Minerals Development Act 2017

Relinquishing of State’s exclusive right to work minerals

83. (1) Where an application has been made for a mining licence in respect of private minerals the Minister may, instead of granting a licence, relinquish the exclusive right of working such minerals vested in the Minister under section 12 of the Act of 1979 if the Minister considers that, on account of the small tonnage or value of the minerals, it is expedient and efficient and in the public interest to do so.

(2) Where the Minister relinquishes the State’s exclusive right to work minerals under subsection (1) those minerals shall be deemed to be excepted minerals and the Mining Board shall register them accordingly without the need for an application under section 15 of the Act of 1979.

(3) The Minister shall notify the Mining Board if the Minister relinquishes the State’s exclusive right to work minerals under subsection (1).