56Unit development

56 Unit development

(1) This section applies if a geothermal energy resource extends beyond the area of an extraction licence held by a person into adjacent areas that are covered by an authority held by another person.

(2) The Minister may require any person who is entitled to extract geothermal energy from the geothermal energy resource to enter into a co‑operative arrangement for the extraction of geothermal energy from the geothermal energy resource for one or more of the following purposes—

(a) to extract the geothermal energy as effectively as possible;

(b) to keep disruptions to the environment to a minimum.

(3) In making such a requirement, the Minister must ensure that—

(a) written notice of the requirement is given to each person on whom the requirement is made; and

(b) the notice specifies by when the requirement must be complied with; and

(c) the notice specifies how any dispute concerning the terms of the required co‑operative arrangement is to be resolved; and

(d) the notice specifies what action the Minister may take if the requirement is not complied with.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)(b), the Minister must allow a period of at least 90 days from the date the notice is given.