You will need this licence if you intend to retain the right to mining minerals from the land. A retention licence is given when the economic viability of mining procedures has not yet been established. Economic viability takes into account the following:
- the cost of mining
- amount of mineral to be mined.
This licence also authorises you to continue exploration.
A retention licence authorises you, or a person contracted by you, to carry out any of the following activities:
- geological, geophysical and geochemical exploration programs
- mining feasibility studies
- metallurgical testing
- environmental studies
- marketing studies
- engineering and design studies
- entering or passing over Crown or private land.
Licensees are not permitted to explore on private land without the consent of the owner and occupier of the land, within 100 metres of the surface of any natural lake, dam, reservoir, well, artificial pond, or any substantial dwelling or building. Suitable notice must be given to the landowner before entry.