Summary

The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025 amends The Mineral Resources Act, 1985 to create a new framework allowing the minister to designate subsurface development areas where mineral exploration, development, or production can proceed even when some mineral rights holders cannot be located or have not consented. The bill establishes procedures for applications, notice to affected parties, production allocation, and payment of proceeds to uncontrolled interest holders through the Ministry of Finance.

This bill allows companies to apply to the minister to explore for, develop, or produce minerals (such as potash, uranium, or oil and gas) in areas where they cannot obtain consent from all mineral rights holders. The applicant must show they have made reasonable efforts to locate owners and obtain agreements, that the area is geologically suitable, and that the designation serves the public interest by preventing waste or ensuring orderly development. If approved by cabinet, the minister designates the area and appoints an operator. The operator must pay a share of mineral proceeds to the Ministry of Finance for any uncontrolled interests (mineral parcels where the owner is unknown or has not consented). If an owner later comes forward and proves their entitlement, the Minister of Finance pays them their share. The bill does not grant surface access rights. It includes immunity provisions protecting the Crown and government employees from lawsuits related to designation decisions or fund administration if they act in good faith. The bill also updates definitions, service requirements, and regulation-making powers.