(1)  A person may apply to the Minister for an exploration licence.

(2)  An application is to –

(a) be in an approved form; and

(b) specify the minerals, or category of minerals, in respect of which it is made; and

(c) be accompanied by a statement specifying –

(i) the work to be carried out on activities under the licence sought; and

(ii) a description of the area of land in respect of which the licence is sought; and

(iii) the financial and technical resources available to the applicant; and

(iv) an estimate of the proposed expenditure on activities under the licence; and

(v) the likely impact on the environment of activities under the licence; and

(d) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; and

(e) contain any other prescribed details; and

(f) be lodged with the Registrar.

(3)  The Registrar or Director or both may require an applicant to provide further information.

(4)  The holder of a special exploration licence may only apply for a licence in relation to an area of land that is, in whole or in part, specified in the special exploration licence, if –

(a) the application is in relation to a mineral, or a category of minerals, to which that special exploration licence relates; and

(b) the area of land does not exceed the area of land specified in section 21(1) in respect of the mineral or the category of minerals.

(5)  If a relevant licence, within the meaning of section 161E(1) , ceases to be in force in relation to an area of land, a person may not, until a date specified by the Director, in accordance with section 161E(2)(c) , in a notice under section 161E(2) in relation to the licence, apply for a licence that is to relate to both –

(a) all or part of the area of land that is specified in the notice; and

(b) a mineral, or the category of minerals, specified in the notice.