This consultation was open from:
February 22, 2023
to April 8, 2023
Decision summary
The Ministry of Mines (MINES) has implemented a Hobby Mineral Collecting Policy to provide guidance to hobbyists on the legal requirements for hobby mineral collecting.
Decision details
The ministry has decided to publish the Hobby Mineral Collecting Policy (“policy”). As the ministry responsible for administering the Mining Act and regulating exploration and mineral development in the province, MINES recognizes hobby mineral collecting for its recreational and educational benefits to the public. The policy is intended to provide better certainty to members of the public who wish to collect minerals for hobby purposes. The policy defines hobby mineral collecting, describes where it can take place, and describes the circumstances in which the ministry will exercise enforcement discretion. As described in the policy, the ministry will not enforce the requirements of the Mining Act and its regulations where hobby mineral collecting is conducted in accordance with the policy.
The final policy is attached for your convenience.
Effects of consultation
The ministry received comments regarding changing the word “guide”, in the title, to “policy” to ensure there is no confusion in the status of the document. Further, comments pertained to clarity surrounding where hobby mineral collecting can occur. The ministry has amended the wording within the policy to clarify. Also, information about hobby mineral collecting on lands withdrawn pursuant to section 35.1 of the Mining Act has been included, with a clarification that the permission of the applicable surface rights owner(s) would be required. The recommendation to include additional tools such as panning, geological hammer, chisels etc., in the allowable tools list were included. The ministry heard that a “Where to Find Information” section would be beneficial in order for a hobbyist to confirm their legal obligations before mineral collecting. Lastly, clarity of certain terms and definitions was requested, and the ministry had added terms under the Terms and Definitions section at the end of the policy.
Comments received that were not included in the policy was the addition of “power tools” to the list of examples of tools used to extract minerals.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
933 Ramsey Lake Road
3rd Floor
Sudbury,
ON
P3E 6B5
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
Sophie Fortin
Original proposal
Proposal details
As the ministry responsible for administering the Mining Act and regulating exploration and mineral development in the province, the Ministry of Mines recognizes hobby mineral collecting for its recreational and educational benefits to the public. The Hobby Mineral Collecting Guide (“guide”) will provide better certainty to the public wishing to collect minerals for hobby purposes. The guide will define hobby mineral collecting, describe where it can take place, and describe the circumstances in which the ministry will exercise enforcement discretion. The ministry will not enforce the requirements of the Mining Act and its regulations where hobby mineral collecting is conducted in accordance with this guide.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
933 Ramsey Lake Road
3rd Floor
Sudbury,
ON
P3E 6B5
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from February 22, 2023
to April 8, 2023
Comments received
Through the registry
60By email
18By mail
0