As per the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, the “practice of professional geoscience” means reporting, advising, evaluating, interpreting, processing, geoscientific surveying, exploring, classifying reserves or examining related to any activity

1. that relates to the earth sciences or the environment;
2. that is aimed at the discovery or development of oil, natural gas, coal, metallic or non-metallic minerals, precious stones, or other natural resources or water or that is aimed at the investigation of surface or subsurface conditions of the earth; and
3. that requires, in that reporting, advising, evaluating, interpreting, processing, geoscientific surveying, exploring, classifying reserves or examining, the professional application of the principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics or biology through the application of principles of geoscience.”

In accordance with the APEGNB By-Laws, “Partnerships, associations of persons and corporations that offer services to the public in their own name must hold a Certificate of Authorization”.

This is interpreted to apply to organizations where the public reasonably expects that the entity performs engineering/geoscience work.  Typically, this involves firms doing fee-for-service work for the public. 

The chief requirement for registration is that there is at least one full time employee (P. Eng. or P. Geo.) who can take professional responsibility for the work done by the organization. 

Mineral exploration companies may be required to register in New Brunswick if they are performing any of the following tasks:

Geophysical Surveys

A company designing or collecting geophysical data surveys and interpreting said data is required to be registered with APEGNB (hold a valid C of A), as well as have a licensed P. Geo. on staff who has signed off on the interpretation and/or the accompanying report.  However, if a company simply collects data based on direction from other professionals (P. Geo.) and does not interpret the collected data, then they are not required to hold
a C of A.

Geological Boreholes

Companies carrying out geological boreholes are not required to hold a C of A. Drilling is typically a subcontracted activity under the supervision of a P. Geo. or Prospector, or a company with a P. Geo. in its employ.

Geophysical Interpretations

Companies carrying out geophysical interpretations of data collected in NB by another party are required to hold a valid C of A since the work is for application in NB.

AI Modeling

Companies carrying out AI modeling of data collected in NB by another party are required to hold a valid C of A since the work is for application in NB.

Soil Sampling

Companies carrying out soil sampling and interpreting data are required to hold a valid C of A, as well as have a licensed P. Geo. on staff who has signed off on the interpretation and/or the accompanying report.  However, if a company simply carries out soil sampling based on direction from other professionals (P. Geo.) and does not interpret the collected data, then it is not required to hold a C of A.