Minerals Frequently Asked Questions

Is a license required for placer mining?
Are there regulations for placer mining?
Do I need to stake a claim to prospect or explore for minerals in Alberta?
How are environmental impacts of mining addressed in Alberta?
Who regulates mining in Alberta?

Is a license required for placer mining?

A Metallic and Industrial Mineral Licence is required to sluice for gold in Alberta rivers and streams. The license costs $50, is valid for five years and allows an operator to work any one location for a maximum of 14 days at a time.  Depending upon the circumstances, a Metallic and Industrial Mineral Lease is required to produce provincially owned gold and other placer minerals from sand and gravel deposits. For more information, refer to Is a license required for placer mining? For more information, refer to Going for Gold. Crown royalty must be paid on placer minerals produced by mining. For more information, refer to Exploring for Minerals in Alberta and the Mining Toolkit.

Are there regulations for placer mining?

Yes, the Metallic and Industrial Minerals Regulation and the Metallic and Industrial Minerals Royalty Regulation govern placer mining. For more information, refer to Going for Gold and the  Placer Mining Toolkit.

Do I need to stake a claim to prospect or explore for minerals in Alberta?

Limited prospecting is permitted in Alberta without staking claims or obtaining a mineral agreement. Staking is recommended for those who want exclusive rights to explore on a particular piece of land for metallic and industrial minerals owned by the Province. Alberta uses an application for agreement process rather than physical claim-staking to secure these Crown mineral rights for exploration. For more information, refer to Exploring for Minerals in Alberta.

How are environmental impacts of mining addressed in Alberta?

Environmental management is an important part of developing, running and closing down a mine. Mining companies develop and carry out plans to minimize impacts on air, land, water and wildlife. Companies use a variety of techniques to reclaim mined lands to predetermined uses.

Who regulates mining in Alberta?

Depending on the type of mineral, mining activities and reclamation are subject to review and approval through Alberta Environment, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB). Employment, Immigration and Industry is responsible for mine safety.