A prospecting right application under Section 16 of the MPRDA can affect any landowner, lawful occupier or community near the proposed prospecting area. If a company applies to prospect on or near your land, the law gives you the right to be informed and to comment before a decision is made.
What a prospecting right application is
A prospecting right allows the holder to search for minerals on a defined area of land. It is not a mining right. The holder does have the exclusive right to apply for a mining right over the same area later, but prospecting does not guarantee that mining will follow. The applicant must lodge the application with the regional manager and follow a public participation process.
Your rights as an affected party
The applicant must consult the landowner, the lawful occupier and any interested and affected party. You are entitled to receive information about the application and to register as an interested and affected party. Once registered, you can submit written comments and objections.
How to respond to the notice
Read the published notice for the reference number, the contact person and the closing date. Register before the deadline and submit your comments in writing. The applicant must record your comments and respond to them in the reports sent to the authority.
To publish a statutory notice, contact [email protected].
