What is a mineral claim and what does it authorise?
A mineral claim is a possessory title which is current for a non-renewable term of 1 year. It gives the holder an exclusive right to prospect for minerals within the claim area and to carry out any other exploratory operations that are approved in writing by the Director of Mines. It also authorises the holder to apply for a mining lease over the whole or part of the land within the claim. The ownership of a mineral claim DOES NOT AUTHORISE: 1. the removal of more than 1 tonne of material; 2. the sale or disposal of any minerals recovered in the course of mining operations; or 3. the use of any minerals recovered for any commercial or industrial purpose.
