edward Prior Safety Award (Open- Pit Mines and Quarries)
This award is presented to the mine with the lowest compensable injury frequency rate
for 200,000 to 1,000,000 hours worked. In 2007, the award was shared by three mines for
the first time:
Greenhills Operations, Elk Valley Coal Corporation

Texada Quarrying Ltd.
Brule Mine, Western Canadian Coal Corporation
The Stewart- O'Brian Safety Award (Open- Pit Mines and Quarries)
This award is presented to the mine with the lowest compensable injury frequency rate
for 35,000 to 200,000 hours worked. The 2007 award was shared by six mines:
Page 8
2.3.5
Blubber Bay Quarry, Ash Grove Cement Company

Windermere Mining Operation, CertainTeed Gypsum Canada Inc.
Central Aggregates, Lafarge Canada Inc.
Earle Creek, Lafarge Canada Inc.
Pitt River Quarries, Lafarge Canada Inc.
Jervis Inlet, Jack Cewe Ltd.
CERTIFICATES OF ACHIEVEMENT
Certificates of achievement are presented to those mines with a zero compensable injury
frequency rate and which have accumulated 15,000 to 35,000 employee hours. Winners
indicated below are reported for the statistical year.
There were a total of five mines that qualified for certificates for work conducted in 2007:
2.3.6
Allard Contractors Ltd. Mission Pit

Butler Brothers Supplies Ltd. Butler Brothers Duncan
Lafarge Canada Inc. Cannon Pit
Lafarge Canada Inc. Coquitlam Sand and Gravel
Steelhead Aggregates Ltd. Steelhead S-3 Skway
NATIONAL SAFETY AWARDS JOHN T. RYAN TROPHIES
John T. Ryan trophies are provided by Mine Safety Appliances Canada Limited as a
memorial to the founder of the company. The trophies are awarded by the Canadian
Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) to the metal mine, the coal mine
and the select mine which, in the previous year, experienced the lowest reportable injury
frequency per 200,000 employee hours in all of Canada. There are two trophy categories:
Canada and Regional. In 2007, the national trophy for coal mines went to Western
Canadian Coals Dillon Mine. The 2007 regional metal mine trophy went to Barrick Gold
Corporations Eskay Creek Mine.
2.4
Examinations and Certifications
Section 26 of the Mines Act states that every person employed at a mine must, if
required by the regulations or the Code, be under the daily supervision of a person who
holds a valid and appropriate certificate as required by the regulations or the Code. The
appropriate certification is specified in Part 1.12 of the Code. Recipients of a valid
permanent certificate require re-examination every five years to ensure that their
knowledge of the Code remains current.
Page 9
2.4.1
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
The Board of Examiners comprises the Chief Inspector of Mines as chair and other
inspectors appointed by the Chief Inspector. During 2007, F.W. Ricci Berdusco chaired
the board; Douglas E. Sweeney took over in June. Board members were A. Hoffman, E.
Taje, and D. Morgan as secretary. The Board is responsible for the following:
2.4.2
examination of applicants for shiftboss certificates and certificates of

competency;
issuing certificates;
conducting a review of all suspended certificates; and
administering blasting certification.
SHIFTBOSS CERTIFICATES
The Shiftboss Certification activity in 2007 is summarized in the following table:

