Part 2Regulation of offshore exploration and mining

Chapter 2—Regulation of offshore exploration and mining Part 2.1—General 38—General prohibition on exploring and mining without appropriate authorisation A person must not— (a) explore for minerals in coastal waters; or (b) recover minerals from coastal waters, unless the exploration or recovery is authorised by a licence or special purpose consent granted under this Act. Maximum penalty: $30 000. A works licence may be necessary because exploration includes activities that are directly related to exploration (see section 23(1)) and recovery includes activities that are directly related to recovery (see section 24(1)). 39—Licences and consents available under this Act This Act provides for the grant of— (a) exploration licences (see Part 2.2); and (b) retention licences (see Part 2.3); and (c) mining licences (see Part 2.4); and (d) works licences (see Part 2.5); and (e) special purpose consents (see Part 2.6). 1 An exploration licence is designed to cover the exploration phase of a project and authorises— • the recovery of mineral samples. 2 A retention licence is designed to ensure the retention of rights pending the transition of a project from the exploration phase to the commercial mining phase and authorises— • the recovery of minerals but not as part of a commercial mining operation.