not as easy as it used to be The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) has changed the process for
obtaining permission to extract bulk samples for testing under Section 52 of the Mining Act.
Effective November 1, 2012, those applying for permission to test a bulk sample for mineral
content on a mining claim (proponent) will be required to follow a new process.
How will the permission to test mineral content process work?
1. Permission to test mineral content: Proponents are still required to apply for and
obtain permission to test mineral content prior to extracting a bulk sample. Thresholds
have been established in regulation to identify what amount of material extracted
constitutes a bulk sample.
2. Permission to dispose of material: If the intention is to sell/dispose the end product
after processing and testing, it is necessary to include a request for this permission as
part of the bulk sample permission application.
3. The activity undertaken to extract the bulk sample (e.g. excavating or drilling) will be
subject to the Exploration Plans and Exploration Permits regulation or the Mine
Development and Closure Regulation ( Ontario Regulation 240/00) if it meets the
threshold for advanced exploration.
What You Need to Know...
• Proponents must apply for a bulk sample permission using the approved application
form, and if they intend to sell the end product of the bulk sample, they must request
permission for this in their bulk sample application.
• The threshold for a bulk sample for most material is 100 tonnes, below which no
Section 52 permission is required. For semi-precious, lapidary or precious stones
(except diamonds) the bulk sample threshold is greater than 100 kilograms.
• If the bulk sample exceeds 1000 tonnes, the activity is considered to be advanced
exploration and this requires a closure plan under Part VII of the Mining Act. • Proponents must comply with the Exploration Plan and Exploration Permit Regulation
with respect to the activity of extracting the sample, in addition to the Bulk Sample
Permission. A plan is required if material extracted is greater than 1m3
and a permit is
required if the material extracted is greater than 3m3 but less than 1000 tonnes.
• Once sampling and testing are complete, a certified report that outlines the material
extracted, tests carried and the associated cost for the work must be submitted to
MNDM.
• MNDM’s bulk sample permission is subject to the Environmental Assessment Act and
will be screened and evaluated through MNDM’s environmental assessment process.
This is intended as general introductory information only. For more information, including
links to the Mining Act, regulations and applicable policies, and copies of forms and
applications, or to find an MNDM office near you, visit our website at
www.ontario.ca/miningact.
There is the potential for a significant financial reward in conducting this new bulk sample on the Menary Property.
In the view of a number of large shareholders that I have discussed this matter with, we feel that a positive result of the bulk sample to be a game changer for KBG.