An Act relating to exploration for, and the recovery of, minerals (other than petroleum) in certain offshore areas, and for related purposes
Chapter 1—Introduction
Part 1.1—Legislative formalities and background
1 Short title [see Note 1]
This Act may be cited as the Offshore Minerals Act 1994.
2 Commencement [see Note 1]
This Act commences on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
3 Commonwealth‑State agreement (the Offshore Constitutional Settlement)
(1) The Commonwealth and the States have agreed that:
(a) Commonwealth offshore mining legislation should be limited to the area that is outside State coastal waters; and
(b) the States should share, in the manner provided by this Act, in the administration of the Commonwealth offshore mining legislation; and
(c) State offshore mining legislation should apply to State coastal waters beyond the baseline for the territorial sea (that is, the first 3 nautical miles of the territorial sea); and
(d) the Commonwealth and the States should try to maintain, as far as practicable, common principles, rules and practices in regulating and controlling offshore mining beyond the baseline of Australia’s territorial sea.
Note: So far as the agreement relates to petroleum, it is reflected in Commonwealth legislation by the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.
(2) Other Acts that provide background to the agreement (commonly referred to as the Offshore Constitutional Settlement) are:
(a) the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973; and
(b) the Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980; and
(c) the Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980; and
(d) the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006; and
(e) the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Powers) Act 1980; and
(f) the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980.
Note 1: The Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973:
- declared and enacted that the sovereignty in respect of the territorial sea and the associated airspace, seabed and subsoil is vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth;
- gave the Governor‑General power to declare, by Proclamation, the limits of the territorial sea;
- declared and enacted that the sovereignty in respect of waters of the sea that are on the landward side of the baseline of the territorial sea (but not within the limits of a State) and in respect of the associated airspace, seabed and subsoil is vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth;
- declared and enacted that the sovereign rights of Australia as a coastal State in respect of the Continental Shelf of Australia (for the purpose of exploring it and exploiting its natural resources) are vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth;
- gave the Governor‑General power to declare, by Proclamation, the limits of the Continental Shelf of Australia.
Note 2: The Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980 was enacted following a request from the Parliaments of all the States under paragraph 51(xxxviii) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth and provided that the legislative powers exercisable under the Constitution of each State extended to the making of certain laws that would operate offshore.
Note 3: The Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 vested in each State certain property rights in the seabed beneath the coastal waters of the State.
Note 4: The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 makes provision, based on the agreement referred to in subsection (1), for the licensing regime that applies to the exploration for and recovery of petroleum in offshore areas.
Note 5: The Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Powers) Act 1980 makes similar provision to the State Powers Act in relation to the Northern Territory.
Note 6: The Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980 makes similar provision to the State Title Act in relation to the Northern Territory.
Part 1.2—Interpretation
Division 1—General
4 Interpretation
In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
approved means approved by the Designated Authority under section 41.
associate has the meaning given by subsection 26(1).
associated agent of a holder has the meaning given by subsection 26(3).
associated agent of an associated contractor has the meaning given by subsection 26(4).
associated contractor has the meaning given by subsection 26(2).
associated document file means an associated document file kept for the purposes of Part 3.1.
associated employee of an associated contractor has the meaning given by subsection 26(6).
associated employee of a holder has the meaning given by subsection 26(5).
associated revenue Act means:
(a) the Exploration Licence Fees Act; or
(b) the Mining Licence Fees Act; or
(c) the Retention Licence Fees Act; or
(d) the Works Licence Fees Act; or
(e) the Registration Fees Act; or
(f) the Royalty Act; or
(g) the Exploration Licence User Charge Act; or
(h) the Retention Licence User Charge Act.
block means a portion of an offshore area constituted according to section 17.
caveat on a licence means a caveat against:
(a) the registration of dealings in relation to the licence; or
(b) the registration of a person as a holder of the licence under section 340.
coastal waters of a State has the meaning given by section 16.
Commonwealth Minister means a Minister of State for the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth‑State offshore area has the meaning given by section 13.
compliance direction means a direction under section 387 or 392.
compliance inspection has the meaning given by section 377.
confidential information has the meaning given by section 27.
confidential sample has the meaning given by section 28.
consent area means the block or blocks specified in a special purpose consent.
Continental Shelf means the continental shelf of Australia within the meaning of the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973.
dealing in a licence means a transaction that creates, transfers, affects or otherwise deals with an interest in the licence and includes:
(a) a transfer of the licence; and
(b) a transfer of a share in a licence.
Designated Authority has the meaning given by section 29.
Note: If this Act confers a power or function on a Designated Authority generally, that power can be exercised, and that function can be performed, as provided by section 30.
discrete area has the meaning given by section 21.
exploration has the meaning given by section 23.
Exploration Licence Fees Act means the Offshore Minerals (Exploration Licence Fees) Act 1981.
Exploration Licence User Charge Act means the Offshore Minerals (Exploration Licence User Charge) Act 1994.
external territory means an external territory to which this Act extends under section 36.
external territory offshore area has the meaning given by section 14.
Fees Act means:
(a) when used in relation to an exploration licence—the Offshore Minerals (Exploration Licence Fees) Act 1981; and
(b) when used in relation to a retention licence—the Offshore Minerals (Retention Licence Fees) Act 1994; and
(c) when used in relation to a mining licence—the Offshore Minerals (Mining Licence Fees) Act 1981; and
(d) when used in relation to a works licence—the Offshore Minerals (Works Licence Fees) Act 1981;
and includes regulations made under those Acts.
Gazette means:
(a) in relation to a Commonwealth‑State offshore area—the Government Gazette of the State; or
(b) in relation to an external territory offshore area—the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.
holder of a licence has the meaning given by subsection 25(1).
hydrocarbon means a hydrocarbon whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state.
inspector means an inspector appointed under section 421.
interest, in relation to a licence, includes:
(a) an equitable interest in the licence; and
(b) a security interest in the licence.
Joint Authority has the meaning given by section 32.
Note: If this Act confers a power or function on a Joint Authority generally, that power can be exercised, and that function can be performed, as provided by section 33.
licence means:
(a) an exploration licence; or
(b) a retention licence; or
(c) a mining licence; or
(d) a works licence.
licence area means the block or blocks covered by a licence.
mineral has the meaning given by section 22.
