The basics

In Ontario, unpatented mining claims are located on Crown land.

On an unpatented mining claim, the claim holder can carry out mineral exploration and development under the Mining Act.

If you are a claim holder, you can construct or place a building or buildings on an unpatented mining claim, if you follow the rules listed below, including registration with the ministry.

Source law

This is a summary of the provincial laws. You can find a complete set of rules related to this activity in:

The rules

You do not need a work permit issued under the Public Lands Act if you:

  1. are the holder of the unpatented mining claim
  2. do not construct or place the building within the 120-metre shoreline reservation (also called Crown land surface rights reservation)
  3. do not construct or place the building on land where surface rights are held by another person
  4. always register your buildings with the ministry at least 10 business days before work begins
  5. keep the Confirmation of Registration onsite and make it available, if requested

Buildings are only allowed where they are associated with the development of a mining claim as provided for under the Mining Act.

Rules for Crown land surface rights reservation

Find out where surface rights are held

How to register

Changes to how you access the Natural Resources Registry

Beginning November 19, 2023, all new and existing users must have a My Ontario Account to access the Natural Resources Registry. You will no longer be able to use ONe-Key authentication to sign into the registry.

Register an activity online using the Natural Resources Registry. Registration is free.

Read the Natural Resources Registration Guide to learn how to create:

  • a My Ontario account
  • a Natural Resources Registry profile

Once you create a Natural Resources Registry profile, start a new submission and choose Notice of Activity form to register for activities on public land and shore lands.

If you cannot register your activity online

  • Download the Notice of Activity (Public Lands Act) registration form
  • Print, complete and mail the form to:
    Registry and Approval Services Centre
    300 Water Street
    Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 3C7
  • If you are eligible for registration, we will send you a confirmation of registration by mail

When you need a work permit

You need a work permit if you can’t meet all of the rules in this article.

If you work without a work permit when one is needed, you may be charged and fined.

How to get a work permit

To get a work permit:

  1. download and complete the Application for Work permit Part 1 (PDF)
  2. download and complete Application for Building Construction Part 2 (PDF)
    • include detailed sketch of location and dimensions
    • include sketches/drawings/survey plans indicating your property lines and where the work is taking place
  3. submit complete application by mail or in person to a local ministry office

Additional information may be required.

Find a ministry work centre

Access to unpatented mining claims

You cannot use barricades, gates or signs to restrict public access to the land around the building.

You can only control access to the immediate area around the building (e.g. use fences to keep away bears or other problem animals).

Keep the disturbed area to a minimum so you do not affect other species.

Transfer or expired mining claim

When your mining claim expires or is terminated, you must remove all buildings or structures on Crown land within 6 months of the expiry or termination of the unpatented mining claim.

If the unpatented mining claim is transferred, you must transfer ownership of buildings to the new claim holder by written agreement.

Related requirements

Before you start any work, find out if other rules or authorizations apply.

These could be related to:

  • the environment
  • endangered species
  • forest management
  • mining

Remember that constructing or placing buildings on an unpatented mining claim does not give you any right, title or interest in the Crown land.