The ministry is in the process of reviewing and updating its policies to reflect recent changes to the Mining Act as they relate to the implementation of online mining claim registration and an electronic Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS). Until further notice, visitors should consider this content to be in transition and subject to modifications.
Table of Contents
Policies
The ministry has developed a set of policies to aid clients on implementation of relevant Mining Act provisions and regulations.
Changes have been made to the Mining Act, including new regulations to promote mineral exploration and development in a manner that recognizes Aboriginal and treaty rights.
The publication “Consultation framework: Implementing the duty to consult with Aboriginal communities on mineral exploration and mine production in Ontario” provides information and direction to proponents and Aboriginal communities outlining how the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry implements the consultation framework set out in the Mining Act and regulations.
To view a listing of other Mining Act policies, visit the policies website.
The ministry is in the process of reviewing and updating its policies to reflect recent changes to the Mining Act as they relate to the implementation of online mining claim registration and an electronic Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS). Until further notice, visitors should consider this content to be in transition and subject to modifications.
Standards
The ministry has recently developed standards related to exploration plans and permits and to georeferencing of unpatented mining claims, as follows:
- Provincial Standards for Early Exploration, effective April 10, 2018, lists requirements that must be met when carrying out exploration plan or permit activities, including requirements for rehabilitation when the early exploration activities have been completed.
- Technical Standards for Reporting Assessment Work, effective April 10, 2018, lists the minimum requirements for Assessment Work reports for the different work types and costs and expenses that are eligible under O. Reg. 65/18.
- Provincial Standards for Early Exploration, effective November 2012 to April 9, 2018.
Directives
The following directives provide direction on the use of the Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS). Per the Mining Act and the regulations claimholders, lessees, patent holders, or prospector licensees must be registered users in MLAS to do business for mining purposes, in Ontario. Consult our user guide for instructions on how to register.
- Directive 1 – Getting Started
- Directive 2 – Obtaining a Prospector’s Licence
- Directive 3 – Registering a Mining Claim
- Directive 4 – Claim Management
- Directive 5 – Assessment Work Reporting
- Directive 6 – Early Exploration Activities
- Directive 7 – Disposition Management
Mining Act Modernization Regulations Available Online
All regulations that underpin legislation enabling the final phase of modernizing Ontario’s Mining Act are available on the government’s e-Laws website. They provided for the conversion of legacy mining claims, and form part of the regulatory framework for our 24/7 Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS) as well as for online mining claim registration. The regulations were finalized after engagement with industry representatives and other stakeholders including postings for public comment on the province’s regulatory and environmental registries. They include:
- O. Reg. 455/17 – Transition – Electronic Registration of Mining Claims
- O. Reg. 456/17 – General Reg. amendments
- O. Reg. 454/17 – Conversion of Legacy Claims Regulation
- O. Reg. 458/17 – Revoking Survey Reg. (Reg. 768, R.R.O. 1990)
- O. Reg. 457/17 – Revoking Forms Reg. (O. Reg. 44/11)
- O. Reg. 65/18 – New Assessment Work Regulation/Revocation of Assessment Work Regulation O. Reg. 6/96
- O. Reg. 66/18 - New Mining Claims Regulation / Revocation of Claim Staking and Recording Regulation O. Reg. 43/11
Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions – Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS)
- Administrative Fees for Mining Lands
- Modernizing the Mining Act will introduce new or modified terminology and concepts related to mineral exploration and development in Ontario. We encourage our mineral exploration and development clients to become familiar with the terms listed in this MAM glossary.
- Our Claim Holder’s Guide helps to better understand the process of conversion, the implementation of online mining claim registration and our new 24/7 Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS).
- Crown Land Survey Instructions
MLAS Video Tutorials
- register as an existing legacy client
- register as a new client
- apply for a prospector’s licence in MLAS
- view or print a prospector’s licence
- register a mining claim
- initiate the transfer of a mining claim
- complete the transfer of a mining claim
- confirm Surface Rights Owner (SRO) notification of claim registration
- distribute approved credits
- manage agents
- submit a notice of claim abandonment