Mining Licence Fees Act means the Offshore Minerals (Mining Licence Fees) Act 1981.
native title and native title rights and interests have the same meaning as in the Native Title Act 1993.
offshore area means a Commonwealth‑State offshore area or an external territory offshore area.
offshore exploration or mining activity means:
(a) the exploration for minerals in an offshore area; or
(b) the recovery of minerals from an offshore area; or
(c) activities carried out in an offshore area under a works licence.
offshore mining register means a register kept for the purposes of Part 3.1.
petroleum means:
(a) a hydrocarbon or a mixture of hydrocarbons; or
(b) a mixture of one or more hydrocarbons and one or more of the following:
(i) hydrogen sulphide;
(ii) nitrogen;
(iii) helium;
(iv) carbon dioxide.
primary payment period for the provisional grant or provisional renewal of a licence means the period of 30 days after the day on which the applicant is given a written notice:
(a) in the case of the grant of an exploration licence—under section 66 or 83; and
(b) in the case of the renewal of an exploration licence—under section 110; and
(c) in the case of the grant of a retention licence—under section 147; and
(d) in the case of the renewal of a retention licence—under section 169; and
(e) in the case of the grant of a mining licence—under section 210 or 227; and
(f) in the case of the renewal of a mining licence—under section 246; and
(g) in the case of the grant of a works licence—under section 279; and
(h) in the case of the renewal of a works licence—under section 296.
provisional holder means a person who has been provisionally granted a licence.
recovery has the meaning given by section 24.
registered means registered in an offshore mining register.
Registration Fees Act means the Offshore Minerals (Registration Fees) Act 1981.
reserved block is a block that is declared to be reserved under section 18.
responsible Commonwealth Minister means the Commonwealth Minister who is responsible for the administration of this Act.
responsible State Minister, for a State means the State Minister who is authorised under a law of the State to perform the functions of a Designated Authority under this Act.
Retention Licence Fees Act means the Offshore Minerals (Retention Licence Fees) Act 1994.
Retention Licence User Charge Act means the Offshore Minerals (Retention Licence User Charge) Act 1994.
Royalty Act means the Offshore Minerals (Royalty) Act 1981.
sample of the seabed or subsoil in an offshore area includes a core or cutting from the seabed or subsoil in that area.
secondary payment period for the provisional grant or provisional renewal of a licence means the period of 30 days after the day on which an extension of the primary payment period for the grant or renewal concerned ends.
share in a licence has the meaning given by subsections 6(1), (2) and (3).
special purpose consent means a consent granted under Part 2.6.
standard block has the meaning given by section 19.
State has a meaning that is affected by the operation of section 5.
State Minister means:
(a) a Minister of State for a State; or
(b) a Minister of State for the Northern Territory.
successor licence to a licence has the meaning given by section 8.
Note: See section 15.
surrender day for an exploration licence means:
(a) the day on which the initial term of the licence ends; or
(b) a day on which the term of a renewal of the licence ends.
tender block has the meaning given by section 20.
the 1981 Act means the Minerals (Submerged Lands) Act 1981.
transfer:
(a) when used in relation to a licence—has the meaning given by subsection 7(1); and
(b) when used in relation to a share in a licence—has the meaning given by subsections 7(2) and (3).
vary a licence condition includes revoke or suspend.
Works Licence Fees Act means the Offshore Minerals (Works Licence Fees) Act 1981.
5 Treatment of the Northern Territory
For the purposes of this Act:
(a) the Northern Territory is to be treated as though it were a State; and
(b) the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory is to be treated as though it were the Parliament of a State; and
(c) Ministers of the Northern Territory are to be treated as though they were Ministers of a State; and
(d) the laws of the Northern Territory are to be treated as though they were State laws; and
(e) the Northern Territory’s courts, tribunals, authorities and officers are to be treated as though they were State courts, tribunals, authorities and officers.
Note: For the significance of paragraphs (d) and (e) see Part 5.1 (application of State laws to Commonwealth‑State offshore areas).
6 Shares in a licence
(1) A person has a share in a licence if the person is the holder, or one of the holders, of the licence.
(2) If a holder is entitled to a particular percentage of the value of the rights conferred by a licence, that percentage is the holder’s share in the licence.
Note: A sole holder has a 100% share in the licence.
(3) If:
(a) a person is a registered holder of a licence; and
(b) the person is shown in an offshore mining register as being entitled to a specified percentage of the value of the rights conferred by the licence;
the person’s share in the licence is taken to be the percentage specified in the register.
7 Transfer of a licence
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a licence is transferred if:
(a) the licence has only one holder and the holder transfers the whole of his or her interest in the licence to another person or other persons; or
(b) the licence has 2 or more holders and the holders all transfer the whole of their interests in the licence to another person or other persons.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a share in a licence is transferred if:
(a) the licence has only one holder and the holder transfers a part of the holder’s share in the licence to another person or other persons; or
(b) the licence has 2 or more holders and:
(i) some, but not all, of the holders transfer the whole of their shares in the licence to another person; or
(ii) some or all of the holders transfer a part of their shares in the licence to another person.
(3) The other person referred to in paragraph (2)(b) may be an existing licence holder.
8 Successor licences
(1) If:
(a) a mining licence takes effect immediately after an exploration licence expires; and
(b) the holder of the mining licence immediately after it takes effect was the holder of the exploration licence immediately before it expired;
the mining licence is a successor licence to the exploration licence.
(2) If:
(a) a retention licence takes effect immediately after an exploration licence expires; and
(b) the holder of the retention licence immediately after it takes effect was the holder of the exploration licence immediately before it expired;
the retention licence is a successor licence to the exploration licence.
(3) If:
(a) a mining licence takes effect immediately after a retention licence expires; and
(b) the retention licence took effect immediately after an exploration licence expired; and
(c) the holder of the mining licence immediately after it takes effect was the holder of the retention licence immediately before it expired; and
(d) the holder of the retention licence immediately after it took effect was the holder of the exploration licence immediately before it expired;
the mining licence is a successor licence to the exploration licence and the retention licence.
9 Notes, diagrams etc. form part of section etc.
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a diagram is taken to be part of:
(a) if the diagram occurs in a section containing subsections—the subsection immediately preceding the diagram; or
(b) if the diagram occurs in a section without subsections—the section.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a Note is taken to be part of:
(a) if the Note immediately follows a section without subsections—the section; or
(b) if the Note immediately follows a subsection—the subsection; or
(c) if the Note immediately follows a definition and is aligned with the text of the definition—the definition.
10 Position on the Earth’s surface
(1) Subject to subsection (2), this is how the position of a point, line or area on the Earth’s surface is to be worked out for the purposes of this Act and subordinate instruments:
(a) the position is to be worked out by reference to a spheroid that:
(i) has a major (equatorial) radius of 6,378,160 metres; and
(ii) has a flattening of 100/29825; and
(b) the Johnston Geodetic Station in the Northern Territory is taken to be located 571.2 metres above the point on the surface of the spheroid that is at:
(i) 133°12’30.0771” East Longitude; and
(ii) 25°56’ 54.5515” South Latitude.
(2) The position on the Earth’s surface of a point or line specified in an International Seabed Agreement is to be worked out for the purposes of this Act and subordinate instruments in accordance with the Agreement.
