MINERAL RESOURCES ACT 1989 - SECT 136 Grant of exploration permit on application

MINERAL RESOURCES ACT 1989 - SECT 136

136 Grant of exploration permit on application

(1) The Minister may, for an application for an exploration permit under this part—

(a) grant an exploration permit, with or without conditions; or

(b) refuse the application.

(2) However, the Minister must not grant an exploration permit unless the Minister is satisfied the prescribed criteria for the grant of the permit are met.

(3) Also, subject to subsection (4) , the Minister must not grant an exploration permit for land if all or any part of the land is—

(a) in a fossicking area; or

(b) subject to an exploration permit for the same mineral.

(4) Subsection (3) (a) does not apply if the application for the exploration permit was made, but not decided, before the land became a fossicking area.