New
Certificates
Activity
2.4.3
Examinations written (surface)
50
Examinations written (underground)
14
Number passed (surface)
50
Number passed (underground)
14
Total permanent certificates issued
64
TOTAL UNDERGROUND COAL FIREBOSS CERTIFICATIONS
There were no applications for underground Coal Fireboss Certifications in 2007.
2.4.4
BLASTING CERTIFICATES
Blasting certification is required under Part 8.2.1 of the Code. Types of blasting
certificates include the following:
Page 10
Basic
Exploration
Surface
Underground
Underground Coal (Shotfirer)
Electrical
General (which includes all categories except for Underground Coal)
Blasting certificates are now valid for five years. Provisional certificates can be issued for
a period not exceeding 90 days. There were 70 blasting tickets issued in 2007.
2.4.5
MINE RESCUE CERTIFICATIONS
To qualify for mine rescue certification, mine employees must complete approved
training and must pass written exams developed for various types of mining, as per Part
3 of the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia.
The Ministry is responsible for certifying miners in several categories of mine rescue, as
listed below. The following mine rescue certificates were issued in 2007:
Number
Issued
Type
Underground mine rescue
Surface (open-pit) mine rescue
Gravel pit mine rescue
Total certificates issued
2.5
47
207
0
254
Accidents and Incidents
2.5.1
DANGEROUS OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES
In 2007, the accident module of the Mines Management System (MMS) has continued to
develop. Inspectors of Mines are responsible for determining which incidents should be
included in MMS. This is influenced by workload and staffing levels, and the
Occupational Health and Safety Committees (OHSCs) at the mines have been the
primary incident investigation tool, with less involvement from Ministry inspectors and
consequently fewer incidents entered into the system.
The following accident information is produced from MMS and represents all of the
year 2007 as input by each office. There were 161 dangerous occurrences entered in 2007.
The percentage is useful in that it may be compared to subsequent years as the system is
developed.
Page 11
Location of Incident
Pit
Plant/Mill
% of Total
Incidents
Reported
26
56.5
17.4
Maintenance (Shop
13
Underground General)
Tailings Pond
4.3
Highwall
Office
2.2
Number of
Incidents
Reported
% of Total
Incidents
Reported
24
52
20
Maintenance (Field)
Underground Outbye/Haulage
Drift
Dump
Dry
Underground Face
Work Practice
Contributing to
Incident
Operator Error
Poor Work Standards
Not Following Work Procedures

Equipment Failure
Inadequate Management
Inadequate Planning
Training
Inadequate Equipment
Abuse Or Misuse
Page 12
Number of
Incidents
Reported
14
14
7
4
1
4
0
4.3
30
30
15
9
2
9
-
Equipment Involved
Haul Truck
Service Truck
Number of
Incidents
Reported
% of Total
Incidents
Reported
22
47.8
2.2
Loader
Shovel
Drill, Surface
Dozer
Pickup
Electrical
2.2
Conveyor
Crane
Drill, Underground
6.5
Excavator/Backhoe
Forklift
Scraper
6.5
2.2
LHD
6.5
1
1
Water Truck
2.2
15.2
Grader
13
7
3
Explosives
2.2
2.2
-
2.2
Note: The numbers in the tables shown above are not intended to add up
to 100% as there may be several preventative actions, locations, work
practices or equipment involved for a single incident.
Number of
Incidents
Reported
% of Total
Incidents
Reported
Number of Persons Involved
61
n/a
Number of Persons Injured
10
n/a
General Incident Information
Average Time Into Shift (minutes)

Near Miss
Fire
Geotechnical
Fatality (Mining Related)

Fatality (Non-Mining)
Page 13
36
3
n/a
7
17
0
-
2.5.2
FATALITIES
There were four mine operationsrelated fatalities at B.C. mines in 2007.
On May 17, 2007, Kelsey A. Kristan was fatally injured at Stave Lake
Quarries, Mission, B.C. She died as a result of injuries she sustained in a
haulage truck rollover incident.
On June 9, 2007, Scott E. Quellette died of injuries he sustained while
operating an excavator to clean up a mine settling pond. The fatality
occurred at the Fraser Valley Aggregates Ltd. Pit in Abbotsford, B.C.
On July 22, 2007, Garth D. Carefoot was fatally injured when a loader
inadvertently rolled backwards. The fatality occurred at Great Pacific
Pumice Inc., near Pemberton, B.C.
On September 12, 2007, David B. Rowan was fatally injured when the
haul truck he was operating tipped over backwards at a dump point. The
fatality occurred at Cox Station Quarry, Mainland Sand and Gravel Ltd.,
Sumas Mountain, B.C.
In July 2007, Ministry staff testified at the coroners inquest into the Sullivan tragedy of
May 1517, 2006, in which four people died at the decommissioned Sullivan Mine site
near Kimberley, B.C.
The jury in the inquest ruled the deaths accidental and made 16 recommendations, six
applied to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, eight to the BC
Ambulance Service (BCAS) and two to Teck.
A Code review committee, chaired by the Chief Inspector of Mines, was formed in the
fall of 2007 to review the recommendations of the Sullivan inquest jury and to
implement those recommendations in the Code.
Page 14
3 Administration
3.1
Summary of Mine Production
The tables below summarize production and average employment at major