(3) In this section:
International Seabed Agreement means:
(a) the Agreement between Australia and Indonesia that was signed at Canberra on 18 May 1971 and established certain seabed boundaries; and
(b) the Agreement between Australia and Indonesia that was signed at Jakarta on 9 October 1972 and established certain seabed boundaries in the area of the Timor and Arafura Seas; and
(c) the Agreement between Australia and Indonesia that was signed at Jakarta on 12 February 1973 and that related to certain boundaries between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia; and
(d) the treaty between Australia and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea concerning sovereignty and maritime boundaries in the area between the 2 countries, including the area known as the Torres Strait, and related matters that was signed at Sydney on 18 December 1978; and
(e) the Agreement on Maritime Delimitation between the Government of Australia and the Government of the French Republic that was signed at Melbourne on 4 January 1982; and
(f) the agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Solomon Islands Establishing Certain Sea and Seabed Boundaries that was signed at Honiara on 13 September 1988;
and includes those agreements as varied from time to time.
subordinate instrument means:
(a) the regulations; and
(b) instruments made under this Act and the regulations.
11 Effect of maximum penalty at foot of section or subsection
(1) A maximum penalty that is specified:
(a) at the foot of a section of this Act (other than a section that is divided into subsections); or
(b) at the foot of a subsection of this Act;
indicates that a person who contravenes the section or subsection is guilty of an offence against the section or subsection that is punishable, on conviction, by a penalty up to that maximum.
Note: See also subsection 405(2).
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to section 44.
11A Application of the Criminal Code
Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to all offences created by this Act.
Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
12 Power to vary and revoke instruments
(1) Under subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, any provision of this Act that confers a power to do something in writing is also taken to confer the power to repeal, rescind, revoke, amend or vary the written document by which that thing is done.
(2) The power to repeal, rescind, revoke, amend or vary:
(a) must also be exercised in writing; and
(b) is subject to the same procedural requirements as the original power; and
(c) is subject to the same conditions as those that governed the exercise of the original power.
Division 2—Basic concepts
13 Commonwealth‑State offshore areas
(1) The Commonwealth‑State offshore area for a State is the area that is the offshore area for the State for the purposes of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.
Note: The offshore area for the purposes of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 is worked out by taking an area off the coast of the State that is described in Schedule 1 to that Act and then excluding all waters within a line 3 nautical miles seaward of the territorial sea baseline and also excluding any areas that are beyond the outer limits of the Continental Shelf. The map in subsection 5(3) of that Act illustrates the offshore areas.
(2) The following diagram illustrates how a Commonwealth‑State offshore area relates to:
(a) the territorial sea baseline; and
(b) the 3 nautical mile limit (the outer limit of the State’s coastal waters); and
(c) the 12 nautical mile limit (the outer limit of the territorial sea); and
(d) the outer limits of the Continental Shelf.
Note 1: For the baseline see Australia’s territorial sea baseline (AGPS) 1988: generally the baseline is the lowest astronomical tide along the coast but it also includes lines enclosing bays and indentations that are not bays and straight baselines that depart from the coast.
Note 2: The Continental Shelf in a legal sense starts not from the coast but from the outer limits of the territorial sea. In a geophysical sense, of course, the continental shelf starts at the coast. The diagram shows the outer edge of the continental margin as the limit of the Continental Shelf but sometimes the 200 nautical mile limit defines the limit of the Continental Shelf.
Note 3: Sometimes the outer limit of the Commonwealth‑State offshore area is a bilaterally negotiated boundary or a median line adopted pending bilateral negotiations.
14 External territory offshore areas
(1) The external territory offshore area for the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands is the area that is the offshore area for that Territory for the purposes of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.
Note 1: The offshore area for the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands for the purposes of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 is worked out by taking the area off the coast of the territory that is described in Schedule 1 to that Act and then excluding any areas that are beyond the Continental Shelf.
Note 2: Under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, any land that is in the offshore area for the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands is treated as submerged land and as part of the seabed and subsoil of that offshore area.
(2) The external territory offshore area for Norfolk Island, the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands is the area which starts at the coastline of the Islands at mean low water and ends at the outer limit of the superjacent waters of the Continental Shelf adjacent to the coast of the islands.
Note: Under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, the Coral Sea area is treated as being part of the offshore area for Queensland. Therefore, in this Act, the Coral Sea area is part of the Commonwealth‑Queensland offshore area.
15 Effect of change to, or reassessment of the location of, baseline
(1) If:
(a) a licence has been granted on the basis that an area is within an offshore area; and
(b) there is a change to the baseline of Australia’s territorial sea or, because new data is obtained or existing data is reconsidered, the location of the baseline is reassessed; and
(c) as a result of the change to, or reassessment of the location of, the baseline, the area ceases to be within an offshore area;
this Act applies as if the area were still within the offshore area.
(2) Subsection (1) continues to apply to the area only while the licence (and any successor licence) remains in force.
(3) If:
(a) a State offshore mining licence has been granted on the basis that an area is within the State’s coastal waters; and
(b) there is a change to the baseline of Australia’s territorial sea or, because new data is obtained or existing data is reconsidered, the location of the baseline is reassessed; and
(c) as a result of the change to, or reassessment of the location of, the baseline, the area:
(i) ceases to be within the State’s coastal waters; and
(ii) falls within an offshore area;
this Act does not apply to the area.
(4) Subsection (3) continues to apply to the area only while the State offshore mining licence (and any successor licence) remains in force.
(5) In this section:
State offshore mining licence means a licence granted under State law that authorises the holder to:
(a) explore for or recover minerals (other than petroleum) in the seabed or subsoil under the State’s coastal waters; or
(b) carry out related activities.
successor licence to a State offshore mining licence is a licence that is a successor licence to that licence for the purposes of State law.
16 Coastal waters of a State
(1) The coastal waters of a State are so much of the area off the coast of the State that is described in Schedule 1 to the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 as is constituted by:
(a) the first 3 nautical miles of the Australian territorial sea from the baseline; and
(b) any waters that are inside the baseline and not within the limits of the State.
(2) The following diagram illustrates the coastal waters of a State:
Note: For the baseline see Australia’s territorial sea baseline (AGPS) 1988: generally the baseline is the lowest astronomical tide along the coast but it also includes lines enclosing bays and indentations that are not bays and straight baselines that depart from the coast.
17 Blocks
(1) This is how a block is constituted in an offshore area:
(a) assume that there is laid over the offshore area a grid constituted by:
(i) lines running along meridians drawn through each degree of longitude and the minutes between those degrees; and
(ii) lines running along parallels drawn through each degree of latitude and the minutes between those degrees;
(b) take a bounded space defined by the grid;
(c) the seabed and subsoil within the offshore area that is under that space is a block in the offshore area.
(2) The following diagram shows how a block is constituted:
Note: Each block is identified by giving the name of the plan in the 1:1,000,000 map series, an identifying number of the 5 minute primary block and a letter identifying the 1 minute block. The block in the diagram is 1621(a) on the Darwin sheet.
18 Reserved block
(1) Subject to subsection (3), the Joint Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area may declare that a block in the offshore area is a reserved block.
