Saskatchewan Uranium Mines Exclusion Changes

Summary#

This is a proposed amendment to the Regulations Amending the Saskatchewan Uranium Mines and Mills Exclusion Regulations. It updates which Saskatchewan laws and regulations count as applying to employment at uranium mines and mills and clarifies who counts as holding mining-related surface leases. The proposal was published on April 27, 2024 and people can comment within 30 days (deadline: May 27, 2024).

What it does#

• Replaces part of the definition of "employment" to explicitly include the holder of a surface lease to mine or process uranium-bearing material granted under The Provincial Lands Act, 2016 or The Forest Resources Management Act.
• Updates the list of provincial laws and regulations that apply to employment on or connected with uranium mines and mills. The list now includes:
  • The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act, 1999 and The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Regulations, 2017;
  • The Electrical Code Regulations;
  • The Saskatchewan Employment Act, with certain sections excluded;
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, with some parts excluded;
  • The Radiation Health and Safety Regulations, 2005;
  • The Mines Regulations, 2018;
  • The Passenger and Freight Elevator Regulations, 2017.
• Repeals section 4 of the existing regulations.
• Says the amended regulations would come into force on the day they are published in the Canada Gazette, Part II (if adopted).

Who's affected#

• People or companies that hold surface leases to mine or process uranium-bearing material in Saskatchewan.
• Employers, contractors and workers at uranium mines and mills in Saskatchewan.
• Businesses that install, maintain or inspect boilers, pressure vessels, elevators, electrical systems, and radiation equipment used at those sites.
• Provincial inspectors and agencies that enforce Saskatchewan workplace and safety rules.
• If the source is unclear about a specific group affected, that is noted here: the notice is a proposal, so the final scope could change based on public comments.

Why it matters#

• It clarifies which provincial safety and equipment rules apply to work at Saskatchewan uranium mines and mills. That affects what employers must follow and what protections workers can expect.
• Including surface-lease holders in the definition of employment can change who is legally responsible for complying with those rules.
• The change could affect costs and compliance steps for mine operators, contractors, and service companies (for example, elevator, boiler, electrical and radiation safety compliance).
• This is a proposal, not final law. The public can comment for 30 days after publication (deadline: May 27, 2024) before any change is made.