British Columbia mine sites in 2007.
Annual Rated
Plant Capacity
(Tonnes)
Actual
Tonnes
Produced
% of
Capacity
Days Mill
Operated
Average
Employment 1
Contract
Employment
Coal Mountain
3,500,000
2,154,000
61%
186
180
Elkview
7,000,000
5,047,000
72%
270
809
10,416,000
7,867,000
76%
313
878
Greenhills
5,300,000
4,143,000
78%
285
476
Line Creek
3,600,000
2,394,000
67%
236
309
Quinsam Coal
1,560,000
698,000
45%
247
105
Western
Canadian Coal2
3,000,000
1,379,132
46%
N/R
107
423
Annual Rated
Mill Capacity
(Tonnes)
Actual
Tonnes
Milled
% of
Capacity
Days Mill
Operated
Average
Employment1
Contract
Employment
Endako
10,980,000
9,808,000
89%
365
278
40
Gibraltar
13,413,000
9,712,000
72%
365
360
Highland Valley
Copper
49,640,000
42,593,000
86%
365
1,048
123
7,063,000
6,477,600
92%
365
N/R
N/R
Kemess South
18,650,000
17,802,000
95%
331
390
Mount Polley
7,300,000
6,482,000
89%
365
362
45
Myra Falls
1,460,000
726,000
50%
342
432
2007 Production:
Coal Mines
Fording River
2007 Production:
Metal & Precious
Metal Mines
Huckleberry
Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Mining Industry in British Columbia 2007 (Mining Industry Survey)
1.
Average number of employees actually working during fiscal year.
2.
Includes the results of Dillon, Wolverine, Willow Creek and Brule.
N/R Information not reported by survey participant
Page 15
3.2
Volume of Inspections
The Mine Management System (MMS) allows tracking of mine visits and the issuance of
orders at mines. The following figures represent inspections performed by Ministry
staff. When an inspector conducts a mine site inspection, the inspector passes on
information that staff from other branches of the Ministry may need to attend to. Please
note that the number of inspections is not an indicator of the relative volume of activity
of each office. Some regions contain a few very large mining operations, whereas others
contain hundreds of smaller operations. Therefore, the length of time to conduct an
inspection varies from region to region.
Figure 1: Number of Inspections, 20012007