Note 1: A reserved block may be put up for tender by a Joint Authority publishing in the Gazette a tender block licence notice (see sections 74 and 218).
Note 2: Paragraph 23(b) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 allows a single declaration under this subsection to be made in respect of 2 or more blocks.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the responsible Commonwealth Minister may declare that a block in an external territory offshore area is a reserved block.
Note 1: A reserved block may be put up for tender by the responsible Commonwealth Minister publishing in the Gazette a tender block licence notice (see sections 74 and 218).
Note 2: Paragraph 23(b) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 allows a single declaration under this subsection to be made in respect of 2 or more blocks.
(3) A declaration under subsection (1) or (2) must not be made in relation to a block if:
(a) a licence over that block is in force; or
(b) an application for a licence over that block has been made and has not been determined.
(4) A declaration under subsection (1) or (2) must be made by notice published in the Gazette.
19 Standard block
A standard block is a block that is not the subject of a declaration under subsection 18(1) or (2).
20 Tender block
A tender block is a block that is the subject of a tender block licence notice published by the Joint Authority under section 74 or section 218.
21 Discrete area
A group of blocks forms a discrete area if the area formed by the blocks is continuous.
22 Mineral
(1) A mineral is a naturally occurring substance or a naturally occurring mixture of substances.
Note: This Act does not apply to petroleum (see section 35).
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), a mineral may be in the form of sand, gravel, clay, limestone, rock, evaporites, shale, oil‑shale or coal.
23 Exploration
(1) For the purposes of this Act, exploration for minerals includes any activity that is directly related to the exploration for minerals.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, exploration does not include the exploration for minerals of the subsoil of a Commonwealth‑State offshore area that is carried out by means of underground mining from State land in accordance with any law of the State governing mineral exploration.
24 Recovery
(1) For the purposes of this Act, recovery of minerals includes any activity that is directly related to the recovery of minerals.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, recovery does not include the recovery of minerals from the subsoil of a Commonwealth‑State offshore area that is carried out by means of underground mining from State land in accordance with any law of the State governing mineral recovery.
25 Licence holder
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the holder of a licence is the person whose name is on the relevant offshore mining register as the person who holds the licence.
Note 1: This Act is based upon the grant and registration of licences.
Note 2: If a licence is granted to a person, that person’s name is entered on the register (see section 333).
Note 3: The entry on the register in relation to a licence will be varied if there is a change in the licence holder (see subsection 338(5)).
(2) A licence may be held by more than one person.
26 Associates
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the following are the associates of a licence holder:
(a) associated contractors of the holder;
(b) associated agents of the holder;
(c) associated agents of associated contractors;
(d) associated employees of the holder;
(e) associated employees of associated contractors.
(2) A person is an associated contractor of the holder if:
(a) the person enters an agreement with the holder for carrying out activities under the licence; or
(b) the person enters an agreement with a person who is an associated contractor under paragraph (a) or this paragraph for carrying out activities under the licence.
(3) A person is an associated agent of the holder if the person is the agent of, or acts on behalf of, the holder in relation to carrying out activities under the licence.
(4) A person is an associated agent of an associated contractor if the person is the agent of, or acts on behalf of, the associated contractor in relation to carrying out activities under the licence.
(5) A person is an associated employee of the holder if the person is employed by the holder and, in the course of that employment, carries out activities under the licence.
(6) A person is an associated employee of an associated contractor if the person is employed by the associated contractor and, in the course of that employment, carries out activities under the licence.
27 Confidential information
(1) For the purposes of this Act, information is confidential information if:
(a) a licence holder has given it to the Designated Authority; and
(b) it is in a record, return, report or document; and
(c) it relates to activities authorised by the licence; and
(d) it relates to an area of the seabed or subsoil of an offshore area that is covered by the licence or a successor licence to the licence.
(2) However, if:
(a) a person is required to give the Designated Authority a report in relation to particular blocks; and
(b) the person gives the Designated Authority a report that relates not only to those blocks but also to other blocks; and
(c) the Designated Authority is required to make the report available under section 376;
the information that relates to those other blocks is not confidential information.
28 Confidential sample
For the purposes of this Act, a core, cutting or sample is a confidential sample if:
(a) a licence holder has given it to the Designated Authority; and
(b) it was recovered in the course of activities authorised by the licence; and
(c) it was recovered from an area of the seabed or subsoil of an offshore area that is covered by the licence or a successor licence to the licence.
Part 1.3—Designated Authorities and Joint Authorities
29 Designated Authorities
(1) For the purposes of this Act, there is a Designated Authority for each offshore area.
(2) The Designated Authority for the Commonwealth‑State offshore area of a State is the responsible State Minister.
(3) The Designated Authority for an external territory offshore area is the responsible Commonwealth Minister.
30 Functions and powers of Designated Authorities
(1) A Designated Authority for a State has, in relation to the Commonwealth‑State offshore area for that State, the functions and powers that this Act confers on a Designated Authority.
(2) A State Minister acting on behalf of the responsible State Minister may perform the functions and exercise the powers that the responsible State Minister has in the capacity of Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(3) The Designated Authority for an external territory offshore area has, in relation to the external territory offshore area, the functions and powers that this Act confers on a Designated Authority.
(4) A Commonwealth Minister acting on behalf of the responsible Commonwealth Minister may perform the functions and exercise the powers that the responsible Commonwealth Minister has in the capacity of Designated Authority of an external territory offshore area.
31 Judicial notice of signature of Designated Authority
(1) All courts must take judicial notice of:
(a) the signature of a person who is, or has been:
(i) the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area; or
(ii) a delegate of the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area; or
(iii) a State Minister acting on behalf of the responsible State Minister under subsection 30(2); and
(b) the fact that that person is, or was:
(i) the Designated Authority for that offshore area; or
(ii) acting on behalf of the responsible State Minister under subsection 30(2).
(2) All courts must take judicial notice of:
(a) the signature of a person who is, or has been:
(i) the Designated Authority for an external offshore area; or
(ii) a delegate of the Designated Authority for an external territory offshore area; or
(iii) a Commonwealth Minister acting on behalf of the responsible Commonwealth Minister under subsection 30(4); and
(b) the fact that that person is, or was:
(i) the Designated Authority for that offshore area; or
(ii) acting on behalf of the responsible Commonwealth Minister under subsection 30(4).
32 Joint Authorities
(1) For the purposes of this Act, there is a Joint Authority for each offshore area.
(2) The Joint Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area is constituted by the responsible State Minister and the responsible Commonwealth Minister.
Note: The procedures which are to be followed by Joint Authorities are set out in sections 408 to 418.
(3) The Joint Authority for an external territory offshore area is the responsible Commonwealth Minister.
33 Functions and powers of Joint Authorities
(1) A Joint Authority for a State has, in relation to the Commonwealth‑State offshore area for that State, the functions and powers that this Act confers on a Joint Authority.
