(1)  The Minister may grant an application for a licence subject to any conditions the Minister considers appropriate.

(2)  If a licence is held by 2 or more persons, those persons are jointly and severally liable for complying with the conditions of the licence.

(2A)  Without limiting the generality of subsection (1) , the conditions that may be imposed include –

(a) a condition as to the minimum amount of money that is to be expended –

(i) during the period in which the licence is in force; or

(ii) during one or more periods, in which the licence is in force, specified in the licence –

or both, for the purposes of, or in relation to, exploration under the licence; and

(b) a condition requiring the completion of work programs in relation to the licence –

(i) during the period in which the licence is in force; or

(ii) during one or more periods, in which the licence is in force, specified in the licence –

or both, for the purposes of, or in relation to, exploration under the licence.

(3)  The Minister may vary the conditions of the licence by rescinding, adding, substituting or amending a condition.

(4)  Before varying the conditions of a licence, the Minister, by notice in writing served on the licensee, is to notify the licensee of–

(a) the intention to vary the conditions; and

(b) the nature of the variation; and

(c) the right of the licensee to make submissions in relation to the matter within a period specified in the notice.

(5)  A licensee may appeal to the Mining Tribunal against the Minister's decision to vary the conditions of a licence within 28 days after the date of the decision.

(6)  The variation of the conditions of the licence takes effect–

(a) if an appeal is not made under subsection (5) , 28 days after service of a notice under subsection (4) ; or

(b) if an appeal is made under subsection (5) and the Mining Tribunal makes an order affirming the decision, 10 days after the date of the order.