Working for Workers

April 11, 2023

Miners are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and have been for generations.

Sadly, long-term exposure to diesel fumes while on the job is a leading cause of lung cancer in miners.

That is why this government is introducing new rules to protect the province’s 29,000 miners by lowering exposure to harmful substances from diesel exhaust in underground mines to the most protective in North America. 

This government is also improving ventilation, tightening diesel equipment requirements, and allowing the use of track-mounted robots in underground mines to evaluate certain hazards.

Specialized machines with a high-definition camera will be controlled by an operator to identify loose rocks, misfired explosives, and other safety hazards, while keeping workers out of danger.

These amendments respond to calls from unions for a reduction of how much diesel particulate miners can be exposed to underground and follow recommendations from the Mining Health, Safety and Prevention Review and recent coroner’s inquests.

This government is helping to build a strong critical minerals sector in Ontario. Through investments and support, this government is unlocking Northern Ontario’s economic potential in critical minerals and connecting these resources to the world-class manufacturing capabilities in Southern Ontario.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002918/ontario-introducing-new-rules-to-keep-miners-safe