Guidelines and policies

Exploring for minerals in Alberta

This guide is for individuals interested in prospecting or exploring for metallic and industrial minerals in Alberta. It explains how to stake a claim or acquire a metallic and industrial mineral permit in Alberta.

Going for gold

This guide is for individuals interested in gold panning and other forms of recreational placer mining along Alberta's rivers and streams.

Criteria for time extensions

Extension requests should only be considered during the last 60 days of the work period.

Read the criteria:

Statements of intent to file assessments

Receipt of the statement of intent to file enables the department to commence the work assessment administrative process prior to receiving the report.

Here are the requirements of a statement of intent to file:

Submitting an assessment report

This detailed guideline is an aid to filing mineral assessment reports in accordance with the Metallic and Industrial Minerals Tenure Regulation.

Read the guideline:

Mineral assessment report checklist

The mineral assessment report checklist (PDF, 31 KB) is used when preparing a mineral assessment report. This is a requirement of holding a metallic and industrial minerals permit for mineral exploration. This information will help ensure your submission is complete.

Alberta township survey

The Alberta Township System is the legal land description system used in Alberta. It describes:

  • land and mineral resource titles
  • agreements
  • other land use designations such as parks

See a graphic of the Alberta Township System:

Mineral tool kits

The permits, leasing and maintenance section provides tool kits to help individuals and companies in:

  • conducting mineral prospecting and exploration
  • mining and placer mining
  • production of ammonite shell and surface materials

Mineral development strategy

Alberta's Mineral Development Strategy (2002) outlines the vision, goals and strategic direction for orderly, environmentally responsible mineral exploration and development in Alberta. This strategy developed with stakeholder consultations enhances the potential economic benefits to Albertans through discovery and development of base and precious metals, industrial minerals and gemstones.

Contact

Connect with the Coal and Mineral Development Unit:

Hours: 8:15 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7707
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: cmd.energy@gov.ab.ca

Edmonton

Address:
Alberta Energy
Coal and Mineral Development Unit
North Petroleum Plaza
9945 108 Street *
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2G6

* Couriers, please report to the 2nd floor.

Calgary (drop-off location only)

Address:
Alberta Energy
300, 801 6 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta  T2P 3W2