(1) The Minister may
grant or renew an exploration licence subject to whatever conditions the
Minister thinks appropriate.
(2) If the Minister
grants or renews an exploration licence subject to conditions, the conditions
must be specified in the licence.
(3) Without limiting
subsection (1), the Minister may attach the following kinds of conditions to
the grant or renewal of an exploration licence —
(a) a
condition requiring the licence holder to take out insurance as required by
the Minister;
(b) a
condition requiring the holder to carry out certain work in or in relation to
the licence area during the term of the licence;
(c) a
condition requiring the holder to spend a specified amount of money in
carrying out the work referred to in paragraph (b);
(d) a
condition requiring the holder to lodge a security with the Minister;
(e) a
condition requiring the holder to keep specified information;
(f) a
condition requiring the holder to give the Minister, on request, specified
information;
(g) a
condition requiring the holder to take steps to protect the environment of the
licence area, including conditions relating to —
(i)
protecting wildlife; or
(ii)
minimising the effect on the environment of the licence
area and the area surrounding the licence area of activities carried out in
the licence area;
(h) a
condition requiring the holder to repair any damage to the environment caused
by activities in the licence area;
(i)
a condition requiring the holder to pay a specified
penalty to the State if the holder does not comply with a licence condition.
(4) A condition under
subsection (3)(d) must specify —
(a) the
amount of the security required; and
(b) the
kind of security required; and
(c) the
manner and form in which the security is to be lodged.
(5) Without limiting
paragraph (d) of subsection (3), a condition under that paragraph may require
the lodgment of a security in the form of a guarantee and if a guarantee is
required the condition may specify —
(a) the
kind of person who is to give the guarantee; and
(b) the
terms of the guarantee.