| This study evaluates biophysical and socioeconomic impacts associated with the British Columbia (BC) Mine Development Assessment Process (MDAP) through comparison with regulatory regimes that pre-date it. Three case studies are used to appraise the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and representation of environmental review policies for mining during three regulatory phases: preguidelines, Metal Mine Review Process (MMRP), and Mine Development Review Process (MDRP), which is similar to MDAP. The latest step in this evolution, MDAP, is a legislated version of MDRP. MDAP is compared with MDRP based on a review of policy documents.;Western Mines' Myra Falls mine complex on Vancouver Island, BC serves as a case study for environmental appraisal of metal mine proposals in the mid- to late-1960's when a formal provincial review process did not exist. Westmin Resources H-W Mine, an expansion of the former development, is used to evaluate regulation under the Metal Mine Review Process of the late 1970's and early 1980's. MDRP, the review process of the late 1980's, is studied using Samatosum Mine, located north of Kamloops, BC.;There has been a progressive evolution in the prediction, assessment, and mitigation of negative impacts caused by metal mine development in British Columbia. Several, but not all, improvements resulted from regulatory review policy changes. Efficiency, accountability, and overall effectiveness have been advanced. Although improved, representation and equity in the decision making process are the least achieved goals. Monitoring has been weak in all eras.;Recommendations to address the identified shortcomings focus on needs justification, exploration and land tenure, scoping and administration, risk assessment, cumulative effects assessment, public participation, mitigation and compensation, reclamation and bonding, and monitoring and enforcement. |
