Minerals Development Act 2017

Notice to existing licensees under prospecting and retention licences

18. If the Minister receives an application for a prospecting licence (referred to in this section as the “current application”) over any part of the land specified in a prospecting licence or retention licence (both referred to in this section to as the “existing licence”) for minerals that are different from the minerals specified in the existing licence and is of the opinion that granting a prospecting licence for those minerals in the area or part of the area of the existing licence would not be incompatible with the exploration programme being carried out under that licence, the Minister shall send a notice to each licensee under the existing licence stating that—

(a) the application has been received, and

(b) the licensee may submit an application for a prospecting licence to the Minister, within a period determined by the Minister specified in the notice.