Overview

In the mining industry, bulk sampling means sampling a larger quantity of mineral-bearing substance to better understand the content and economic potential of a deposit.

Under the Mining Act and Ontario Regulation 45/11, a bulk sample is a specific quantity of mineral-bearing substance extracted for testing mineral content.

In Ontario, a proponent (a person or company):

  • must apply for and get permission before extracting a bulk sample from an unpatented mining claim
  • needs a separate consent if they wish to sell the end-product of the bulk sample

If the proponent’s application to sell the end-product of the bulk sample is successful, they must:

  • follow conditions and reporting requirements
  • return any profits from the sale beyond prescribed eligible costs to the Crown

Proponents must comply with either of the following regulations, depending on the extraction activity:

In Ontario, bulk sample permission is subject to the Environmental Assessment Act. Applications will be screened and evaluated through our environmental assessment process.

Thresholds

For most mineral-bearing substances, a bulk sample is more than 100 tonnes.

For semi-precious, lapidary or precious stones (except diamonds) a bulk sample is more than 100 kilograms.

These thresholds are set out in section 9.2 of Ontario Regulation 45/11.

How to apply for bulk sample permissions

There are 3 permissions available for bulk sampling and the disposition (including sale) of the end-product once testing is complete:

  • permission to test mineral content
  • disposition permission and disposition not requiring permission
  • bulk sample extensions

Permission to test mineral content

You must download and complete the Application to test mineral content and/or dispose of material form before extracting a bulk sample.

We encourage you to contact a mineral exploration and development consultant (MEDC) at your local Mineral Exploration and Development Section office at least 6 months in advance of your proposed activities for further guidance.

Disposition permission and disposition not requiring permission

If you intend to sell or dispose of the end product after processing and testing, you must request permission or notify us of your intention using the Application to test mineral content and/or dispose of material form.

The form contains two options to choose from:

  • Disposition not requiring permission: select this option to notify us in advance of your intention to sell or dispose of the end product of testing.
  • Disposition permission: select this option if you cannot or do not intend to follow the conditions for “disposition not requiring permission.” If you choose this option, you must either get a lease for the claim or apply for disposition permission.

We encourage you to contact a MEDC at your local Mineral Exploration and Development Section office at least 6 months in advance of your proposed activities for further guidance.

Bulk sample extensions

Extensions are possible for:

Proponents must apply in writing to a MEDC at your local Mineral Exploration and Development Section office at least 10 days before the permission expiry or the deadline for submitting the certified report.

If the early exploration permit associated with the bulk sample permission also needs to be renewed, you need to do both of the following:

  • apply in writing for an extension to your bulk sample permission
  • renew the early exploration permit at least 50 days before it expires

A bulk sample permission cannot be amended. A new permission is required.

Bulk sample evaluation report

Once sampling and testing are complete, you must submit a Bulk Sample Evaluation Report to us that includes:

  • the material extracted
  • tests completed
  • associated cost for the work