Free Miner Certificate

Free Miner Certificate

Free Miner Certificate: A free miner certificate gives the right to acquire and maintain mineral and placer title. Free miner certificates are issued for a maximum 12 month term.

Related Activities: Claim Administration, Claim Transfer, Coal Information, Hand Panning, Lease Administration, Mineral Records, Mineral Title Complaint, Mineral Title Liens - Registrations, Mining Lease, Mining Mediation, Mining Physical - Technical Reports, Mining Reserve, Placer Lease

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Free Miner Certificate Authorization Guidance Apply Now

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
Application Fee Application fee is required by applicants less than 65 years of age. Individual: $25
Corporate: $500
Fees - Mineral and Placer Titles

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Age 18 years of age minimum
Citizenship Canadian Citizen or corporation, Permanent Resident or authorized to work in Canada

Information Requirements

Requirement Description Link to Details
Free Miner Certificate Application Full name, contact details, identification of age (over 18 or over 65), Canadian resident, consent to disclosure of information, and signature. Free Miner Certificate Application

Potential Additional Requirements

Requirement Description When is it Required?
Free Miner Certificate Renewal Free miner certificate renewals must be registered online through the Mineral Titles Online application. Renewal fees are: Individuals under 65 - $25; Individuals 65+ – free; Companies - $500.

The first renewal after a client has turned 65 years of age requires an application to be completed and submitted to a FrontCounter BC office or can be emailed to Mineral.Titles@gov.bc.ca in order to update a clients status.
A Free Miner Certificate is required to acquire/hold a mineral or placer title.
Link Description
Mineral Titles - Free Miner Certificate A web page providing answers to frequently asked questions about Free Miner Certificates.
Mineral Titles Online (MTO) Frequently Asked Questions An online system providing information about where and how to log onto Mineral Titles Online (MTO).

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023