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How to Stake a Mining Claim in Alberta

Prospecting for gold in Canada is not a new idea; the area has been prospected and mined since the 1800s. Because of this, the largest deposits of gold are likely gone, but gold particles can still be found in many of Alberta's streams and creeks. For the amateur prospector, panning for gold will occasionally produce a few specks and pieces of gold. If panning is all you are doing, you do not need to stake a claim or obtain a license. If you plan to do more extensive prospecting, use a mechanical device like a sluice box, or participate in any type of placer mining, you will need to obtain a license, as well as permission from the land owner (this includes Crown land).

Things You'll Need

Computer with Internet access
Printer

Instructions

Applying for a Recreational License by Mail
- 1
  Go to the Government of Alberta Energy website (http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/). Review Alberta's laws and regulations regarding mining and prospecting. There are specific requirements and stipulations; a prospective prospector must be familiar with them.
- 2
  Download the "Application for a Metallic &Industrial Minerals" application. The application can be found by choosing "Forms" under the "Minerals" link, and then scrolling down to the "Placer Mining (Metallic and Industrial Minerals) Licensing and Leasing" heading.
- 3
  
  Fill out the application.
  
  Fill out the application. You can either enter your information online and then print it, or you can print the application and fill it out by hand. Include a check for $50 (Canadian) for the licensing fee, payable to the "Minister of Finance." Include a 5 percent Goods and Services Tax (CST) fee.
- 4
  Mail the application and payment to the mailing address listed on the application.
Applying for a Mineral Lease as a Secondary Activity
- 5
  
  Mining can be secondary to other industry.
  
  Apply for a "Metallic &Industrial Secondary Mineral Lease" if your gold prospecting is secondary to another mining or industrial activity. Download the application from the "Forms" section of the Government of Alberta Energy website.
- 6
  You can fill out the application online and print it, or print the application to fill it out by hand. If there will be more than one person involved in the mining, they will need to be listed on the application. This license requires more information and a higher fee than a recreational license. Include a check for $625 (Canadian) for the licensing fee, and the 5 percent GST fee, payable to the "Minister of Finance."
- 7
  Mail the application and appropriate fees to the mailing address on the application.

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