Mining Legislation - Mineral Titles

The following links are Statutes, Regulations and other laws by which Free Miners are to conduct their business:

Government Statutes and Regulations are available from the BC Laws website.

Mineral Tenure Act

The Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) is the primary statute that authorizes the registration of mineral and placer titles with the Province and provides the policy framework for Mineral Titles administration.

• Amendments to the Mineral Tenure Act - Administrative  (TACRD Information Letter 10-15) (PDF)
  October 2010: The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation is proceeding with amendments to the Mineral Tenure Act relating to the administration of tenures and the Mineral Titles Online (MTO) process.
   
• Mineral Tenure Amendment Act, 2004 (Bill 29) (PDF)
  Sections 35 and 37 of this Amendment Act are brought into force by BC Reg 288/2006 
   
• Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 12) (PDF)
  Received Royal Assent on March 29, 2007:  Sections 44 - 53 apply to the Mineral Tenure Act
   
• Mineral Definition Modification Regulation
  Fossil excluded from the definition of Mineral
   
• Mineral Title Online Grid Regulation

Mineral Tenure Act Regulation

The Regulation provides the details to give effect to the policy set out in the MTA.

• Mineral Tenure Act Regulation Amendments - effective July 1, 2012:
  Amendments to the MTA Regulation addressing concerns around fee structures and exploration work requirements.

Mines Act

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

Mines Regulation

The Regulation authorizes an inspector to investigate any matter relating to the healthy and safety of a mine.

Mining Right of Way Act

Legislation for recorded holder to access their titles is found in the Mining Right of Way Act

• Landowner Notification - OIC 235/2008 (PDF)
  Effective June 2, 2008

Mining Rights Compensation Regulation

Legislation outlining the process of expropriation of a mineral title. 

Water Sustainability Act

• Water Use for Mineral Exploration and Small Scale Placer Mining (PDF, 179KB) under the Water Sustainability Act
• Diversion and Use of Water at a Mine (PDF, 601KB)