Advanced exploration: Bulk samples
Last updated on November 24, 2025Bulk sampling is an advanced exploration and development activity conducted on a mineral claim to investigate the metallurgical properties of an ore body, to test extractive milling methods, mill equipment, and potential markets. Bulk sampling is a one-time extraction of ore for testing.
Bulk sampling is an advanced exploration activity to:
- Test the quality and marketability of dimension stone
- Test recovery rates or processing methods from a pilot mill and/or
- Characterize a deposit to inform resource models and mine plans
Legislation
- Mineral Tenure Act
- Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia
- Section 10.2.1 - Permit application
- Environmental Management Act
- Section 67 - Advanced exploration sites
Purpose of bulk samples​
​ “Bulk sampling” and “production” serve different purposes. Bulk sampling is a one-time extraction of ore for testing, while production is a continuous process for profit. Bulk sample is an exploration activity and must not be used to apply for small scale production.
The annual production limit on a mineral claim is restricted to a maximum of 1,000 tonnes of ore from each cell in a mineral cell claim or each unit in a legacy mineral claim. Except for a bulk sample, production more than this limit can only occur on a mining lease.
Application for bulk sampling
A Notice of Work Mines Act permit application must be submitted and approved by the regional inspector of mines prior to commencement of work.
Information requirements for bulk sample applications may require specialized professional technical expertise.
Consideration of variables of an application:
- Bulk sample size and type (e.g., metal, mineral, coal, industrial mineral, dimension stone)
- Surface vs. underground development
- Metal Leaching/Acid Rock Drainage (ML/ARD) potential
- Custom or pilot milling operations
- Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF)
- Geographic location of the mining project
- Complexity of issues related to land use, Indigenous, public, and environmental concerns in the project area
Applicant responsibilities
Mineral and coal exploration permit applications for:
- Surface bulk sample
- Underground bulk sample
Gather information
Submitting an application with all information requirements can be complex, take considerable time and be expensive.
- Conduct exploration activities first
- Results of the initial exploration work will help with geochemistry reporting in the bulk sample process
- A letter from the mill, lab, or other testing facilities that is willing to accept the material is required
More information on:
- Permitting pilot and custom mill operations, policy and information bulletin (PDF, 336KB)
- Bulk sample application process overview (PDF, 253 KB)
Understand other provincial, federal or local legislation that may require authorizations. This includes other tenure holders with interests in the land base. Use the tools available to determine overlaps
Pre-application meeting
Consulting with ministry representatives prior to submitting your Notice of Work application for bulk sample is beneficial. Contact the regional mines office to arrange a scoping meeting for the project.
A pre-application meeting can assess the complexity of technical, environmental and /or socio-economic factors to determine if enhanced referral and/or an Environmental Management Act permit is required.
Depending on complexity, bulk sample applications may take 6 months to 2 years to process.
Submit application
Consider applying for a bulk sample Mines Act permit separately from other exploration activities. Bulk sample applications are technical and time-consuming.
Apply for or amend a section 10 permit under the Mines Act:
-
Fill out the online application from FrontCounterBC
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​Proponent pays for permit fees
A Notice of Work application includes a mine plan, maps, a reclamation plan and mine closure plans.
What's next? Review the proponents guide to the Notice of Work application process.
|
Scenario 1 |
Scenario 2 |
Scenario 3 |
Scenario 4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Requires an EMA* permit | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Complex technical, environmental, and/or socio-economic factors | No |
Yes E.g. Impacts to critical habitat |
Yes E.g. Minimum bulk sample with pilot milling and TSF |
Yes E.g. Complex surface, underground operations |
| Workflow | Standard NoW process with mines technical experts as needed | Enhanced referral process chaired by regional operations. Involves mines technical experts, other government agencies and Indigenous Nations | Requires a Joint Application for Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permit | Review by the major mines office |
| Fees | Fee required to facilitate the Mine Development Review Committee | Fee required |
*EMA - Environmental Management Act
Ministry staff responsibilities
Due to the complex nature of this type of exploration, the application may require an in-depth technical review by a mine development review committee (MDRC).
A joint application with the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals (MCM) and Ministry of Environment and Parks (ENV) may be required for advanced exploration projects.
- Overview of ENV's role and responsibilities in regulating mining operations. See the Mining Operations Fact Sheet (PDF, 246KB) on the Mining and smelting guidance documents page
- Joint applications information requirements information
Consultation of the application with First Nations.
Referral to other ministries, natural resource authorization holders and/or the public.
Final review of the application, consultation and referral information, and engagement with the proponent for any changes required.
Decision is made whether to authorize proposed activities.
- Permit issued with a work authorization and conditions
- Mine inspector has delegated authority from the chief permitting officer
- Documented in MineSpace