The Auditor-General of Canada's office is looking into abandoned mines in Canada's north, as a follow-up on their contaminated sites recommendations in 1996.

The team of auditors, under the direction of the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainable Development, will be looking at the federal liabilities for remediation, and management of the problems at mines like Faro, Ross River, Giant and Colomac.

An Advisory Committee to the team includes MiningWatch Canada board member Kevin O'Reilly, and eminent biologist David Schindler.

The Auditor-General is also assessing the Natural Resources Canada Minerals and Metals Sector performance on its Sustainable Development Strategy.