In 2007, Inspectors of Mines made 1,036 visits to mines, conducted 983 inspections,
issued 2,370 health and safety orders, and shut down 132 pieces of equipment.
Inspectors also issued 19 environmental orders during the year. The following were
recorded for 2007 in MMS.
Page 16
Inspections
H&S Orders
Equipment
Shutdowns
Environmental
Orders
Dangerous
Occurrence
Investigations
Training
Meeting
Other
15
10
Coal- Surface
68
174
88
Coal- Underground
20
10
13
186
406
21
34
16
ExplorationUnderground
26
46
Industrial MineralsSurface
61
157
Industrial MineralsUnderground
Metal Leach- Surface
Metal Mine- Surface
92
163
43
Metal MineUnderground
50
74
61
79
22
76
252
Sand/Gravel Pit
328
971
76
32
TOTALS
983
2370
132
119
161
16
26
Mine Type
Custom Mill
Coal- Exploration
Exploration- Surface
Non Assignable/
Unidentified
Placer- Surface
Placer- Underground
Rock Quarry
Page 17
3.3
Audit Program
The health and safety audit program is designed to investigate how well a health and
safety program has been implemented at a mine and its compliance with the Health,
Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia. The audit program has
been revised to reflect the 2003 version of the Code and to put more emphasis on the
findings of Ministry staff. Audit reports reflect the findings of Ministry staff, who base
their conclusions on field observations, interviews with mine management and staff, and
research of mine records.
In 2007, the Ministry conducted one initial audit at Peace River Coal and eight follow-up
audits at the following mines: Myra Falls, Mount Polley, Huckleberry, Quinsam,
Endako, Moberly Silica, Coal Mountain and Texada Quarrying. In a brief time period of
two weeks, a series of health and safety inspections were carried out at 12 Fraser Valley
sand and gravel and quarry operations. These directed inspections looked at policy and
procedures, training records and the quality of implementation of safety programs at the
work site.
3.4
Notices of Work
The following Notices of Work and permit information were entered into MMS in 2007.
Notice of Work
Applications
Permits
Issued
Average # of
Days To Issue
Mineral/Coal (Exploration)
623
452
49
Mineral/Coal (other)
111
72
39
Placer
224
167
48
Sand & Gravel
204
118
83
1,162
809
219
Type
Total
The breakdown of the 2007 Notices of Work by area is as follows:

Placer
Sand & Gravel
Mineral &
Coal
Total
Kootenay
17
30
142
189
Central
15
84
148
247
Southwest
42
52
94
Northeast
130
36
189
355
Northwest
62
21
211
294
Total
224
213
742
1,179
Region
Page 18
# notice of work
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
January
June
November
Figure 2: 2007 Notices of Work by Month

The areas covered by the regions are as follows:
Page 19
Southwest = Nanaimo, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island areas

Central = Kamloops, Okanagan and Thompson areas
Kootenay = Cranbrook, Fernie and Elk Valley areas
Northeast = Prince George, Omineca, Horsefly and Valemont areas
Northwest = Smithers, Skeena and Queen Charlottes areas
4 Reclamation
4.1
Roles and Responsibilities
Reclamation and environmental protection are a major component of all mineral

exploration and mine development activities in British Columbia. Since 1969, mining
companies have been required by law to reclaim all lands disturbed by mining. B.C. was
one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to enact mine reclamation legislation, and the first
to extend this policy to exploration sites. Reclamation and environmental protection are
the responsibility of each mining company. Mining companies are required to obtain a
permit approving the mine plan, the program for protection of the land and
watercourses, and the reclamation program. Mining companies must also place a
security deposit with the province to ensure that the reclamation permit conditions are
completed.
The environmental protection and reclamation objectives of the Mines Act and the
Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia are to ensure the
following:
land and watercourses on mine sites in B.C. are reclaimed to a level equal
to that which existed prior to mining;
disturbed lands and watercourses are re-integrated into the surrounding
landscape; and
mining and mitigation requirements associated with metal leaching and
acid rock drainage (ML/ARD) are conducted in a manner which prevents
significant impacts to downstream or on-site biota and minimizes any
reduction in post-mining productive capability of the site.
In order to achieve these objectives, the reclamation section:
Page 20
conducts detailed technical reviews of new projects or project revisions