(2) The responsible Commonwealth Minister has, in relation to an external territory offshore area, the functions and powers that this Act confers on a Joint Authority.
34 Service of documents on a Joint Authority
A document that is to be given to the Joint Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area may be given to the Joint Authority by giving it to the Designated Authority for that offshore area.
Part 1.4—Application of this Act
35 Act does not apply to exploration for or recovery of petroleum
This Act does not apply to the exploration for or recovery of petroleum.
Note 1: For petroleum see section 4.
Note 2: Offshore petroleum exploration and mining are regulated by the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.
36 Act extends to certain external territories
This Act extends to the following external territories:
(a) the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands;
(b) Norfolk Island;
(c) the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands;
(d) Christmas Island;
(e) the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands;
(f) the Coral Sea Islands Territory.
Note 1: This Act treats the Coral Sea Islands Territory offshore area as part of Queensland’s offshore area.
Note 2: This Act operates in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area on the basis of shared administration between the Commonwealth and the State and this involves sharing powers between Designated Authorities and Joint Authorities. In external territory offshore areas, the responsible Commonwealth Minister exercises all the powers and therefore has both Designated Authority powers and Joint Authority powers. When the Commonwealth‑State offshore area regime requires communication and consultation between Designated Authorities and Joint Authorities, this Act contains special provisions dealing with external territory offshore areas (see, for example, section 64).
Note 3: This Act provides for review of the decisions of the Designated Authority in relation to external territory offshore areas (see Part 4.3).
37 Act applies to all individuals and corporations
(1) This Act applies to all individuals, including:
(a) individuals who are not Australian citizens; and
(b) individuals who are not resident in Australia or an external territory.
(2) This Act applies to all corporations, including:
(a) corporations that are not incorporated in Australia; and
(b) corporations that do not carry on business in Australia or an external territory.
Chapter 2—Regulation of offshore exploration and mining
Part 2.1—General
38 General prohibition on exploring and mining in offshore areas without appropriate authorisation under this Act
A person must not:
(a) explore for minerals in an offshore area; or
(b) recover minerals from an offshore area;
unless the exploration or recovery is authorised by a licence or special purpose consent granted under this Act.
Note: A works licence may be necessary because exploration includes activities that are directly related to exploration (see subsection 23(1)) and recovery includes activities that are directly related to recovery (see subsection 24(1)).
Maximum penalty: 300 penalty units.
39 Licences and consents available under this Act
This Act provides for the grant of:
(a) exploration licences (see Part 2.2); and
(b) retention licences (see Part 2.3); and
(c) mining licences (see Part 2.4); and
(d) works licences (see Part 2.5); and
(e) special purpose consents (see Part 2.6).
Note 1: An exploration licence is designed to cover the exploration phase of a project and authorises:
- the recovery of mineral samples.
Note 2: A retention licence is designed to ensure the retention of rights pending the transition of a project from the exploration phase to the commercial mining phase and authorises:
- the recovery of minerals but not as part of a commercial mining operation.
Note 3: A mining licence is designed to cover the commercial mining phase of a project and authorises:
- full commercial recovery.
Note 4: A project might make use of any of the following 3 licence arrangements:
- an exploration licence leading to a mining licence;
- an exploration licence leading to a retention licence and then a mining licence;
- a mining licence (without progressing through an exploration/retention licence stage).
Note 5: A licence is granted over a particular area (constituted by blocks). The licence holder may need to carry out engineering or other activities outside the licence area. If so, the licence holder or someone else must obtain a works licence to carry out those activities.
Note 6: If a person wants to carry out:
- a scientific investigation; or
- a reconnaissance survey; or
- the collection of only small amounts of minerals;
in an offshore area, the person must obtain a special purpose consent under Part 2.6 to carry out the activity.
Note 7: Even though a person has a licence or special purpose consent, the person must not interfere unnecessarily with navigation, native title, fishing, resource conservation or other activities in the area (see section 44).
40 Steps involved in the grant of a fully effective licence
(1) The following 3 steps must occur before a licence comes into force:
(a) provisional grant of the licence;
(b) proper acceptance of the grant;
(c) registration of the grant.
Note: See sections 88, 154, 232 and 286.
(2) If a licence is provisionally granted to a person, the person must do the following to properly accept the grant:
(a) give the Designated Authority a written acceptance;
(b) lodge any security that the Joint Authority has required;
(c) pay the fees that are payable under the Fees Act.
Note: See sections 70, 84, 151, 214, 228 and 283.
(3) The following 3 steps must occur before a renewal of a licence comes into force:
(a) provisional renewal of the licence;
(b) proper acceptance of the renewal;
(c) registration of the renewal.
Note: See sections 89, 155, 233 and 287.
(4) If a licence is provisionally renewed, the holder must do the following to properly accept the renewal:
(a) give the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal;
(b) lodge any security that the Joint Authority has required;
(c) pay the fees that are payable under the Fees Act.
Note: See sections 114, 173, 250 and 300.
41 Approval of form and manner of applications etc.
(1) The Designated Authority for an offshore area may approve the form and the manner in which the following are to be made:
(a) applications for licences over blocks in the offshore area;
(b) applications for the renewal of licences over blocks in the offshore area.
(2) The Designated Authority for an offshore area may determine guidelines for the maps to accompany applications for licences over blocks in the offshore area.
(3) An approval under subsection (1) or a determination under subsection (2) is to be made in writing.
42 Rights to minerals recovered
(1) Any minerals recovered by a licence holder or special purpose consent holder from a block covered by the licence or consent become the property of the holder when they are recovered.
(2) If the licence or consent authorises the exploration for and the recovery of minerals only of a particular kind, subsection (1) only applies to the recovery of minerals of that kind.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to the recovery of minerals by a works licence holder.
(4) The minerals recovered are not subject to the rights of any other person.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to rights that the licence or consent holder transfers to the other person.
43 Effect of grant of licence or special purpose consent on native title
(1) The grant of a licence or special purpose consent under this Act does not extinguish native title in the licence or consent area.
(2) While a licence or consent under this Act is in force over an area, native title in the area is subject to the rights conferred by the licence or consent.
44 Licence etc. does not authorise unnecessary interference with other activities in the licence area
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person carries out activities in an offshore area under a licence or special purpose consent granted under this Act; and
(b) those activities interfere with:
(i) navigation; or
(ii) the exercise of native title rights and interests; or
(iii) fishing; or
(iv) the conservation of the resources of the sea or the seabed; or
(v) any activities that someone else is lawfully carrying out; and
(c) the interference is greater than is necessary for:
(i) the reasonable exercise of the person’s rights under the licence or consent; or
(ii) the performance of the person’s duties under the licence or consent.
Note 1: The person referred to here might be the licence or consent holder or might be an associated person.
Note 2: See section 4D of the Crimes Act 1914.
Penalty: 100 penalty units.
