You will need a mineral claim to become the owner of minerals deposited in a designated area of a mineral claims district.
A mineral claims district is an area designated by the agency. For example, the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District. Claims may be granted over any mineral, except coal, and are restricted to a maximum of two hectares in area. A claim will not be approved if it overlaps:
- another person's prospecting area
- an area designated by the agency as a reserve
- an area subject to an assessment lease, mining lease, mineral claim or exploration licence for the same minerals.
The claim may be granted over both Crown or private land, and gives you the exclusive right to prospect and mine for the mineral or minerals specified in your claim.
