Reserves FAQ - Mineral Titles

A reserve is established by a Regulation of the Chief Gold Commissioner under Section 22 of the Mineral Tenure Act or Section 21 of the Coal Act. It is the legal instrument used to prohibit or restrict access to mineral, placer and coal lands.

No Registration Reserves (NRR) prohibits a free miner from registering a mineral or placer claim over a specified area. A NRR may be established over an area being considered for treaty settlement lands. Similarly it may be established over an area where a park, conservancy, or a community watershed may be planned.

Conditional Registration Reserves (CRR) stipulates the specific conditions or restrictions which apply to a claim registered within the reserve.

Coal Land Reserves (CLR) prohibit a person from applying for a coal licence or lease over a parcel of land and prohibit exploration and development of coal in a reserve area.

There are a few ways search for more information about a specific reserve.

• In Mineral Titles Online (MTO), select Site Search and then enter the reserve site number (eg. 1006879) in the Site Number field.
• In MTO map, use the Identify tool to select an area with a reserve. Information about the selected reserve will be displayed on the right side of the screen. Select the hyperlinked reserve site number for more details.

Note: Conditional Registration Reserves are displayed in yellow and No Registration Reserves are displayed in green. The CWM Quick Reference Guide provides instructions on viewing information in the map and using the identify tool . 

Note :Each reserve is established by an order and BC regulation. Copies available to view on the Mineral Titles Branch website under Reserves - Regulations and Maps

The request form and request process is available on the Mineral Titles Branch website.

There is no cost to request a reserve under Section 22 of the Mineral Tenure Act or Section 21 of the Coal Act. A free miner certificate (FMC) is not required to request a reserve.

There are no minimum or maximum size limits to a reserve.

In addition to the completed reserve request form, please submit:

• Digital shapefiles (preferred) or maps
• Copy of a legal decision, agreement or other background information such as application to Environmental Assessment Office or project authorization.