Northern Territory Consolidated Acts Northern Territory Consolidated Acts(1) Subject to subsection (3) and section 24A, the number of blocks in relation to which an application for the renewal of an exploration permit may be made shall not exceed:
(a) where the number of blocks in respect of which the permit is in force is a number that is divisible by 2 without remainder – one-half of that number; or
(b) where the number of blocks in respect of which the permit is in force is a number that is not divisible by 2 without remainder – one-half of the number arrived at by increasing the number of blocks by one.
(2) In an application for the renewal of an exploration permit:
(a) the blocks specified in the application shall constitute a single area, or a number of discrete areas each comprised of 2 or more blocks; and
(b) each block, in a discrete area referred to in paragraph (a), shall have a side in common with at least one other block in the area.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), where the number of blocks in respect of which an application for the renewal of an exploration permit may be made is 12 or more, each area constituted by blocks in respect of which the application is made shall be constituted by not less than 12 blocks.
(4) The Minister may accept an application for the renewal of an exploration permit notwithstanding that it does not comply with subsection (3).
(5) Where the maximum number of blocks in respect of which an application for the renewal of an exploration permit may be made is less than 12, the Minister may, by notice served on the permittee:
(a) inform the permittee that he will accept an application only in respect of the number of blocks, not exceeding 12, as is specified in the notice; and
(b) give such directions as he thinks fit concerning the blocks in respect of which the application may be made.