A mystery mineral is giving a landowner in La Broquerie a difficult time in proceeding with a subdivision project. The subdivision has been approved by RM of La Broquerie council despite a mineral rights claim on the piece of land.

Reeve Lewis Weiss says this is phase two of a subdivision project for local developer Franz Felnhofer and there was an objection letter from the Provincial Mining Department due to a mining claim on the property.

"He's been trying to get information to find out what the problem is," notes Weiss. "The province just says to get a letter from that department saying that it's okay, but they won't do anything. So, right now there isn't a good understanding as to what the problem is."

Weiss adds this is the first time, to his knowledge, of a situation like this arising in the municipality.

An official with Manitoba Mineral Resources says a mineral claim can be made on any area of land with no previous claim, adding in order to proceed with a subdivision, the developer must get permission from the mineral rights holder.

He notes what the mineral(s) in question is will not be released at this time. The official says the surface rights holder may appeal to the mining board to resolve any issue related to the surface rights. He adds if the mineral rights holder decides to explore and develop their minerals they must respect the surface property and repair any damage they incur.

Shaded boxes show where minerals claims are present in the RM's of Hanover, La Broquerie, and Ste. Anne. Red box indicates Franz Felhhofer's property. (Photo credit: Manitoba Government)