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Mines Act permit amendments

Last updated on July 14, 2025

Changes to existing authorizations under a Mines Act permit are sometimes needed. This could be a notice of departure, a permittee name change, an extension request or an amendment to a Mines Act permit. Submit required information to the chief permitting officer (CPO) to amend an existing Mines Act permit.

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Legislation

 Along with the Mines Act and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in B.C., Mines Act permits regulate the works and activities that occur on a specific mine site. 

The permit stays with a mine site from initial development work through to the time when all reclamation work is satisfactorily fulfilled.  An application must be submitted to the chief permitting officer to obtain a new permit or amend an existing permit. 

Mines Act permits for construction and operational activities regulate all components of a mine including production volumes, infrastructure, health and safety, mine plans and areas, reporting requirements, and reclamation requirements.

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 Mine permitting guidance document page.

​​ Regional mine amendments 

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Administrative amendments 

Administrative amendments do not change the approved operation. Contact the regional mines office to initiate this type of amendment. An inspector may request submission of a Notice of Work application. Examples of administrative amendments include:

  • A permittee name change
  • Amalgamating multiple open permits into one permit
  • Submitting a notice of deemed authorization
 

Notice of Work amendments

The owner, agent or manager must notify the chief permitting officer in writing of any intention to depart, to any substantial degree, from the authorized mine plan and reclamation program. Any proposed changes must not be implemented without the written authorization of the chief permitting officer.

Activities that may require submission of a Notice of Work amendment application include:

  • Blasting, crushing, or washing if not previously approved 

  • Changes to approved bench configuration(s)  

  • Changes to design in response to ground conditions  

  • An increase in the permit area  

  • Changes to the approved end land use 

  • Increase in production rate that is above the current permit application fee threshold

 

Notice of deemed authorization

Mines inspectors consider certain mining exploration activities to be authorized under the Mines Act Permit regulation. Requirements include holding an existing Mines Act permit and providing notification to a mines inspector. Deemed authorizations for exploration permits may include induced polarization surveys, drill programs, or extending the permit term by up to two years. These deemed authorizations apply to mineral and coal exploration permits (MX/CX).

 

Term extensions

Term extensions may be granted in certain situations at the discretion of the chief permitting officer under section 10(6) of the Mines Act. Term extensions do not change the approved operation. Contact the regional mines office to initiate this type of amendment.

Term extensions may apply to all Mines Act permits.

 

Mine plan update policy

If you have an existing permit check the Mine Plan Update policy (PDF, 351KB) to determine whether you need to submit a Notice of Work (NoW).

Complete the self-assessment and declaration form (PDF, 351KB) found at the end of the policy document. Material and boundary changes to the currently approved mine plan require an amendment to the Mines Act permit.

Submit the proposed mine plan amendment as a Notice of Work application. 

This applies to sand, gravel, and quarry permits.