How claims work in Ontario
Ontario claims live in the online Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS), which replaced ground staking in 2018. Use the MLAS Map Viewer to confirm the claim cells, the registered holder, and any leases or withdrawn lands before you buy; transfers are processed in MLAS.
From the Ontario panning guide
Ontario claims live in the online Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS), which replaced ground staking and the old CLAIMaps viewer in 2018. Use the MLAS Map Viewer to see active claims, leases, and withdrawn lands before you pan — panning on someone's claim without permission is an offence.
Verify here
- Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS) — Ontario.ca
- Hobby mineral collecting policy — GeologyOntario
Verify the tenure in Ontario's registry before paying anyone. LocalKarat does not verify title, broker sales, or hold funds. This guide is general information for recreational prospectors — it is not legal advice. Mining, land-access, and environmental regulations change and vary site by site. Always verify the current rules with the official sources linked above before heading out, obtain permission from private landowners and mineral-claim holders, and respect First Nations rights, settlement lands, and treaty areas — some lands require permission or are closed to panning entirely.