The Government of Saskatchewan recently announced the launch of the Mineral Administration Registry Saskatchewan (MARS), an online system for issuing mineral permits, claims and leases. These mineral dispositions allow the holder to explore for minerals such as uranium, diamonds, precious metals and base metals.
"The introduction of MARS is a major milestone in the history of Saskatchewan's mining industry," Energy and Resources Minister Tim McMillan said. "The project was prompted by the need to modernize the province's approach to managing Crown minerals. The new system will enhance Saskatchewan's already strong competitive position with other mining jurisdictions."
The MARS system, which will go-live on December 6, uses highly accurate electronic maps to define the location of mineral parcels in the surveyed and unsurveyed parts of the province. MARS will allow users to identify lands available for staking and make a request online for the issuance of new minerals dispositions.
MARS was developed in collaboration with Information Services Corporation (ISC) and the Ministry of the Economy. The MARS software will use mineral land information maintained by both ISC and the Ministry of the Economy.
MARS will also offer industry 24/7 self-service for a wide variety of activities related to disposition administration, including transfers of ownership and submission of work expenditures.
Mining is increasingly important to the Saskatchewan economy, directly contributing approximately 20 per cent of provincial exports. It employs more than 30,000 workers both directly and indirectly. Mineral exploration expenditures for 2012 are estimated to be about $325 million.