under the Environmental Assessment Act;
conducts detailed technical reviews and issues permits for operating and
closed mines with outstanding reclamation responsibilities under Section
10 of the Code;
inspects mine reclamation activity;
administers reclamation security deposits on behalf of the Province of
British Columbia;
organizes and participates in a number of provincial committees and
activities which conduct technology transfer, review Ministry practices,
and enhance government/industry/public/academia cooperation,
including the Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation, the
4.1.1
Annual Mine Reclamation Symposium, the Selenium Task Force and the
Annual ML/ARD Workshop; and
participates in national and international committees conducting research
and technology transfer, including the national Mine Environment
Neutral Drainage (MEND) Committee and the National Orphaned and
Abandoned Mines Initiative (NOAMI) committee.
The reclamation section has expertise in the technical areas of soil restoration, revegetation, land capability, erosion control, geology, geochemistry, and metal leaching
and acid rock drainage. Technical assistance is provided from within the Ministry on
geotechnical and mining issues and by the Ministry of Environment (MOE) on biological
and effluent discharge, offsite requirements.
In 2007, the Reclamation Section received a staffing complement comprising a senior
environmental geoscientist, a mine reclamation specialist and one auxiliary
administrative staff person located at headquarters.
4.2
Summary of Activities
4.2.1
PERMITTING
The reclamation section enforces the reclamation provisions of the Mines Act through
permit conditions and detailed technical reviews aimed at finding environmentally
sound, economically viable solutions that enable industry to remain internationally
competitive without compromising the provinces rigorous environmental standards.
During 2007, permitting activity remained high. Three new permits were issued for the
Brule Coal Mine, the New Afton Metal Mine and pre-construction activities at the
Galore Creek Metal Mine. In addition, 21 amendments were made to existing permits.
Type
Permits
Amendments
Total
Metal
12
14
Coal
Quarries/Sand & Gravel
Total
21
24
In addition to the approval of mine expansions at Huckleberry and Trend Mines, permit
revisions were made at Baker, Brule, Galore Creek, Greenhills, Kemess South, Line
Creek, Mount Polley, Nazko, Sullivan, and Wolverine Mines.
Page 21
Under the Environmental Assessment Act, reviews were conducted for Davidson,
Galore Creek, Gething Coal, Giscome, Hermann Coal, Highland Valley Copper Landfill,
Horizon Coal, Kemess North, Kutcho Creek, Morrison, Mount Klappan, Mount
Milligan, Prosperity, Roman Coal, Ruby Creek, and Schaft Creek projects. The
reclamation section also organized and/or participated on public committees reviewing
activities at the Brenda, Quinsam, Equity Silver and Sullivan mines.
4.2.2
COOPERATION AND CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS
The reclamation section works closely with industry, other government agencies, First
Nations and the public to inform them of our activities and ensure that all concerns are
considered. For reclamation permits involving mechanical disturbance of the land
surface, applications are referred to other government agencies, the public, and First
Nations where their interests are affected. The reclamation section provides regular
information and assistance to MOE, Ministry of Transportation (MOT), Environment
Canada, First Nations and the public on ML/ARD issues and reclamation.
Cooperation facilitated by the reclamation section between industry, the public,
government, and the academic community continues to result in a constructive climate
for exchanging and disseminating new technology.
4.2.3
METAL LEACHING AND ACID ROCK DRAINAGE (ML/ARD)
The Ministry has produced a provincial ML/ARD policy, a more detailed set of ML/ARD
guidelines, and a manual of recommended methods for the prediction of ML/ARD.
These documents indicate what constitutes acceptable mine design and adequate
technical evidence. They provide a checklist for industry and also inform the public of
regulatory conditions and environmental-protection requirements.
4.2.4
RECLAMATION SECURITIES AND FUNDS
All mines operating in B.C. must deposit security with the government to ensure that
reclamation costs do not fall on provincial taxpayers (i.e., if a mining company goes
bankrupt). In the past few years, the value of security deposits has increased to reflect
more closely the true costs of reclamation. The total value of securities held by the
province rose from $10 million in 1984 to more than $261.4 million by the end of 2007.
Page 22
Figure 3: Reclamation Security Deposits Held by the Province (Initiation to 2007)
4.2.5
TECHNICAL AND RESEARCH COMMITTEE ON RECLAMATION
This committee has been actively promoting and fostering reclamation research and
information exchange for more than three decades. Members are drawn from the
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Environment, the
Environmental Assessment Office, mining companies, the Mining Association of B.C.,
Natural Resources Canada, the University of British Columbia and Thompson Rivers
University. This committee has been responsible for the organization of the annual B.C.
Mine Reclamation Symposium since 1977.
4.2.6
NATIONAL ORPHANED/ABANDONED MINE INITIATIVE (NOAMI)
The National Orphaned/Abandoned Mines Advisory Committee was formed in March

