(1) Subject to
subsection (2), if a block is covered by 2 or more applications for an
exploration or mining licence, the Minister must deal with the applications in
the order in which they are made.
Note:
See also section 203.
(2) If —
(a) the
applications are lodged within a particular time of each other; and
(b) the
time is less than the time prescribed by the regulations,
the Minister must
determine the order in which the applications are to be dealt with by drawing
lots in the way prescribed by the regulations.