48Licence rights may be suspended

48 Licence rights may be suspended

48 Licence rights may be suspended

(1) The Minister must suspend particular rights conferred by an exploration licence if the Minister is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest to do so.

(2) The Minister may suspend rights under subsection (1) for a specified period or for an indefinite period.

(3) The Minister may end a suspension at any time.

(4) A suspension or the ending of a suspension must be in writing.

(5) If the Minister:

(a) suspends rights conferred by an exploration licence, or

(b) ends a suspension,

the Minister must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of the suspension or the ending of the suspension.

Note—

See section 122 for the effect of the suspension on the obligations associated with the licence.

(6) A suspension takes effect when:

(a) the holder has been given notice of the suspension under subsection (5), and

(b) the suspension has been registered under section 337.