Minerals Development Act 2017

Chapter 4

Public Interest and Prospecting for Minerals

Public interest and prospecting for minerals

48. Without prejudice to the Minister’s discretion to consider other factors, the Minister shall consider the following factors in assessing the public interest with respect to prospecting for minerals by the Minister or an applicant for a prospecting licence or retention licence or a renewal thereof:

(a) the economic benefit to the region in which the area to be prospected is located and to the State;

(b) the environmental impact of the proposed exploration programme;

(c) the policies of the Government and strategic needs of the State.