18Conditions of exploration licence

18 Conditions of exploration licence

(1)  The Minister may grant an application for a licence subject to any conditions the Minister considers appropriate.

(2)  If a licence is held by 2 or more persons, those persons are jointly and severally liable for complying with the conditions of the licence.

(2A)  [Section 18 Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 24 of 2013, s. 16, Applied:28 Jun 2013] Without limiting the generality of subsection (1) , the conditions that may be imposed include –

(a) a condition as to the minimum amount of money that is to be expended –

(i) during the period in which the licence is in force; or

(ii) during one or more periods, in which the licence is in force, specified in the licence –

or both, for the purposes of, or in relation to, exploration under the licence; and

(b) a condition requiring the completion of work programs in relation to the licence –

(i) during the period in which the licence is in force; or

(ii) during one or more periods, in which the licence is in force, specified in the licence –

or both, for the purposes of, or in relation to, exploration under the licence.

(3)  [Section 18 Subsection (3) amended by No. 24 of 2013, s. 16, Applied:28 Jun 2013] The Minister may vary the conditions of the licence by rescinding, adding, substituting or amending a condition.

(4)  [Section 18 Subsection (4) amended by No. 24 of 2013, s. 16, Applied:28 Jun 2013] Before varying the conditions of a licence, the Minister, by notice in writing served on the licensee, is to notify the licensee of–

(a) [Section 18 Subsection (4) amended by No. 24 of 2013, s. 16, Applied:28 Jun 2013] the intention to vary the conditions; and