Mines and Minerals Management Act, 1995.

This Act regulates the exploitation of minerals in the Kingdom of Bhutan and provides a legal framework for regulating the mining industry.
The Act stipulates that all rights of ownership of minerals found in private or government land are vested exclusively in the Government. The Head of Ministry is the only authority to lease mineral deposits and shall delegate all powers to the Head of Division including the control of all exploration, mining, mineral processing and geo-scientific activities in Bhutan. Functions of the Division are defined in the Act.
The Act sets out procedures and requirements for the granting of mining leases to individuals or organizations authorized by the Division. Before granting a lease a Final Mine Feasibility Study must be prepared and shall include a Mine Plan, an Environment Management Plan and a Mine Restoration Plan.
The Act further provides for: the submission of operational mining schemes; mining procedures to be followed by the lessees; mineral levies; offences and penalties; etc.