Mr. Speaker, a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ningark on March 3, 1994, with respect to information on staking claims.

Staking mineral claims is a straightforward process that anyone, not just mining companies, can do. The DIAND mining recorder's office has detailed instructions and information about staking claims that outlines, for example, the maximum size allowed for a single claim, or the type of information needed to be marked on claim posts.

Any person over the age of 18, with a $5 prospecting licence, can stake a mineral claim. Claiming an area for minerals is a matter of:

(1)Finding out whether the mineral rights are available for staking;

(2)Going out on the land and marking the claim or claims with stone markers or marks on trees and claim posts; and,

(3)sending in a form and a map of the claim to the DIAND mining recorder's office, so that they can record the claim.

I have instructed my staff to send a summary of the specific details to the Member's office.

The Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is in the process of hiring an individual who will provide direct assistance and advice at the community level on local geology, prospecting and exploration potential in their area.