Groups worried about Ont. mining claims growth

TORONTO — A coalition of environmental groups say active mining claims in Ontario have more than doubled in the last two years and they're worried about what they see as a lack of oversight.

The groups say there's been a rapid increase in exploratory mining activities, including staking and drilling in Ontario's northern Boreal Forest.

The CPAWS Wildlands League, Ecojustice and Mining Watch Canada say they are worried abuses may be growing because of inadequate control.

They're concerned that claims and leases will be grandfathered into land use planning processes, leaving First Nations communities little room to manoeuvre and threatening local wildlife.

They want the province to withdraw lands in affected areas and work with First Nations to create a regional land use plan that gives them more control over industrial activities and minimizes negative environmental impacts.

As of December, they say there have been more than 8,200 claims, compared to 4,000 in October of 2007.

The area, considered one of the largest potential mineral reserves in Ontario, is about 240 kilometres west of James Bay.

The province recently brought in changes to its Mining Act to modernize the way companies stake claims so they are more respectful of landowners and the environment, as well as aboriginal and treaty rights.