121Exemption from or suspension of conditions

121 Exemption from or suspension of conditions

121 Exemption from or suspension of conditions

(1) If:

(a) an exploration licence holder requests the Minister in writing to:

(i) suspend a licence condition, or

(ii) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition, or

(b) an exploration licence continues in force because of section 93, or

(c) an extension of the term of an exploration licence is granted under section 95, or

(d) part of the licence area of an exploration licence is surrendered under section 99 or 100,

the Minister may:

(e) suspend a licence condition, or

(f) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition.

(2) If the Minister gives:

(a) a direction under section 387, or

(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations,

to an exploration licence holder, the Minister may suspend a licence condition, or exempt the holder from compliance with a licence condition, to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.

(3) The Minister may:

(a) suspend a licence condition, or

(b) exempt the licence holder from complying with a licence condition,

subject to whatever conditions the Minister thinks appropriate.

(4) If the Minister:

(a) suspends a licence condition, or

(b) exempts the licence holder from complying with a licence condition,

the Minister must give the holder a written notice that:

(c) informs the holder of the exemption or suspension, and

(d) specifies the conditions which have been suspended or affected by the exemption, and

(e) specifies any conditions to which the suspension or exemption is subject.