2002 at the request of Canadian Mines Ministers. The Advisory Committee has been
asked to study the issue of orphaned/abandoned mines and to develop initiatives and
partnerships to implement remediation programs across Canada.
The Advisory Committee takes direction from Mines Ministers and reports back to them
through the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Mineral Industry (IGWG).
The Advisory Committee consists of representatives of federal/provincial/territorial
governments, the Canadian mining industry, environmental non-governmental
Page 23
organizations and Aboriginal peoples and their communities. Committee members are
responsible for communication with their constituencies. The Ministry of Energy, Mines
and Petroleum Resources represents the Province of British Columbia on this Advisory
Committee.
4.2.7
MINE RECLAMATION SYMPOSIUM
The 31st Annual Mine Reclamation Symposium was held from September 17 to 20, 2007
in Squamish, B.C. with a theme of Rejuvenation through Reclamation and Operating
for Closure. Delegates had the opportunity to tour the remediation aspects of the
historic Britannia Mine.
4.2.8
THE ANNUAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MINE RECLAMATION AWARDS
The annual Mine Reclamation Award and up to five citations are awarded for
outstanding achievement in mine reclamation and have been presented at the British
Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium every year since 1977.
The 2006 British Columbia Jake McDonald Mine Reclamation Award was presented at
the 31st Annual Mine Reclamation Symposium in September 2007 to BHP Billiton
Diamonds Inc. for their outstanding reclamation achievements at the Island Copper
Mine.
The open pit Island Copper Mine, located about 16 km south of Port Hardy, operated
between 1971 and 1995. During this time, the mine was the third-largest producer of
copper and the largest producer of gold in Canada. It has now been 12 years since the
initial closure of the mine. Revegetation efforts at the site have been hugely successful
due to the temperate climate, abundant rainfall, use of till covers, and the planting of
site-appropriate species, such as red alder. Virtually all of the mines 700 hectares of
disturbance have been successfully revegetated, and the reclaimed lands are already
demonstrating evidence of early successional processes. Over time, the reclaimed areas
are expected to evolve into natural assemblages, and it is expected that the mines
closure objectives of productive forest and wildlife habitat will be achievable.
Since the initial closure of the Island Copper Mine, BHP Billiton has come to recognize
the challenges associated with managing a closed mine site that will require care,
maintenance and monitoring in perpetuity, principally due to the evolving nature of
mine drainage and its treatment requirements. Additionally, the company has been
faced with how, in the post-closure period, to apply the same diligence and excellence
that existed with a fully-staffed operating mine.
BHP Billiton has risen to this challenge by implementing a comprehensive risk-based
approach to minimizing and managing the mine site risks to people, the community and
Page 24
the environment. As a result of this approach, a series of management manuals were

