41Minister may give directions if extraction viable

41 Minister may give directions if extraction viable

(1) This section applies if, after receiving a report under section 40, the Minister is of the opinion that the extraction of geothermal energy or geothermal energy resources from the lease area is commercially viable.

(2) The Minister may require the lease holder to apply for an extraction licence in respect of the lease area.

(3) The requirement must be made in writing and must allow the holder of the lease at least 90 days within which to make the application.

(4) If the holder of the lease fails to comply with a requirement made under this section, the Minister may cancel the lease.

Part 4—Extraction licences

Division 1—Rights

42 Rights conferred by licence

An extraction licence authorises the holder of the licence, subject to and in accordance with the conditions of the licence—

(a) to carry out geothermal energy extraction in the licence area; and

(b) to carry out geothermal energy exploration in the licence area; and

(c) to do any thing in the licence area that is necessary for, or incidental to, those purposes.

Division 2—Procedure for obtaining licence