Mining notice of deemed authorization
Last updated on July 14, 2025Mines inspectors consider certain mining exploration activities authorized under the Mines Act Permit regulation. Requirements include an existing Mines Act permit and notification to a mines inspector.
These activities include:
- Induced Polarization (IP) surveys using exposed electrodes where an exploration permit is held
- Mineral or coal exploration drill programs and IP surveys in the permitted area of disturbance of a producing mineral or coal mine that is currently operating
- Extending the term of mineral or coal exploration activities by up to two years
Additional mining legislation
Key legislation and regulations for mineral exploration and mining in B.C.
Guidance documents
Guides, brochures, policies and best management documents specific to the authorization type can be found on the Mining guidance document page.
Notification of deemed authorization
Purpose of the regulation
This regulation allows specific mining activities to proceed. A new Mines Act permit or permit amendment is not required as an existing Mines Act permit is in place. The proposed activities pose a low health, safety, or environmental risk.
Activities deemed authorized
Activities referred to in the regulation are deemed authorized with an existing Mines Act permit and the submission of a notification.
User guide for deemed authorizations (PDF, 64.2KB)
Policy for Implementing Deemed Authorizations, Mines Act Permit regulation (PDF, 125KB)
IP surveys are a safe, non-invasive method used to better understand the availability and location of subsurface resources.
Under the regulation, IP surveys may be conducted with notification to a mines inspector. provided the proponent holds a mineral or coal exploration permit.
Over the life of a mine, a proponent may need to carry out additional exploration within the mine site, to extend the production life of the mine or identify new mining opportunities.
Under the regulation, exploration drill programs and IP surveys may be carried out with notification to a mines inspector, provided the activity takes place within the permitted area of a producing mine that is currently operating.
Proponents undertaking mineral or coal exploration activities often cannot complete the permitted activities within the original permit timeframe due to various conditions.
Under the regulation, the duration of permitted activities may be extended by up to two years through notification to a mines inspector, provided the proponent holds a mineral or coal exploration permit. A permit may be extended under this section only once.
Compliance with legislation
All activities deemed authorized under the regulation remain subject to the requirements of the Mines Act and the Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia.
This includes required reports and notifications, as well as being subject to inspections and enforcement.
Each activity becomes a component of the existing Mines Act permit, and is subject to all conditions of that permit including any reclamation security requirements. Compliance with all other applicable statutes and regulations is also required.
Submitting notification of deemed authorization
Before undertaking any of the activities listed above, proponents must notify the ministry.
Proponents submit notification through FrontCounterBC. There are no fees for a notification of deemed authorization.
You must submit notification no less than 30 days before:
- Undertaking a IP survey or exploration drill program
- The end date of the current Notice of Work for permit term extensions
Proponent responsibilities
The following information is required for your notification of deemed authorization.
User guide for deemed authorizations (PDF, 64.2KB)
The following is required for your submission:
- Your permit number and mine number
- Start and end dates
- Total line kilometers
- Description of planned activities
- Geospatial files: Submit a polygon geospatial file where the activity will occur. Identify the specific location of the activities within that area. Geospatial data submission information
The following is required for your submission:
- Your permit number and mine number
- Start and end dates
- Proposed activities (exploration drill program and/or IP survey)
- Total line kilometers for an IP survey
- Total number of drill sites for an exploration drill program
- Description of planned activities
- Geospatial files: Submit a polygon geospatial file where the activity will occur. Identify the specific location of the activities within that area. Geospatial data submission information
The following is required for your submission:
- Your permit number and NoW number
- New end date
- Reason for extension
Ministry staff responsibilities
Once a notification is received, an administrative review is conducted.
The review ensures the Permit regulation applies to the proponent’s activity and that the proponent’s notification meets the information requirements.
Proponents must re-submit the notification with missing information, if the review finds shortfalls.
If a deemed authorization does not apply, the proponent will be advised by a mines inspector prior to the end of the 30-day notification period.
In these cases, the proponent applies for a permit amendment to undertake the activity. If there are no concerns raised by a mines inspector with respect to a proponent’s notification and the 30 day notification period is complete, the proponent may begin the activity on or after the start date indicated in the notification.
All proponent notifications are sent to potentially affected First Nations for engagement. This occurs at least 15 business days (21 calendar days) prior to the end of the 30-day notification period.
If a First Nation has concerns with a deemed authorized activity, they may contact a mines inspector.
A mines inspector has the authority to order that a deemed authorization does not apply in order to protect health, safety, the environment, or a cultural heritage resource.
If a mines inspector makes such an order, the proponent will be advised prior to the end of the 30-day notification period.
The chief inspector of mines, including delegates, may order that a deemed authorization does not apply to a particular permit if the order is considered necessary to protect health, safety, the environment or a cultural heritage resource.
In making this determination, mines inspectors may consider various factors such as:
- Specific conditions in the existing permit intended to protect health, safety, environmental, and cultural heritage resources
- The size, scope, or location of the activity in relation to land use, wildlife or other plans
- Environmental or cultural areas or interests identified by First Nations or stakeholders during consultation on the existing permit
- Any information from provincial First Nations consultation staff
- Potential adverse effects of the activity on treaty rights or claimed or proven Aboriginal rights or title that require further consultation and accommodation
Where an order is made that a deemed authorization does not apply, the proponent will be required to apply for a new permit or a permit amendment in order to conduct the activity.
By requiring this, mines inspectors can ensure that where necessary, additional conditions beyond those applicable to deemed authorizations can be imposed on a proponent.
An order by the chief inspector or a delegate may be exercised at two different points:
- On issuing a new permit under the Mines Act
- Within 30 days of receiving a proponent’s notification to carry out an activity that is deemed authorized