(1)  The Minister may, by instrument in writing, consent to the carrying on in the adjacent area by any person of petroleum exploration operations in the course of a scientific investigation.

(2)  An instrument of consent under subsection (1) may be made subject to such conditions, if any, as are specified in the instrument.

(3)  An instrument of consent in force under subsection (1) authorizes the person specified in the instrument, subject to section 124 and in accordance with the conditions, if any, to which the instrument is subject, to carry on, in the adjacent area, petroleum exploration operations so specified in the course of the scientific investigation so specified.