import re
RES_STRING='MINERAL CLAIM'
REGEX_HAYSTACK='DISTRICT LOT 5639, BEING AWARD NO. 2 MINERAL CLAIM, KDYD'

REGEX_STRING=re.compile(RES_STRING)
print "searching for "+RES_STRING+" in "+REGEX_HAYSTACK
REGEX_MATCH = REGEX_STRING.search(REGEX_HAYSTACK)
if REGEX_MATCH:
    print "found '"+REGEX_MATCH.group()+"'"
else:
    print "No match found"

def select_by_regex(input_layer,attribute_name,regex_string):
    import re
    RES_STRING=regex_string
    attribute_name_idx = input_layer.fieldNameIndex(attribute_name)
    if attribute_name_idx<0:
        raise valueError("cannot find attribute"+attribute_name)
    else:
        fids=[]
        for feature in input_layer.getFeatures():
            REGEX_HAYSTACK=feature[attribute_name_idx]
            REGEX_STRING=re.compile(RES_STRING)
            REGEX_MATCH = REGEX_STRING.search(REGEX_HAYSTACK)
            if REGEX_MATCH:
                fids.append(feature.id())
            else:
                pass
        input_layer.setSelectedFeatures(fids)


#USAGE BIT
input_layer = QgsVectorLayer('path/to/shape/file.shp','layer name', 'ogr')
QgsMapLayerRegistry.instance().addMapLayer(input_layer)
regex_string='MINERAL CLAIM'
attribute_name='TITLE'
select_by_regex(input_layer,attribute_name,regex_string)