FAQs

Do I have to take the MAAP?

You must take the MAAP if you are:

• Applying for a prospector's licence
• Renewing a prospector's licence
• Currently holding a prospector's licence (within two years of the new rules being in force)
• Currently holding a lifetime prospector's licence (within two years of the new rules being in force).
• Going to be identified as a qualified supervisor on an exploration plan or exploration permit

The province encourages anyone who is interested in learning more about mineral exploration in Ontario to take the program.

Do I take the MAAP just once?

You must complete the MAAP every time you apply for a new prospector’s licence or every five years to renew your existing licence. Retaking the test every five years will make you aware of new information, since the MAAP will be updated when necessary.

However, if you hold a lifetime prospector’s licence, you must complete the MAAP only once, by November 1, 2014.

When do I have to take the MAAP?

Every person holding a prospector’s licence, including a lifetime licence, must complete the MAAP by November 1, 2014. 

Earlier deadlines apply if you:

• Apply for a new prospector's licence within 60 days before the date of the application for the licence
• Apply for a renewal within 60 days before the expiry of your licence
• Have held a licence for 25 years and want to qualify for a lifetime renewal (within 60 days before the renewal)
• Will be a qualified supervisor on an exploration plan or permit (not more than five years before the proposed start date of the exploration work in the exploration plan or application for an exploration permit)

My licence is not due to expire until after November 1, 2014.  Can I wait until my licence expires before I complete the MAAP?

No.  You must complete the MAAP by November 1, 2014 (within two years after the legislation came into effect).

Do I have to pass a test when I’m taking the MAAP?

No.  Although you answer questions at the end of each section, this is not a pass or fail test. The questions simply reinforce your knowledge of the material covered. Once you have completed the MAAP, the province will email a confirmation number and certificate to you. You will need this confirmation number as proof that you have completed MAAP on relevant forms and applications.

If I can’t take the program will I lose my lifetime licence?

If you don’t take the MAAP, your licence will become invalid, and you will not be able to use it to stake and record mining claims. The Minister of Northern Development and Mines has discretion to waive the requirement for a licensee to complete the program, on a case-by-case basis. If you have concerns about completing the MAAP, please contact the Provincial Mining Recorder at 1-888-415-9845.

What happens to my licence and/or mining claims if I don’t take the program?

Your licence will be invalid unless you have a waiver from the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. Since you don’t need a valid prospector’s licence to hold a mining claim, recorded claims you already hold will not be affected, and you may perform work on them. However, without a valid prospector’s licence you will no longer be able to stake or record a claim, or prospect on Crown land.