16AApplication for mining licence or retention licence where exploration licence or prospecting licence covers same land

16A Application for mining licence or retention licence where exploration licence or prospecting licence covers same land (a) an application is made for a mining licence or retention licence in relation to land covered by an exploration licence or prospecting licence; and (b) the exploration licence or prospecting licence (as the case may be) will expire before the Minister grants or refuses to grant the mining licence or retention licence. (2) Despite anything to the contrary in this Act, the part of the exploration licence or prospecting licence that covers the land that is the subject of the application continues in effect after the date it would have otherwise expired until the Minister grants or refuses to grant the mining licence or retention licence (as the case may be). S. 16B inserted by No. 68/2014 s. 21.