Permitting / Licensing Requirements

§ 45.1-181 of Chapter 16 of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia states that "It shall be unlawful for any operator to engage in any mining operation in Virginia, without having first obtained from the Department a permit to engage in such operation….". This section further requires that " A permit shall be obtained prior to the start of any mining operation."

§ 45.1-161.292:30 of Chapter 14.1:1 of Title 45.1 of the code of Virginia states that "No person shall engage in the operation of any mineral mine within this Commonwealth without first obtaining a license from the Department. A license shall be required prior to commencement of the operation of a mine. A separate license shall be secured for each mine operated. ….".

In an effort to simplify the permitting and licensing requirements the Division of Mineral Mining has combined the permit and license application process into a single Permit Application Package which contains all the necessary forms to obtain a permit. Contents of the required operations, drainage and reclamation plans are outlined on the Permit Application Checklist which is part of the Permit Application Package.

For additional information about the Division of Mineral Mining, call (434) 951-6310 or by e-mail.