(1)  A person may apply to the Minister for a petroleum production licence or a geothermal production licence.

(2)  A person may only apply under subsection (1) for a petroleum production licence if –

(a) the licence is to relate to both –

(i) the minerals specified in an exploration licence, or a special exploration licence, for Category 4 minerals; and

(ii) any area of land comprised in that licence; and

(b) the person is the holder of the exploration licence or special exploration licence or is a person to whom a consent under section 67B in relation to that licence has been given by the holder of the licence.

(3)  A person may only apply under subsection (1) for a geothermal production licence if –

(a) the licence is to relate to both –

(i) the minerals specified in an exploration licence, or a special exploration licence, for Category 6 minerals; and

(ii) any area of land comprised in the exploration licence or special exploration licence; and

(b) the person is the holder of the exploration licence or special exploration licence or is a person to whom a consent under section 67B in relation to that licence has been given by the holder of the licence.

(4)  An application under subsection (1) is to –

(a) be in an approved form; and

(b) specify the minerals, or category of minerals, in respect of which it is made; and

(c) be accompanied by a statement specifying –

(i) the production activities to be carried out under the licence; and

(ii) a description of the area of land in respect of which the licence is sought; and

(iii) the financial and technical resources available to the applicant; and

(iv) an estimate of the proposed expenditure on activities under the licence; and

(v) the likely impact on the environment of activities under the licence; and

(d) be accompanied by a fee determined by the Minister; and

(e) be accompanied by a plan of development or a plan of field development; and

(f) contain any other details the Director requires; and

(g) be lodged with the Registrar.

(5)  The Registrar or the Director or both may require an applicant to provide further information.