This Act makes provision for the granting of rights relating to the prospecting and exploitation of mineral resources, gives a definition of state minerals , provides for the compulsory acquisition of "unworked" minerals and mining facilities, regulates state mining, establishes the Mining Board and provides for mining for minerals in general and for various matters relating to exploration of and mining for minerals in Ireland.
"Minerals" means all substances in, on, or under land, except the agricultural surface of the ground and other than turf or peat. The Act provides for the granting of rights of mining and prospecting but also "ancillary rights such as the right to use and occupy the surface of land for the erection of works, a right to dispose in a particular manner of waste products obtained in connection with the working of minerals and a right to dam or divert any river, or watercourse, including an artificial watercourse. The Act grants the power to the Minister to issue Minerals Acquisition Orders for the purpose of placing the exploitation of minerals under the control of the State. The Minister may also carry out a compulsory acquisition of land and ancillary rights. The Mining Board shall assist the Minister in processing applications for a mineral licence, an ancillary rights licence or a preservation of support order.