The INSPIRE Directive lays down general rules for the establishment of an infrastructure for spatial information in Europe based on infrastructures for spatial information established and operated by the Member States. In particular Annex III includes the aspects about Area management/restriction/regulation zones and mineral resources themes. The Mining Cadastre in Spain has been developed based on the ideas of the Inspire Directive. A Mining Cadastre is the cornerstone of a secure mineral rights system and records the geographical location, ownership and time validity of mining rights. Moreover it facilitates the compliance with the payment of fees and/or other requirements to ensure the validity of a concession. Security of tenure is very important both to large and small scale mining operations both in order to ensure a return on investment over the life of a mine but also in order to avoid legal disputes over ownership. The system allows mineral rights’ holders and small and large enterprises from other countries to consult and apply for these mineral rights. Read More
