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How do I apply for a permit?
Applying for a minerals permit
Applying for a Minerals Permit
To have an application for a permit accepted for processing it must be made in the form prescribed in the Crown Minerals (Minerals and Coal) Regulations 2007. The permit application form [454 kB PDF] (for prospecting, exploration and mining) can be downloaded from the website or obtained from Crown Minerals.
The regulations require that permit applications are submitted electronically. However, the Secretary has the discretion to dispense with this requirement when necessary.
An application must be accompanied by the prescribed fee [see the current schedule of fees]. The application fee can be paid by direct credit or across the counter payment at any branch of the Westpac Banking Corporation, as well as by cash or cheque.
The information that must accompany the permit application varies depending on whether the application is for prospecting, exploration or mining permit. The relevant information requirements are provided in detail in the regulations [see the Regulations on NZ Legislation site].Top
Applicant details
Permits can be granted to a variety of entities including persons, groups of persons, either incorporated or unincorporated partnerships, trusts or companies.
The applicant must also forward details of his or her financial resources and technical qualifications in order to demonstrate that the necessary ability to carry out the work proposed exists. Details of any contractors or operators who may be working the permit instead of the applicant must also be supplied.
The applicant must also supply a New Zealand address for the service of notices.
If the application is made by 2 or more persons it must be signed by each person or a person authorised to sign on behalf of each person (in which case evidence of the authority to act on behalf of a person must also be attached).
Map or Plan
The map or plan of the permit application area needs to clearly locate and define the boundaries of the area. It is necessary to show enough detail to enable the area to be located on the ground using one or more of the following descriptors: co-ordinates, land parcels, bearings and/or distances from a fixed point, geographical features, coastline, or any other descriptor acceptable to the Secretary.
Work programme
Whatever the type of permit the applicant is applying for, a proposed work plan has to be produced, referred to as a work programme. It must very clearly set out all the work that is intended to be done under the permit for the whole duration of the permit. The applicant should carefully consider the content of the work programme and be sure to include an estimate of expenditure.
If the application is for a mining permit, then the applicant should clearly indicate the nature and extent of the resource. This includes details such as previous results or reports, mine plans, tonnage and grades anticipated, estimated capital and working costs necessary for the project. All this information helps the technical staff in assessing the application.
If any of the data forwarded to Crown Minerals is commercially sensitive or confidential for other reasons, this should clearly be stated when it is forwarded. It should also be kept separate from the main application details.
Treaty of Waitangi
Under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, the Crown has to have regard to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. This means that permit applications are referred to iwi and hapu for comments. Any comments received from iwi and hapu are taken into consideration during the processing of the application. A particular point of concern is to make sure that the application area does not overlie areas of waahi tapu (places of sacred or spiritual significance to iwi) or cultural sensitivity.
This consultation process can be made easier if the applicants approach iwi directly to discuss the proposed work programme. Questions can then be answered directly and iwi and hapu better prepared for consultation that is undertaken by the Crown.
Processing
Once the application has been accepted, then the applicant will be sent an acknowledgement including a reference number. Future correspondence and dealings with the application will use this reference number, and must be quoted on all correspondence with Crown Minerals.
