According to the NS Mineral and Resources act...you cannot simply explore or drill on his land, even if you do own the mineral rights...without his permission, because you do not hold the surface rights...No matter the previous owner allowed you too...that contract or permissions became void as soon as he purchased the property. Your only recourse to this is the section 100 provision of the Mineral and Resources act...
"Mineral Resources Act’s Section 100 is the mechanism for addressing this issue. Under Section 100, prospectors and explorationists can seek the Minister’s approval for a surface rights permit which grants access to land and permission to conduct exploration activities.
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However, Section 100 applications can take years to approve...."
So it looks to me that Tim is still in the drivers seat for any activity on his land...
"Mineral Resources Act’s Section 100 is the mechanism for addressing this issue. Under Section 100, prospectors and explorationists can seek the Minister’s approval for a surface rights permit which grants access to land and permission to conduct exploration activities.
.
However, Section 100 applications can take years to approve...."
So it looks to me that Tim is still in the drivers seat for any activity on his land...