developed for the Island Copper Mine site, additional mitigation was implemented, and
the closure plan for the site was updated.
The management manuals and systems were developed for key areas and risks of the
Island Copper Mine site, including water management conveyance structures and
inspections, water quality sampling, laboratory methods, components of the Pit Lake
operating procedures, telemetry and telecommunications systems, and safety and
emergency response systems. These management systems allow the care and
maintenance of the site to be tracked continuously and reported on a regular basis to the
closure management team.
Where BHP Billitons risk assessment identified residual risks that were considered
high, additional research and mitigation measures have been implemented. An
extensive research program was conducted at the Island Copper Pit Lake that included
using large-scale enclosures to test Pit Lake treatment effectiveness. As a result of this
research, an innovative mitigation was engineered to stabilize the thickness of the top
layer of the Pit Lake by lifting middle-layer water using passive means, ensuring the
physical stability of the layered Pit Lake, and allowing it to continue to operate as a
semi-passive biological treatment system while preventing discharge of non-compliant
water to the environment.
Two projects were recently undertaken in the north area of the mine to improve and
protect water quality in the downstream Francis Lake and Stephens Creek watershed. In
2002, a shallow groundwater collection system was installed to convey acidic seepage to
the Pit Lake treatment system. More recently, the diversion of the Twin Lakes to the Pit
Lake has provided additional long-term protection of downstream water quality.
In 2004, acidic seepage was also identified from the South Dump. Although most
seepage was collected and pumped to the pit, residual long-term risk to the nearby
marine environment was considered high enough to warrant further remedial action.
Since the collection system needed to operate at mean sea level, the challenge was to
engineer a system that would capture maximum seepage from the waste rock dump,
without collecting seawater. The solution was a novel vinyl sheet-wall that is resistant
to salt-corrosion. A total of 822 interlocking and sealed vinyl sheet piles were vibrated
into the ground to a depth of 12 metres, to form a 500 metre long wall. This is the first
application of this technology in North America as a very-low permeability barrier and
now other major mining projects are considering applying this technology.
Five citations were also handed out at the 2007 Mine Reclamation Symposium:
Page 25
the Mineral Exploration Citation was awarded to Canarc Resource Corp.

for their work on the Polaris Taku property;
4.2.9
the Sand and Gravel Citation went to Little Rock Quarries Ltd. in
recognition for their reclamation work at the Ross Road Gravel Pit;
the Quarry Citation was awarded to Three Point Properties for their work
at the Bamberton Quarry;
TRCR chose to award the Metal Mining Citation to Teck Cominco Metals
Limited in recognition for their outstanding efforts at the Trail Smelter
(metal refining being a very closely related activity to actual metal
mining); and
the Coal Mining Citation was awarded to Elk Valley Coal Corporation for
their work at Fording River Operations.
METAL LEACHING AND ACID ROCK DRAINAGE WORKSHOP
The 14th annual Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage Workshop was held in
Vancouver on November 28 and 29, 2007. This year, the workshops theme was
Challenges in Collection and Treatment of Mine Drainage. The workshop was
organized by the Ministry, Natural Resources Canada and the Mine Environment
Neutral Drainage (MEND) Program in association with TRCR and the International
Network for Acid Prevention (INAP).
4.3
Industry Reclamation Record
Since the late 1960s, land occupied by the mining industry has steadily grown. Major
coal and metal mines, which occupied less than 1,000 hectares in 1969, had, by the end of
2007, expanded to cover 44,555 hectares. Reclamation (where revegetation has been
successfully established for one year or more) has occurred on over 41% or 18,191
hectares (Figure 4).
Metal mines have disturbed 23,645 hectares, and 10,171 hectares (or 43%) have been
reclaimed (Figure 5).
Coal mines have disturbed 19,953 hectares, and 8,021 hectares (or 40%) have been
reclaimed (Figure 6). The sharp increase in disturbance and reclamation at metal mines
during the late 1990s reflects the construction and development of three new mines at
Huckleberry, Mt. Polley, and Kemess South and the closure and commencement of mine
reclamation at others.
The data presented in Figures 4, 5 and 6 indicate that disturbance has been increasing at
a faster rate than reclamation. This can largely be explained by the expansion of the
mining industry during the past 35 years.
Page 26
Figure 4: Area Disturbed and Reclaimed by Metal and Coal Mines in B.C., 19692007
Figure 5: Area Disturbed and Reclaimed by Metal Mines in B.C., 19692007
Page 27
Figure 6: Area Disturbed and Reclaimed by Coal Mines in B.C., 19692007
4.4
Geotechnical/Mining Roads
4.4.1
The geotechnical section is responsible for completing inspections at operating and

closed mines with the focus on performance of tailings dams, waste dumps, excavations
and foundations. Mining projects are reviewed for public health and safety, the safety of
mine workers and for protection of land and watercourses.
The geotechnical section provides technical review of proposed mining developments
for project approval under the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act and technical review
of applications for approval under the Mines Act.
The geotechnical section tracks geotechnical incidents and carries out follow-up reviews.
The section also responds to mine road enquiries.
The geotechnical section provides geotechnical advice and develops policy for the
following:
Page 28
Tailings impoundments and dams, sediment control structures, waste

rock dumps, and soil overburden dumps;
4.4.2
Open pits and underground developments;

