The 72 sections of this Act are divided into 11 Parts: Preliminary (I); Ownership of minerals and acquisition of mineral rights (II); Administration (III); Reconnaissance, prospecting and mining (IV); Mineral rights and surface rights (V); Financial (VI); Withdrawal of applications, surrender and termination of mineral rights (VII); Records, information and arbitration (VIII); Miscellaneous (IX); Offences and penalties (X); Regulations (XI). No person shall conduct any reconnaissance or prospecting or mine for minerals (as defined in section 2) except under authority of a license issued under Part IV of this Ordinance (sect. 5). No license shall be granted to foreign individuals or companies unless the Minister is satisfied that there are special reasons to grant a mineral right to a corporation that is not incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (sect. 5). The Minister shall appoint a Commissioner of Mines under section 6. The Commissioner shall carry out control on prospecting or mining operations. Section 47 places restrictions on exercise of mineral rights on specified lands. Section 50 provides for compensation in case of damage caused by mining operations to fishing, gathering of crustaceans, shells or plants or any other activity customarily carried out in an area of the territorial sea, lagoon or inland waters. A Board of Claims shall be constituted for the purpose of inquiring into claims for compensation.
Islas Vírgenes Brit. (RU) · 1980-10-28