Northern Territory Consolidated Acts Northern Territory Consolidated Acts(1) Where a claim for compensation has been lodged under section 4 in relation to minerals on or below the surface of any land, the Administrator may, for the purpose of ascertaining the existence, nature and extent of any such minerals, by writing under his hand, authorize a person to:
(a) enter on the land;
(b) make observations and tests, or carry on experimental mining operations; and
(c) extract and remove samples of minerals.
(2) A person shall not obstruct or hinder a person in the exercise of powers conferred by an authority under this section.
Maximum penalty: 8 penalty units.
(3) The Commonwealth is liable to pay to a person who suffers loss or damage by reason of the exercise of powers under this section such compensation as is agreed on between the Commonwealth and that person or is determined by action by that person against the Commonwealth in a court of competent jurisdiction.