Minerals Development Act 2017

Renewing prospecting licence

21. The Minister shall grant a renewal of a prospecting licence to the licensee in respect of the minerals and land specified in the prospecting licence if—

(a) the licensee submits, before the end of the term of the current licence, an application in the prescribed form, the prescribed application fee and a current tax clearance certificate,

(b) the Minister is of the opinion that the minerals may be in or on the specified land,

(c) the Minister is of the opinion that prospecting for the minerals is in the public interest,

(d) the applicant—

(i) submits an exploration programme that the Minister is satisfied is feasible, and that, in the opinion of the Minister, is likely to result in the discovery of minerals of economic value within the period for which the licence is renewed, and

(ii) satisfies the Minister that the applicant has, or has available to him or her, the financial resources and technical ability to carry out the programme,

(e) the applicant continues to be a fit and proper person (as provided for by section 27 ) to be a licensee,

(f) the licensee has complied with the conditions of the licence to be renewed and has not breached a provision of this Act or the regulations or a condition of any other prospecting licence, retention licence, mining licence or ancillary surface rights licence held by the licensee,

(g) the applicant provides the prescribed information and evidence and any additional information or evidence required by the Minister,

(h) the requirements of section 25 regarding public notice and consideration of objections have been complied with,

(i) the applicant obtains insurance of the classes and in the amounts that are satisfactory to the Minister, and

(j) the first instalment of the licence fee, as determined by the Minister, has been paid.