The ICMM has as its brief to issue and administer all mining related permits and licences, to carry out technical supervision of mining and plant installations and to implement legal, safety and health regulations at the working sites. In order to advise investors, the ICMM carries out geological resource estimations, advises investors on potential areas of interest and provides service orientated information on any relevant items of interest in the mining world.

The ICMM, as an independent body reports directly to the SRSG through the DSRSG.

UNMIK Regulation 2005/2 lays down the legal status of the Commission.

UNMIK Regulation 2005/3 describes procedures required for licensing. The ICMM is also empowered by the above Regulations to collect revenues from royalties and fees, using these for their own funding with the surplus going to the government.