PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT 1982 - SECT 21

PETROLEUM (SUBMERGED LANDS) ACT 1982 - SECT 21

21—Grant or refusal of permit in relation to application

        (1)         Where an application has been made under section 19, the Minister may—

            (a)         by instrument in writing served on the applicant, inform the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant to the applicant a permit in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument; or

            (b)         refuse to grant a permit to the applicant.

        (2)         An instrument under subsection (1) shall contain—

            (a)         a summary of the conditions subject to which the permit is to be granted; and

            (b)         a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the applicant does not make a request under subsection (3) in respect of the grant of the permit.

        (3)         An applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) may, within a period of one month after the date of service of the instrument on him, or within such further period, not exceeding one month, as the Minister, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the firstmentioned period of one month, allows, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to the applicant the permit referred to in the firstmentioned instrument.

        (4)         Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has made a request under subsection (3) within the period applicable under subsection (3), the Minister must grant to the applicant an exploration permit for petroleum in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument.

        (5)         Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has not made a request under subsection (3) within the period applicable under subsection (3), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period.