Resource information
This Law, of 120 Sections and Five Annexes, gives definitions and establishes conditions for mining procedures in Israel. Prospecting or digging of mines without a permit is forbidden. The Minister of Development may close certain areas to prospecting or mining. Mining is forbidden within one hundred meters of a holy site; within one hundred meters of a historic site except by permission of the Director of the Department of Antiquities and Museums of the Ministry of Education and Culture; in any closed forest, or in any forest owned by the State of Israel except with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture; within the borders of a city; within one hundred meters of a water source; All minerals discovered by digging or prospecting are the property of the State. A person who discovers minerals in "worthwhile amounts" must report this to the Inspector. The Inspector is then required to investigate the claim. If he finds a valid worthwhile discovery, he must grant the discoverer a certificate of discovery. The bearer of a certificate of discovery will be granted exclusive mining rights by the Minister of Development for one year in which he may develop the mine. The holder of mining rights must make bi-yearly reports to the Inspector as to the amount and value of the minerals he has mined. The mining rights in an area do not grant the rights to any water or water source in that area. A person may apply to the Inspector for the right to use a water source for the purposes of mining as long as the use of such water will not damage or deplete the water source.