Part 2.2—Exploration licences
Division 1—General
45 Exploration licences
(1) This Part provides for the grant of exploration licences over blocks in an offshore area.
(2) An exploration licence may be granted over a standard block (see Division 2) or over a tender block (see Division 3).
Note: A tender block is a block that has been declared available for tender. A standard block is any block that is not a reserved block (see sections 19 and 20).
46 Activities authorised by an exploration licence
(1) Subject to subsection (2), an exploration licence holder may:
(a) explore for minerals in the licence area; and
(b) take samples of minerals in the licence area.
Note 1: Under subsection 23(1) the concept of exploration extends to activities that are directly related to exploration.
Note 2: Under subsection 24(1) the concept of recovery extends to activities that are directly related to the recovery of minerals.
(2) If the licence is expressed to restrict the kind of minerals covered by the licence, the holder is not permitted to explore for, or to take samples of, minerals not covered by the licence.
(3) A restriction on the kind of minerals covered by the licence may be inclusive (for example, only minerals A, B and C) or exclusive (for example, all minerals except A, B and C).
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2), the holder does not take samples of an excluded mineral if, in the course of exploring for, or taking samples of, another mineral, the holder recovers some excluded mineral.
47 Joint Authority may cancel or not renew exploration licence without compensation
No compensation is payable because of the cancellation or non‑renewal of an exploration licence by the Joint Authority.
Note 1: The Joint Authority may cancel the licence under section 130.
Note 2: The Joint Authority may refuse under section 108 or 109 to renew the licence.
48 Licence rights may be suspended
(1) The Joint Authority must suspend particular rights conferred by an exploration licence if the Joint Authority is satisfied that it is necessary in the national interest to do so.
(2) The Joint Authority may suspend rights under subsection (1) for a specified period or for an indefinite period.
(3) The Joint Authority may end a suspension at any time.
(4) A suspension or the ending of a suspension must be in writing.
(5) If the Joint Authority:
(a) suspends rights conferred by an exploration licence; or
(b) ends a suspension;
the Joint Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of the suspension or the ending of the suspension.
Note: See section 122 for the effect of the suspension on the obligations associated with the licence.
(6) A suspension takes effect when:
(a) the holder has been given notice of the suspension under subsection (5); and
(b) the suspension has been registered under section 337.
49 Compensation for acquisition of property due to suspension of rights
(1) If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 48; and
(b) the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and
(c) the Commonwealth and the person agree on an amount of compensation for the acquisition;
the Commonwealth must pay the person the agreed amount of compensation.
(2) If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 48; and
(b) the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and
(c) the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on an amount of compensation for the acquisition; and
(d) the person brings an action for compensation against the Commonwealth in the High Court or an appropriate Supreme Court;
the Commonwealth must pay the person the amount of compensation (if any) that is determined by the court.
(3) In this section:
acquisition of property means an acquisition of property within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.
appropriate Supreme Court means the Supreme Court of, or having jurisdiction in, the State or Territory for which the Joint Authority is established.
Division 2—Application for and grant of exploration licence over standard blocks
50 Application for exploration licence over standard block
(1) A person may apply to the Joint Authority for an exploration licence over a standard block if:
(a) the block is vacant; and
(b) the block is not excluded.
Note: For excluded blocks see section 51.
(2) A standard block is vacant if no exploration, retention or mining licence is in force over the block.
(3) A person may apply for an exploration licence over a group of standard blocks if:
(a) the group forms a discrete area; and
(b) there are not more than 500 blocks in the group.
Note: The Designated Authority may, in certain circumstances, allow an application to be made for an exploration licence covering up to 3 discrete areas (see section 53).
51 Which blocks are excluded?
(1) A block is excluded if:
(a) an exploration licence over the block has been surrendered or cancelled; and
(b) a period of 30 days after the day on which the licence was surrendered or cancelled has not ended.
(2) A block is excluded for a particular applicant if:
(a) the applicant previously applied for an exploration licence over the block; and
(b) the application was refused; and
(c) a period of 6 months after the day on which the previous application was refused has not ended.
(3) A block is excluded for a particular applicant if:
(a) the applicant was previously the holder of an exploration, retention or mining licence over the block; and
(b) the previous licence was surrendered or cancelled; and
(c) a period of 6 months after the day on which the previous licence was surrendered or cancelled has not ended.
(4) A block is excluded for a particular applicant if:
(a) the applicant was previously the holder of an exploration, retention or mining licence over the block; and
(b) the holder was:
(i) required by the licence conditions; or
(ii) given a compliance direction;
to provide the Designated Authority with information; and
(c) the holder provided the information; and
(d) the holder surrendered the licence; and
(e) a period of 6 months from the day on which the holder provided the information has not ended.
52 Designated Authority may determine that excluded block is available
(1) A person who wants to apply for an exploration licence over a block that is excluded may apply to the Designated Authority for a determination under subsection (2).
(2) The Designated Authority may determine that the person may apply for the licence over the block despite section 51.
(3) The determination is to be made in writing.
(4) The Designated Authority may make the determination only with the approval of the Joint Authority.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to a block in an external territory offshore area.
Note: The responsible Commonwealth Minister is both the Designated Authority (see subsection 29(3)) and the Joint Authority (see subsection 32(3)) for an external territory offshore area.
53 Designated Authority may allow application for more than one discrete area
(1) If:
(a) a person (the first applicant) applies for an exploration licence; and
(b) another person (the second applicant) subsequently applies for an exploration licence for a group of blocks that includes a block covered by the application made by the first applicant; and
(c) an exploration licence is then granted to the first applicant; and
(d) as a result of the grant, the blocks for which the second applicant can be granted an exploration licence no longer form a discrete area;
the second applicant may apply to the Designated Authority for approval for the application to proceed even though the blocks it covers no longer form a discrete area.
Note: See also section 59.
(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the Designated Authority may approve the application proceeding even though the blocks that the application covers do not form a discrete area.
(3) The Designated Authority may give an approval under subsection (2) only if the blocks covered by the application form not more than 3 discrete areas.
(4) The Designated Authority may give an approval under subsection (1) only with the approval of the Joint Authority.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to a block in an external territory offshore area.
Note: The responsible Commonwealth Minister is both the Designated Authority (see subsection 29(3)) and the Joint Authority (see subsection 32(3)) for an external territory offshore area.
54 How to apply
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) specify the blocks for which the application is made; and
(d) include details of:
(i) the activities that the applicant intends to carry out on the block or blocks covered by the application; and
(ii) the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend on those activities; and
(iii) the technical qualifications of the applicant and of the applicant’s employees who are likely to be involved in activities authorised by the licence; and
(iv) the technical advice available to the applicant; and
(v) the financial resources available to the applicant; and
(vi) if the licence is to be held by more than one person—the share of the licence that each prospective holder will hold; and
(e) be accompanied by maps that:
(i) relate to the blocks; and
(ii) comply with guidelines issued by the Designated Authority under subsection 41(2); and
(f) specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.
