25Extension of term of licence

25 Extension of term of licence

(1)  [Section 25 Subsection (1) amended by No. 24 of 2013, s. 23, Applied:28 Jun 2013] A person may apply to the Minister for an extension of the term of a licence.

(2)  An application is to be –

(a) in an approved form; and

(b) accompanied by the prescribed fee; and

(c) lodged with the Registrar before the licence ceases to be in force.

(3)  The Minister may –

(a) grant the application for any further period the Minister determines and with or without any conditions; or

(b) refuse to grant the application.

(4)  The Minister must grant the application if satisfied that –

(a) the exploration to be carried out during the term of the licence has been completed; and

(b) the licensee has submitted any report or return as required; and

(c) [Section 25 Subsection (4) amended by No. 24 of 2013, s. 23, Applied:28 Jun 2013] the licensee has submitted a suitable program of work for the period of extension; and

(d) further detailed exploration is justified because substantiated results indicate the probability of a discovery leading to profitable mining operations.

(5)  The Minister, by notice in writing, must notify the applicant of –

(a) the grant of the application; or

(b) the refusal to grant the application and the reasons for the refusal.

(6)  [Section 25 Subsection (6) amended by No. 74 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:30 Oct 2001] A licensee may appeal to the Mining Tribunal against the Minister's refusal to grant the application within 28 days after receipt of a notice under subsection (5)(b).