71Simplified outline

71 Simplified outline

(2) It is an offence to explore for petroleum in the offshore area except—

(a) under a petroleum exploration permit; or

(3) This Part provides for the grant of petroleum exploration permits over blocks in the offshore area.

 A petroleum exploration permit authorises the permittee to explore for petroleum in the permit area.

S. 71(5) amended by No. 16/2018 s. 7(a).

 There are 4 types of petroleum exploration permits—

(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted on the basis of work program bidding (a work‑bid petroleum exploration permit);

(b) a petroleum exploration permit granted on the basis of cash bidding (a cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit);

S. 71(5)(c) amended by No. 16/2018 s. 7(b).

(c) a petroleum exploration permit granted over a surrendered block or certain other blocks (a special petroleum exploration permit);

S. 71(5)(d) inserted by No. 16/2018 s. 7(c).

(d) a petroleum exploration permit granted as a result of a change in the boundary of the offshore area (a boundary-change petroleum exploration permit).

(6) If a petroleum pool is identified in a petroleum exploration permit area, the Minister may declare a location over the blocks to which the petroleum pool extends.