Requesting access to the mining rights register or the mining rights map

If you wish to inspect the mining register or the mining register map, you can apply to the competent authority.

You can obtain access to a register of rights or a map of rights. To do so, you must prove a legitimate interest to the state authority. If you have been granted access, you can also request extracts and have them certified.

If you cannot prove a legitimate interest, you can only obtain information about the mining authorization regarding

• holders,
• Fields to which the mining license relates,
• the date of application and issue,
• term and
• mineral resources.

Mining licenses are used to regulate and control which companies are permitted to explore and extract non-mining mineral resources in a specific area. The area to which the authorization relates is limited in terms of surface area and extends to the "eternal depth", i.e. theoretically to the center of the earth.

Register of rights:
The mining rights register shows the current status of all mining authorizations, also known as concessions, permits or rights. The types of authorization include

• Permits,
• authorizations,
• mine ownership and
• formerly granted rights ("old rights").

Documents containing business or trade secrets are excluded from inspection.

Rights ofownership map:
The fields to which the mining authorizations from the Berechtsamsbuch relate are shown on the Berechtsamskarte. Changes to these fields and construction restriction areas are also marked. The "old rights" are mining rights granted or awarded before 1982. Mine ownership and equivalent rights, such as salt rights or clay leases, are perpetual under "old law" and can be inherited, sold and lent, nor do mining or field taxes have to be paid

The mining department of the Darmstadt Regional Council is responsible.

• You do not need to provide proof when inspecting general information in the Berechtsamsbuch or the Berechtsamskarte.
• For access to specific, non-general information, you must prove that you have a legitimate interest in accessing the Berechtsamsbuch and the Berechtsamskarte.

Action before the administrative court

You can apply for inspection online via the "BergPass" platform (if available in the relevant federal state) or in writing to your competent mountain authority.

Apply for inspection online:

• Call up the "BergPass" online platform and log in.
• To register, you will need a BundID and an identity card or residence permit with an active online ID function.
• Call up the application form and fill it out completely and truthfully.
• Upload the required documents as a file and send the application.

Apply for inspection in writing:

• Contact your competent authority and coordinate the required application documents.
• Submit the application and all required documents.

Further procedural steps:

• The competent authority will check your application and the documents submitted. If any documents are missing, the authority will contact you.
• Depending on the application procedure, you will receive your decision online via the "BergPass" platform or by post. Here you will receive the decision on your applicationcommunicated to you.
• You will also receive a notification of costs. Pay the fees.

There is no deadline.