Either the provincial or federal government, or both, closely regulates every step in the mining process. The following is a list of the environmental laws and regulations that govern mining in British Columbia.

Government of Canada

    * Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
    * Canadian Environmental Protection Act
    * Fisheries Act
    * Navigable Waters Protection Act
    * Migratory Birds Act

Province Of British Columbia

    * Mines Act † (incl. Health, Safety & Reclamation Code & Mineral Exploration Code)
    * Environmental Assessment Act
    * Environment & Land Use Act
    * Environment Management Act
    * Forest Act (including the Forest Practices Code)
    * Health Act
    * Waste Management Act ‡
      - Contaminated Sites Regulation
      - Petroleum Storage and Distribution Facilities
      - Storm Water Regulation
      - Placer Mining Waste Control Regulation
      - Special Waste Regulation
      - Spill Reporting Regulation
      - Sulphur Content of Fuel Regulation
      - Waste Management Permit Fees Regulation
      - Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation
    * Water Act
    * Water Protection Act
    * Wildlife Act
    * Fisheries Act
    * Fish Protection Act