Small-Scale Mining Lease

Sections 49 and 90 of the Act and Sections 45, 46, 47, 49, 50 and 51 of the Regulations prescribe that:

a) The MCO, upon receipt of a valid application, shall grant and issue a Small-Scale-Mining Lease within 45 days to the applicant. A SSML shall not be granted in respect of any area within an Exploration Licence, Mining Lease or Quarry Lease to any person except the holder of an Exploration Licence, Quarry Lease or Mining Lease covering the area.

b) The duration of a SSML is five (5) years and is renewable for further periods of five years provided that the minimum work obligations have been fulfilled. The area of land for a SSML shall not exceed 3 km².

c)  When the level of operations of a SSML exceeds any of the criteria established in the definition of a SSML, the holder shall convert such a Lease into a Mining Lease by applying to the MCO.