Apply to carry out a class 3 or 4 quartz exploration program

Class 3 and Class 4 exploration programs have a higher potential to cause adverse environmental impacts than Class 1 or Class 2.

Review the activity thresholds to determine if your program is Class 3 or Class 4.

Class 3 and Class 4 activities require you to:

• work with a Mining Recorder's Office;
• plan your project activities and mitigation measures;
• complete an assessment through the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board;
• submit a detailed operating plan to us for approval before beginning work; and
• determine if you require a water licence by contacting the Yukon Water Board.

Prepare an operating plan

You must submit an operating plan for approval when you apply. Your operating plan should:

• outline all proposed project activities;
• include First Nations and stakeholder engagement; and
• describe the measures you'll take to minimize adverse effects on the environment.

Your operating plan can cover a multi-year exploration program. Exploration programs are typically 5 or 10 years.

Include in your operating plan:

• your name and contact information;
• a description of the natural characteristics of the area where the program will be carried out;
• a map showing the area you'll be working;
• the start date of the program and the anticipated duration, up to a 10-year maximum;
• a description of the activities you'll undertake, including reclamation; and
• a summary of any consultations you held.

If you have questions about completing your operating plan, you can contact the district Mining Recorder's Office.

Submit your application

1. Complete the application form.
2. Contact your local Mining Recorder's Office to:
   • ensure your program is within the threshold limits;
   • ensure your form information is complete; and
   • submit your form and operating plan.
3. You'll need to pay an application fee of:
   • $250 for an operating plan covering 5 years or less; or
   • $500 for an operating plan covering more than 5 years.
4. We recommend you discuss your program with the First Nation in whose Traditional Territory you'll be working.
5. Contact a Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment designated office to complete the application process.
6. The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board provides us with a recommendation on whether your program should:
   • proceed as is;
   • proceed with terms or conditions; or
   • not proceed.
7. We'll make a decision within 30 days of receiving the recommendation. We can extend the timeline by an additional 7 days if consultation with First Nations without a final agreement is required.
8. We'll consult with you on your final operating plan should your project be allowed to proceed.

Having an agent submit an application on your behalf

If an agent is helping with your application, they will need to submit a record of agent authorization form with the application. The permit will not be issued in the agents name.

Your agent can submit this form as an attachment with your application.

Submitting an application on someone else’s claims

If your application is for claims owned by someone else, you will need to submit a claim holder authorization form with your application. If there are multiple claim holders a form will be required for each owner.

You can submit these forms as attachments with your application.

Mineral activities in the Peel River watershed

The 2019 Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan guides the management of the region. This includes:

• environmental protection;
• social considerations; and
• economic development.

The cornerstone of the plan is sustainable development.

We will evaluate proposed mineral activities in the Peel Watershed region for conformity to the plan. The plan will also inform assessment and regulatory steps.

Read our brochure to see a summary of the standards for all classes of mineral activities throughout the Peel Watershed region.