Permitting Fees
Last updated on December 3, 2024Permit fees are charged for some applications for new permits and to amend existing permits for major mines, large pits and quarries, and very large placer mines. The fees will enable government to assign the proper resources to provide the services needed and ensure a timely permitting model is maintained.
Fees for Placer Mines
| Placer mine proposed to operate for 5 years or less | Placer mine proposed to operate for more than 5 years | Permit fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tonnes proposed to be moved in highest producing year | ||
| Less than 60,000 | Less than 10,000 | $0 |
| 60,000 to 124,999 | 10,000 to 59,999 | $4,000 |
| 125,000 to 249,999 | 60,000 to 124,999 | $8,000 |
| 250,000 to 499,999 | 125,000 to 249,999 | $16,000 |
| Greater than 500,000 | Greater than 250,000 | $32,000 |
Fees for Pits and Quarries
| Tonnes proposed to be extracted in highest producing year | Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 5,000 | $0 |
| 5,000 to 9,999 | $1,500 |
| 10,000 to 19,999 | $3,000 |
| 20,000 to 29,999 | $6,000 |
| 30,000 to 39,999 | $9,000 |
| 40,000 to 49,999 | $12,000 |
| 50,000 to 59,999 | $15,000 |
| 60,000 to 69,999 | $18,000 |
| 70,000 to 79,999 | $21,000 |
| 80,000 to 89,999 | $24,000 |
| 90,000 to 99,999 | $27,000 |
| 100,000 to 129,999 | $30,000 |
| 130,000 to 169,999 | $40,000 |
| Greater than 170,000 | $50,000 |
Fees for Mineral and Coal Exploration Activities
| Application Type | Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| Notice of deemed authorization | $0 |
| Revision that is administrative or clerical in nature, as determined by the Chief Permitting Officer (CPO) | $0 |
| Exploration activities where review by an advisory committee is not required | $0 |
| Exploration activities where review by an advisory committee is required | $60,000 |
Fees for Mineral and Coal Construction and Operations Activities
| Application Type | Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| Notice of deemed authorization | $0 |
| Departure from approval | $0 |
| Revision that is administrative or clerical in nature, as determined by the Chief Permitting Officer (CPO) | $0 |
| Permit amendment where review by a Mine Review Committee is not required | $10,000 |
|
Permit amendment that is referred to a Mine Review Committee, and the CPO determines that:
|
$60,000 |
| Permit amendment that is referred to a Mine Review Committee | $125,000 |
Consultation on Permit Fees
The 2012 Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy (PDF, 2.7MB) committed that the Province would explore cost-recovery options in order to ensure the permitting process remains timely and efficient. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation undertook extensive consultation in developing options for a sustainable funding model which recognizes the value of government’s authorization activities to industry and the overall benefits of a well-regulated mineral exploration and mining sector to British Columbians. Through consultation, including a formal public comment period, the fee structures were modified.
Upon application, the ministry will send an invoice to the proponent including instructions on how to pay. Payments can be made by cheque or by electronic funds transfer.
Contact information
Reclamation security and permit fee payments are managed by the reclamation security team.