The Mineral Tenure Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 292 was amended by the Mineral Tenure Amendment Act, 2004, S.B.C. 2004, c. 22, effective January 12, 2005. This amendment authorized the establishment of the mineral titles online registry and made changes to the chief gold commissioner’s duties and powers.
Whereas previously gold commissioners were appointed for each mining division and were authorized to settle certain issues in dispute, as of 2005 there is in practice only one gold commissioner, the chief gold commissioner, who rules on all disputes.
Decisions pursuant to section 40 of the Mineral Tenure Act regarding the validity of mineral claims are made by order of the chief gold commissioner. Individuals can make requests for copies of decisions through local offices. A file number, record name or claim name is needed when making a request. Inactive files are kept in the Victoria office.
- Mineral Tenure Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 292 – BC Laws
- Mineral Tenure Amendment Act, 2004, S.B.C. 2004, c. 22 – BC Legislative Assembly
- Mineral titles online (MTO) – Government of BC