Mines and Minerals Act 1996 (No. 5 of 1996). Country/Territory Dominica Document type Legislation Date 1996 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to provide for the vesting in the government of ownership in minerals; for the controlling, prospecting mining, exporting and disposal of minerals; for the payment of royalties for minerals extracted; for safety measures to be taken in the interest of persons employed in prospecting and mining of minerals; for repeal of the Mining Ordinance and for all matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. Subject Land & soil, Mineral resources Keyword Land tenure Access right Soil pollution/quality Soil rehabilitation Basic legislation Mining Exploration Registration Institution Dispute settlement Authorization/permit Geographical area Americas, Caribbean, Latin America and the Caribbean, Small Island Developing States Abstract This Act provides rules relative to the exploration for and the exploitation of mineral resources and related matters such as the grant of mineral rights and (restriction of) rights on the surface, protection of the environment and the resolution of disputes. No grant of rights in minerals shall be valid unless granted in accordance with this Act. The Minister may designate an Inspector of Mines and Minerals. Mineral rights shall be granted by Agreement with the Minister, whereas a reconnaissance licence, exclusive prospecting licences or mining licences shall be granted by the Minister upon application. The Inspector shall keep a register of every mineral right granted under this Act. Non-exclusive prospecting licences may be granted by the Inspector. In deciding on a mineral right, the Minister of the Inspector, as the case may be, shall take into consideration protection of the environment and may attach conditions in this regard (including conditions regarding soil rehabilitation) to a mineral right. Such conditions may be enforced by Notice of the Minister. The Act also establishes a Board for the hearing of all disputes arising in relation with matters covered by this Act. Full text English References - Legislation Amended by Mines and Minerals (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2005. Legislation | Dominica | 2006 Keyword: Business/industry/corporations, International trade, Mining Source: FAO, FAOLEX