OFFSHORE MINERALS ACT 1994 - SECT 50 Application for exploration licence over standard block

OFFSHORE MINERALS ACT 1994 - SECT 50

  (1)   A person may apply to the Joint Authority 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 Designated Authority may, in certain circumstances, allow an application to be made for an exploration licence covering up to 3 discrete areas (see section   53).