Mines and Minerals Act, 1931

State mines and minerals and exclusive state mining rights.

5.—(1) In this Act the expression “State mines and minerals” means—

(a) in relation to any mines and minerals which at the date of the passing of this Act belong, by virtue of Article 11 of the Constitution or otherwise, to Saorstát Eireann, such mines and minerals;

(b) in relation to any mines and minerals which on or after the passing of this Act become, by any means, vested in Saorstát Eireann, such mines and minerals as on and from the date of such vesting.

(2) In this Act the expression “exclusive State mining right” means—

(a) in relation to any exclusive mining right which immediately before the passing of this Act belongs to or is vested in Saorstát Eireann, or is reserved to the Irish Land Commission, such exclusive mining right;

(b) in relation to any exclusive mining right which on or after the passing of this Act becomes by any means vested in Saorstát Eireann, such exclusive mining right as from the date of such vesting.

(3) In sub-section (1) of this section the word “minerals” includes all minerals and substances in or under land obtainable by underground or surface working.