50Application for exploration licence over standard block

50 Application for exploration licence over standard block

50 Application for exploration licence over standard block

(1) A person may apply to the Minister for an exploration licence over a standard block if:

(a) the block is vacant, and

(b) the block is not excluded.

Note—

For “excluded blocks” see section 51.

(2) A standard block is vacant if no exploration, retention or mining licence is in force over the block.

(3) A person may apply for an exploration licence over a group of standard blocks if:

(a) the group forms a discrete area, and

(b) there are not more than 500 blocks in the group.

Note—

The Minister may, in certain circumstances, allow an application to be made for an exploration licence covering up to 3 discrete areas (see section 53).