355. Special licences and special exploration licences issued under the Mining Act (chapter M-13) remain in force, subject to the rights under and conditions of such licences, until their expiration. The holder of either of such licences who, under that Act, would be entitled to a renewal of his licence shall obtain, upon the expiration of his licence, a certificate of registration evidencing his claim in respect of the parcel of land that was subject to his licence from the date of expiration of the licence.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of a special exploration licence issued under section 240.8 of the Mining Act (chapter M-13) is exempt, for as long as he remains the holder of that claim, from payment of the fee prescribed under this Act for the renewal of his claim.