New South Wales Consolidated Acts

OFFSHORE MINERALS ACT 1999 - SECT 50

50 Application for exploration licence over standard block

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