Note 1: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
Note 2: Paragraph (c): the Designated Authority may, after consulting the applicant, vary the blocks applied for (see section 59).
(2) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(3) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
55 Effect of inclusion of unavailable block in application
If:
(a) a person applies for a licence over a group of standard blocks; and
(b) because of section 18, 50 or 51:
(i) an exploration licence cannot be granted over one or more of the blocks in the group; or
(ii) the Joint Authority cannot grant the licence over one or more of the blocks in the group;
the Designated Authority and the Joint Authority may still deal with the application to the extent to which the application covers blocks:
(c) for which an exploration licence can be granted; or
(d) for which the Joint Authority does have power to grant the licence applied for.
Note 1: An exploration licence cannot be granted over a block that is not vacant or is excluded (see sections 50 and 51) or over a reserved block (see section 18).
Note 2: The Joint Authority for a State may grant a licence only over blocks in that State’s Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
56 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
57 Application must be advertised
(1) The applicant must advertise the application in a newspaper circulating throughout the State or external territory concerned.
(2) The advertisement must contain:
(a) the applicant’s name and address; and
(b) a map and description of the blocks applied for that are sufficient for the blocks to be identified; and
(c) the address of the Designated Authority; and
(d) a statement:
(i) that the applicant has applied for an exploration licence over the blocks described in the notice; and
(ii) that invites comment from the public on the application; and
(iii) that requests that comments be sent to the applicant and the Designated Authority within 30 days after the day on which the advertisement is published.
(3) The advertisement must be published as soon as possible after the applicant applies for an exploration licence.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the advertisement must be published within 14 days after the day on which the applicant lodges the application.
(5) If:
(a) the applicant applies to the Designated Authority within the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) for an extension of the period; and
(b) the Designated Authority extends the period;
the advertisement must be published within the period as extended by the Designated Authority.
58 How multiple applications are dealt with
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a block is covered by 2 or more applications for an exploration or mining licence, the Designated Authority 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 Designated Authority must determine the order in which the applications are to be dealt with by drawing lots in the way prescribed by the regulations.
59 Discussions about blocks applied for
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant to discuss with the Designated Authority the blocks covered by the application.
(2) The request under subsection (1) must be:
(a) made in writing; and
(b) given to the applicant.
(3) The Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area must ask the applicant to participate in discussions under subsection (1) if the responsible Commonwealth Minister asks the Designated Authority to do so.
(4) If, after discussions, the Designated Authority and the applicant agree on the blocks to be covered by the application, the applicant is taken to have applied for an exploration licence over the blocks agreed on.
(5) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written confirmation of the agreement as soon as possible after the agreement is reached.
(6) The Designated Authority may include in the written confirmation a direction that the applicant must advertise the revised application under section 60.
(7) If the Designated Authority and the applicant do not agree on the blocks to be covered by the application:
(a) the Joint Authority may make a written determination specifying the blocks to be covered by the application; and
(b) the applicant is taken to have applied for an exploration licence over the blocks specified in the determination.
(8) The Designated Authority may include in the written determination a direction that the applicant must advertise the revised application under section 60.
(9) If the Joint Authority makes a determination under subsection (7), the Designated Authority must give a copy of the determination to the applicant as soon as possible after the determination is made.
60 Advertising revised application
(1) If:
(a) the application has been revised under section 59; and
(b) the applicant has been given a direction under subsection 59(6) or (8);
the applicant must advertise the revised application in a newspaper circulating throughout the State or external territory concerned.
(2) The advertisement must contain:
(a) the applicant’s name and address; and
(b) a map and description of the blocks covered by the revised application that are sufficient for the blocks to be identified; and
(c) the address of the Designated Authority; and
(d) a statement:
(i) that the applicant has applied for an exploration licence over the blocks described in the notice; and
(ii) that invites comment from the public on the application; and
(iii) that requests that comments be sent to the applicant and the Designated Authority within 30 days after the day on which the advertisement is published.
(3) The advertisement must be published:
(a) if the Designated Authority and the applicant agree on the blocks applied for under subsection 59(4)—as soon as possible after the applicant is given written confirmation of the agreement under subsection 59(5); or
(b) if the Joint Authority makes a determination of the blocks applied for under subsection 59(7)—as soon as possible after the applicant is given a copy of the determination under subsection 59(9).
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the advertisement must be published within 14 days after the applicant is given the confirmation or copy.
(5) If:
(a) the applicant applies to the Designated Authority within the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) for an extension of the period; and
(b) the Designated Authority extends the period;
the advertisement must be published within the period as extended by the Designated Authority.
61 Request for further information
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant for further information about the application.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the applicant; and
(c) specify the time within which the information must be provided.
(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be provided:
(a) in writing; and
(b) within the time specified in the request.
62 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the application covers blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does what is required by sections 54 to 61, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 54 to 61, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
63 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Joint Authority may provisionally grant exploration licence
If the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area refers the application to the Joint Authority under section 62, the Joint Authority may:
(a) provisionally grant an exploration licence to the applicant; or
(b) refuse the application.
Note: Under section 88, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 70 for proper acceptance).
64 External territory offshore area—how application for exploration licence dealt with
(1) This section applies if the application covers blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 50 to 61, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) must refuse the application.
(3) If the applicant does what is required by sections 50 to 61, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) may:
(a) provisionally grant an exploration licence to the applicant; or
(b) refuse the application.
Note: Under section 88, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 70 for proper acceptance).
65 Matters to be specified in the licence
The licence must specify:
(a) the blocks covered by the licence; and
(b) the term of the licence; and
(c) the licence conditions.
Note: For the term of a licence see section 88.
66 Applicant must be notified
(1) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written notice of the Joint Authority’s decision under section 63 or 64.
(2) If the Joint Authority provisionally grants an exploration licence:
(a) the Designated Authority must give the licence to the provisional holder; and
(b) the notice under subsection (1) must contain the following information:
(i) notification of any determination under section 399 that the provisional holder must lodge a security;
(ii) notification that the provisional grant will lapse unless the provisional holder, before the end of the primary payment period:
(A) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(B) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(C) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.
67 Amendment of conditions
(1) If the provisional holder is dissatisfied with a licence condition, the provisional holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given the licence under section 66; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may amend the licence conditions.
(4) The Joint Authority must give the provisional holder written notice of the amendment.
68 Amendment of security requirements
(1) If the provisional holder:
(a) is notified of a security requirement; and
(b) is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;
the provisional holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 66; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may make a new determination under section 399.
(4) The Joint Authority must give the provisional holder written notice of the new determination.
69 Extension of primary payment period
(1) If the provisional holder makes a request under section 67 or 68, the provisional holder may ask the Designated Authority to extend the primary payment period.
(2) The request must be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 66.
(3) If the Designated Authority agrees to the request, the Designated Authority must:
(a) determine the period of the extension; and
(b) give the provisional holder a written notice informing the applicant of the period of the extension.
