Mineral and coal exploration permit applications

Site-specific authorization allows applicants to carry out proposed exploration activities over a period of one to five years.

Applicants must identify the exact locations, proposed disturbance and timber cutting for each proposed activity over the entire authorization period.

At the end of each year, proponents are required to submit an annual summary of exploration activities (ASEA) outlining the activities (including reclamation) completed during that year. If the proposed activities or locations change, the proponent will need to obtain a permit amendment.

• Annual summary for exploration activities (PDF, 148KB) - activities conducted over the previous year

Multi-year area-based (MYAB) authorization (PDF, 298KB) allows proponents to move exploration activities within a certain overall work area. 

Proponents have the flexibility to execute exploration programs over the entire area and through the life cycle of the authorization as field results and market conditions dictate.

For the first year, activities, locations, proposed disturbances and timber cutting must be identified in a Year 1 Mine Plan with consistent maps (showing the overall work area), and reclamation costs for this work.

For the subsequent years of the authorization, the NoW application does not require exact locations, disturbances and timber volumes to be mapped, but the work proposed to be completed in those years must be described in the NOW application in sufficient detail for the mines inspector and reviewers to understand.

While applicants do not need to be certain of the precise locations of activities beyond Year 1, there should be certainty of the geographic area within which all future work will fall (if it changes later on, a permit amendment will be required).

Provincial staff authorize annual activities on the site by reviewing and accepting a MYAB work program annual update that outlines planned activities for the coming year and an annual summary of exploration activities (ASEA) that outlines the activities conducted over the previous year. 

• Multi-Year Area Based Permitting Proponent Guide for Mineral and Coal Exploration (PDF, 175KB)
• Multi-year area-based work program annual update form (PDF, 184KB) - planned activities for the coming year

Submitting an application and understanding operational requirements can be complex.

Take the time to review handbooks, guidance documents, policies and best practices.

Early engagement with First Nations is beneficial for industry in developing and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous nations and may support future consultation processes by the province. 

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.

Apply for or amend a section 10 permit under the Mines Act:

• Fill out the online application from FrontCounterBC
  • Notice of Work application mapping requirements
• ​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.

MineSpace is an application for industry to manage applications, view permits and inspection history, and submit reports.

Application is reviewed and screened for completeness.

Application undergoes technical review by the permitting inspector:

• Confirmation of compliance with the Mines Act and Health, Safety and Reclamation Code
• Calculate reclamation security bond

Consultation of the application with First Nations occurs.

Referral to other ministries, natural resource authorization holders and/or the public.

Application may include public engagement.

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 
• Requirement for annual report
• Mine inspector has delegated authority from the Chief Permitting Officer
• Documented in MineSpace