24Procedure if initial invitation does not result in the granting of a permit

24 Procedure if initial invitation does not result in the granting of a permit (a) no applications are received in response to an invitation made under section 19; or (b) the Minister refuses to grant an exploration permit to any applicant who responded to such an invitation; or (c) no applicant who responded to such an invitation is willing to accept the grant of the exploration permit by the Minister. (2) The Minister may invite further applications for an exploration permit for the relevant area. (3) Sections 20, 22 and 23 apply to applications made in response to an invitation made under subsection (2). (4) If more than one application is received, the Minister must consider the applications in the order in which they were received by the Minister. S. 25 substituted by No. 64/2012 s. 50.