74Cancellation

74 Cancellation (1) Subject to this section, the Minister may cancel an exploration permit or licence in relation to all or any of the blocks to which the permit or licence relates if the permittee or licensee: (a) did not comply with a condition of the permit or licence; or (b) did not comply with a provision of this Act; or (c) did not comply with a direction given by the Minister; or (d) did not pay, within 3 months after the date on which it became due, an amount payable by the permittee or licensee under (e) was found guilty of an offence under this Act. (2) Where the Minister determines to cancel an exploration permit or licence, he shall, by notice served on the permittee or licensee, inform the permittee or licensee of his intention to cancel the permit (3) A notice under subsection (2) shall specify: (a) the reason for the Minister determining to cancel the exploration permit or licence; and (b) a date, being not earlier than 28 days after the date of the notice, by which the permittee or licensee may submit reasons as to why the Minister should not cancel the exploration permit (4) After the date referred to in subsection (3)(b), the Minister shall consider the submissions, if any, of the permittee or licensee and in his discretion cancel the exploration permit or licence or repeal his notice. (4A) Nothing in this section limits: (a) the ability to commence proceedings for an offence against (b) the ability to commence proceedings for a debt due and payable under this Act; or (c) any other action that may be taken under another provision of this Act in relation to a matter referred to in subsection (1); or

Petroleum Act 1984 86 (d) any other provision of this Act that allows for a permit or licence to be cancelled. (5) Where an exploration permit or licence is cancelled in relation to the whole or part of an exploration permit or licence area, the permittee or licensee, may not apply for an exploration permit or licence in relation to that area within 2 years after the date of the cancellation.