Likely, B.C.- Investigators probing the Mount Polley tailings pond breach, will have more time to do their job, thanks to  a change to the Mines Act.

The change will extend the time  allowed for investigations.

Right now, depending on the infraction,  the Province has from 6 months to a year to pursue charges for alleged offences  committed under the act.

The change will see  the limit increased to three years from the time the Chief Inspector of Mines first learned of the  incident. The change will be retroactive to August 1 of this year to ensure all current investigations, including the one into the Mount Polley tailings pond breach, will be  covered.

“We don’t want to be in a position where time limits prevent investigators and Crown Counsel from doing their jobs” says Minister of Mines Bill Bennett. “These amendments will ensure there is more time available, if required, for a thorough investigation and for a decision on whether to pursue charges for offences under the Mines Act.”