A prospecting permit shall be issued by the department for the term of one year on payment of a fee of twenty five dollars ($25) to any United States or Canadian citizens over eighteen years of age or any corporation with permission to operate in Pennsylvania. This permit will allow prospecting as defined on those lands owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and administered by the department, except lands in which mineral ownership is not vested in the Commonwealth, State parks, historical parks, picnic and monument areas, experimental and administrative areas and other restricted area as defined and limited by the rules and regulations of the department.

The prospecting permit may be renewed annually for a fee of five dollars ($5) per year. The permit may be revoked by the secretary for violation of any provisions of the act or regulations promulgated by the department. Application for renewal must be received within fifteen days after the permit anniversary date or it will automatically become void.