A Reconnaissance Permit is required for grassroots exploration for identifying the existence of mineral potential or initial targets.
See below an overview of the process for applying for a Reconnaissance Permit.
Intending Applicants for a Reconnaissance Permit need to obtain a copy of the appropriate standard form for lodging such an Application and must have proof of having paid the appropriate fees from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
The Applicant must also be able to prove the following :
Applications for a Reconnaissance Permit are lodged to the Director of Mines who, upon being satisfied that the Application meets requirements, will pass the Application and his/her recommendation to the Board of Mines and Minerals for their decision.
pdf Application Form (317 KB) Mines & Minerals Board Contact the Director of Mines
If an Applicant is granted a Reconnaissance Permit it may only be valid for a period that does not exceed one year. Reconnaissance Permits may be renewed for an additional period that also does not exceed one year, however, is not transferable.
The Board may require a Reconnaissance Permit Holder to deposit a specified sum or enter into a bond or guarantee with the Director of Mines for due performance of his obligations in accordance with the provisions of the pdf Mines and Minerals Act (369 KB) .
Applications for a Reconnaissance Permit must be made using the approved application form which shall require that specific information is provided to the Director of Mines. In some cases the Mines & Minerals Board may impose requirements other than those listed in the standard application form and the Mines and Minerals Act. Applications that are lodged that do not meet the threshold requirements will not be considered.
The following information must be provided as a requirement of a standard Reconnaissance Permit Application :
The Applicant must also be able to demonstrate the following :
pdf Mines and Minerals Act (369 KB) Mines & Minerals Board Contact the Director of Mines
Valid Applications that the Director of Mines receives will be signed and dated before being scheduled for discussion by the Mines & Minerals Board.
Applications that wholly or partly overlap with a pending or an existing Prospecting Licence or Mining Lease will be refused.
The Mines & Minerals Board will consider whether received Applications meet established requirements (the Board may require other factors which may be deemed relevant).
The Board may impose security or compliance bonds as it sees fit.
A meeting must be arranged to be held in 'Principal Villages' in which either the Director of Mines or a representative of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification must be present. To expedite this process, the Ministry can assist Applicants with arranging this meeting.
If an Application is approved by the Board, the Director of Mines will give the landowners 30 Days to appoint a representative to the Prospecting and Mining Committee (PMCC) and a copy of the Reconnaissance Permit will be sent to the relevant Provincial Secretary. Permit Holders are encouraged to consult the Ministry to determine the necessity and status of this task.
A Trust Account will be established by the Director of Mines for the landowners.
Permit Holders are required to secure consent from Landowners prior to accessing the tenement.
A copy of the written Agreement between the Permit Holder and all relevant Landowners must be provided to the Director of Mines and the Attorney General before execution.
Permit Holders are invited to contact the Ministry of Mines if they need assistance with this process.
Permit Holders are required to meet all relevant business licence requirements relevant for the tenement.
Visit Solomon Islands Business Registry Website
Permit Holders must comply with required reporting requirements, which is monitored by the Mines Divisions Inspectorate Unit.
An EIS and an ECD must be completed and submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).
Permit Holders must provide deposit bond and/or guarantee as required in a Solomon Islands commercial bank in favour of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.
Permit Holders must pay access fees and compensate any damages as required. Landowner-related fees are either to be paid to the Director of Mines or directly to the Landowners Trust Account after notifying the Director of Mines - details included in a Damage Report are an accepted form of notification.
Renewal: Permit Holders must make an Application for renewal of their Reconnaissance Permit before it expires to the Director of Mines.
The Director may raise any cases of non-compliance with the Board, which can in turn make a recommendation to the Minister.
