Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia

The Mines Act and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (the Code) protect workers and the public through requirements that reduce the health, safety and environmental risks related to mining activities.

On this page:

• Latest revisions to the Code
• Purpose of the Code
• Code Review Committee

Latest revisions to the Code

In 2026, the Committee unanimously recommended several important revisions to the Code to improve safety at B.C. mines and ensure the Code remains current with changing technology and standards.

The following revisions are in force starting on June 22, 2026:

1. Bullying and Harassment

Added a new requirement for a program to address bullying and harassment, sexual harassment and violence on mine sites.

• BC Code Guidance Document: Bullying and Harassment on Mines Sites (June 2026) - in development, will be available soon

2. Roles and Responsibilities

Clarified the roles and responsibilities of managers, supervisors, workers and contractors on mine sites.

• BC Code Guidance Document: Roles and Responsibilities (June 2026) - in development, will be available soon

3. Occupational Health

Updated the shift adjustment calculation for shifts longer than 8 hours. These updates reflect current occupational hygiene standards and best practices.

• BC Code Guidance Document: Occupational Health 2.1.2 Shift Adjustment Calculation (June 2026) - in development, will be available soon
• BC Mines Shift Adjustment Calculation Tool - in development, will be available soon

4. Off-road Vehicles (ORVs)

Added requirements for the safe use of ORVs (utility-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles) on mine sites. Prohibited the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on mine sites due to lack of adequate rollover protective structures (ROPs).

• BC Code Guidance Document: Off-road Vehicles (June 2026) (PDF, 2.3MB)

5. Part 5 Electrical

Updated Part 5 and added new requirements based on the Canadian Electrical Code and Canadian Standards Association M421 standards. These updates aim to improve electrical safety and increase awareness of electrical hazards on mine sites.

• BC Code Guidance Document: Part 5 Electrical (June 2026) - in development, will be available soon

6. Part 9 Exploration

Updated requirements related to mining exploration. These updates clarify requirements for exploration activities and ensure consistent regulation across all mine types.

• BC Code Guidance Document: Part 9 Exploration (June 2026) - in development, will be available soon

More information on the 2026 Code revisions

• Code Revisions Summary Table 2026 (PDF, 912KB)
• Order in Council No. 255 June 19, 2026 (PDF, 970KB)

Purpose of the Code

The purpose of the Code is to:

1. Protect employees and all other persons from undue risks to their health and safety arising out of or in connection with activities at mines.
2. Safeguard the public from risks arising out of or in connection with activities at mines.
3. Protect and reclaim the land and watercourses affected by mining.
4. Monitor the extraction of mineral and coal resources and ensure maximum extraction with a minimum of environmental disturbance, taking into account sound engineering practice and prevailing economic conditions.

Code Review Committee

The Code Review Committee (the Committee) reviews the Code and makes regular revisions. The Committee has equal representation from Indigenous communities, labour and industry. The Committee ensures that the Code stays current with changing technology, standards, and other legislation.

More about the Code Review Committee