Mine roads;
Risk evaluation for worker protection and public health and safety; and
Environmental impact of geotechnical projects.
In 2007, the geotechnical section:
Page 29
Co-ordinated numerous inspections by Ministry staff and contractors;

Issued permits or permit amendments for construction and operation of
major structures associated with tailings impoundments and waste rock
dumps;
Undertook environmental assessment reviews for several new mine
projects; and
Provided input and data for the Audit Teams to follow up at the mines
audited.
5 For More Information

Information about the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and copies of
Ministry publications are available via the following options:
Ministry Website
www.gov.bc.ca/empr
Queen's Printer Publications Index Website

www.publications.gov.bc.ca
Ministry Communications Division

PO Box 9324 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9N3
Phone: (250) 952-0606
Fax: (250) 952-0627
Mining Operations
Further information on the activities of the various mining companies can be found in
the Canadian and American Mines Handbook, which is published annually by Northern
Miner Press at www.northernminer.com, or from individual mining operations.
In addition, you can contact the Mining Association of British Columbia
(www.mining.bc.ca) and/or the Coal Association of Canada (www.coal.ca) for annual
reports on the status of those sectors.
Page 30

2007 Ci Annual RPT

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Mining and Minerals Division

Chief Inspector of Mines

A Message from the Chief Inspector

Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Principal Mining Functions ____________________________________________ 1

Mining Health and Safety Function ______________________________________ 1

Mine Rescue Stations _____________________________________________ 2

Mining Administration Function _________________________________________ 2

Health & Safety ________________________________________________________ 3

Occupational Health Section ____________________________________________ 3

Roles and Responsibilities ________________________________________ 3

Summary of Activities ____________________________________________ 3

Roles and Responsibilities ________________________________________ 4

Summary of Activities ____________________________________________ 4

Roles and Responsibilities ________________________________________ 5

First Aid Competitions ____________________________________________ 7

Mine Rescue Competitions ________________________________________ 6

Examinations and Certifications _________________________________________ 9

Board of Examiners _____________________________________________ 10

Total Underground Coal Fireboss Certifications __________________ 10

Structure and Organization _______________________________________ 4

Competitions and Awards_______________________________________________ 5

Structure and Organization _______________________________________ 3

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering ___________________________________ 4

Shiftboss Certificates ___________________________________________ 10

Accidents and Incidents _______________________________________________ 11

Dangerous or Unusual Occurrences _____________________________ 11

Summary of Mine Production___________________________________________ 15

Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Volume of Inspections _________________________________________________ 16

Notices of Work _______________________________________________________ 18

Audit Program ________________________________________________________ 18

Roles and Responsibilities _____________________________________________ 20

Summary of Activities _________________________________________________ 21

Structure and Organization _____________________________________ 21

Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage (ML/ARD) ________________ 22

Reclamation Securities and Funds _______________________________ 22

National Orphaned/Abandoned Mine Initiative (NOAMI) ___________ 23

Industry Reclamation Record ___________________________________________ 26

Cooperation and Consultation with Stakeholders _________________ 22

Roles and Responsibilities ______________________________________ 28

For More Information_________________________________________________ 30

Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

1 Principal Mining Functions

Mining Health and Safety Function

review of aspects of mining and exploration proposals related to health

Focus on Communities and First Nations;

Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

MINE RESCUE STATIONS

Mining Administration Function

the review of applications and issuance of permits under Section 10 of the

Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

2 Health & Safety

Occupational Health Section

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION

In 2007, the OH group:

conducted frequent on-site inspections of mines to fulfill their mandate to