The Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi answered questions about the rights of the residents of the village from discovered mine within its boundaries.
Question: There are many mines in the outskirts of our town. These mines are not underground and they can be operated very easily, and do not require much expense. What is the situation of these mines which are considered as the natural resources of the town and adjacent villages, from the point of view of ownership and income for the villages and the town? Can the residents of the villages take part in contracts with private or state companies, and allocate a percentage of the income towards improvement of their villages?
The Grand Ayatollah Makarem: If the mine is within boundaries of the village (by boundaries it means the lands which are used by villagers for their various needs such as the place to keep products, woods, etc.) the residents of the village have the right, and can be compensated in return. But if it is outside the boundaries of the village, there is no such right. But if the mine is close to the village it is appropriate that the residents be compensated. And if the mine causes harm or loss to the residents of the village, it is necessary to compensate for them (for any loss and/or harm).
source : Shafaqna
