Many facets of the exploration sequence and crown land usage requires various levels of plans or permitting.

All early exploration activities that require an exploration plan or permit must follow the Provincial Standards for Early Exploration. There are three parts to these Provincial Standards:

  1. Rules for carrying out exploration plan activities.
  2. Rules for carrying out exploration permit activities.
  3. Rules for rehabilitation of exploration plan and exploration permit activities

The MNR also requires various levels of permitting for the installation of water crossings, the construction of roads and the extraction of aggregates.

The MTO also requires permitting for activities such as constructing access off the highway right of ways.

Some ENDM and MNR permits include Working on Crown Land, Access & Roads, Timber Cutting, Environmental Guidelines for Exploration, Working in or Near Water, and Drilling.