70 Acceptance of grant of exploration licence for standard block
(1) The provisional grant of the exploration licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if, before the end of the primary payment period, the provisional holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.
(2) The provisional grant of the exploration licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if the provisional holder:
(a) has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 69; and
(b) before the end of the secondary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 88, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration).
71 Conditions applicable to licence on grant
If the provisional grant of the licence is properly accepted, it is subject to:
(a) the conditions specified in the licence given to the applicant under section 65; or
(b) if the Joint Authority amended those conditions under section 67—those conditions as amended.
72 Lapse of provisional grant of exploration licence
If the provisional grant of the licence is not properly accepted under section 70, the provisional grant lapses.
Division 3—Application for and grant of exploration licence over tender block
73 Matters to be determined before applications for exploration licence over tender blocks invited
If the Joint Authority proposes to invite applications for the grant of an exploration licence over reserved blocks, the Joint Authority must, before inviting the applications, determine:
(a) the procedure and criteria that the Joint Authority will adopt to allocate the licence; and
(b) the amount of security that will be required for the licence under section 399; and
(c) the licence conditions.
74 Joint Authority may invite applications for exploration licence over tender blocks
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Joint Authority may invite applications for the grant of an exploration licence over reserved blocks.
(2) Applications may be invited for a licence covering a group of reserved blocks only if the group forms a discrete area.
(3) The Joint Authority is to invite applications by publishing a tender block licence notice for the licence in the Gazette.
75 Tender block licence notice—exploration licence
(1) A tender block licence notice for an exploration licence must:
(a) specify the blocks to be covered by the licence; and
(b) specify the period within which applications may be made; and
(c) specify the procedure and criteria that the Joint Authority will adopt to allocate the licence; and
(d) specify the amount of security that the successful applicant will be required to lodge; and
(e) include a statement to the effect that information about:
(i) the security that the successful applicant will be required to lodge; and
(ii) the licence conditions;
may be obtained from the Designated Authority.
(2) The tender block notice may specify not more than 500 blocks for the exploration licence.
76 Application for exploration licence over tender blocks
If a tender block licence notice has been published inviting applications for an exploration licence, a person may apply for the licence.
77 How to apply
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) be made before the end of the period specified in the tender block licence notice; and
(d) include details of:
(i) the technical qualifications of the applicant and of the applicant’s employees who are likely to be involved in activities authorised by the licence; and
(ii) the technical advice available to the applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the applicant; and
(iv) if the licence is to be held by more than one person—the share of the licence that each prospective holder will hold; and
(e) specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) If the Joint Authority has specified in the tender block licence notice that it will select the successful applicant on the basis of exploration proposals submitted for the blocks to be covered by the licence, the application must include details of the applicant’s exploration proposals for the blocks.
(3) If the Joint Authority has specified in the tender block licence notice that it will select the successful applicant on the basis of the amounts of money offered for the licence, the application must state the amount offered by the applicant for the licence.
(4) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(5) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
78 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
79 Request for further information
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant for further information about the application.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the applicant; and
(c) specify the time within which the information must be provided.
(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be provided:
(a) in writing; and
(b) within the time specified in the request.
80 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the tender block notice relates to blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If an applicant does what is required by sections 77 to 79, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If an applicant does not do what is required by sections 77 to 79, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
81 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Joint Authority may provisionally grant tender block exploration licence
(1) If the Designated Authority refers applications to the Joint Authority under section 80, the Joint Authority may provisionally grant an exploration licence to one of the applicants.
Note: Under section 88, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 84 for proper acceptance).
(2) The Joint Authority may provisionally grant a licence under subsection (1) even if only one application is referred to the Joint Authority by the Designated Authority.
(3) When provisionally granting a licence under subsection (1), the Joint Authority must follow the procedure and apply the criteria specified in the tender block licence notice published for the licence under section 74.
82 External territory offshore area—how applications dealt with
(1) This section applies if the tender block licence notice relates to blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) The responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area):
(a) must refuse an application if the applicant does not do what is required by sections 77 to 79; and
(b) may provisionally grant an exploration licence to an applicant whose application has not been refused under paragraph (a).
Note: Under section 88, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 84 for proper acceptance).
(3) The responsible Commonwealth Minister may provisionally grant a licence under subsection (2) even if there is only one application that is not refused under paragraph (2)(a).
(4) When provisionally granting a licence under subsection (2), the responsible Commonwealth Minister must follow the procedure and apply the criteria specified in the tender block licence notice published for the licence under section 74.
83 Successful applicant must be notified
(1) If the Joint Authority provisionally grants an exploration licence under section 81, 82 or 87, the Designated Authority must give the provisional holder:
(a) the licence; and
(b) written notice that the provisional grant will lapse unless the provisional holder, before the end of the primary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Exploration Licence Fees Act; and
(iv) if the tender is determined on the basis of the amounts of money offered for the licence—pays the Commonwealth the amount that the provisional holder offered for the licence under subsection 77(3).
(2) The licence must specify:
(a) the blocks covered by the licence; and
(b) the term of the licence; and
(c) the licence conditions.
Note: For the term of a licence see section 88.
84 Acceptance of grant of exploration licence over tender blocks
The provisional grant of an exploration licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if, within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 83, the provisional holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Exploration Licence Fees Act; and
(d) if the tender is determined on the basis of the amount of money offered for the licence—pays the Commonwealth the amount that the provisional holder offered for the licence under subsection 77(3).
Note: Under section 88, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration).
85 Conditions applicable to licence on grant
If the provisional grant of the licence is properly accepted, the licence is subject to the conditions determined under section 73.
86 Lapse of provisional grant of exploration licence
If the provisional grant of the licence is not properly accepted under section 85, the provisional grant lapses.
87 Provisional grant to next applicant if grant lapses
(1) If the provisional grant of the licence lapses under section 86, the Joint Authority may provisionally grant the licence to another of the applicants for the licence.
(2) When provisionally granting a licence under subsection (1), the Joint Authority must follow the procedure and apply the criteria specified in the tender block licence notice published for the licence under section 74.
Division 4—Duration of exploration licence
88 Initial term of exploration licence
(1) An exploration licence comes into force on:
(a) the day on which the grant of the licence is registered; or
(b) if a day later than the day on which the grant of the licence is registered is specified in the licence as its commencement day—that specified day.
(2) The initial term of an exploration licence ends 4 years after:
(a) the day on which the licence is provisionally granted; or
(b) if a day later than the day on which the licence is provisionally granted is specified in the licence as its commencement day—that specified day.
Note: The licence may be surrendered at any time (see section 127).
89 Term of renewal of exploration licence
(1) A renewal of an exploration licence comes into force on:
(a) the day on which the renewal is registered; or
(b) the day on which the previous term of the licence expires;
whichever is the later.
Note: See Division 6 for renewal.
(2) The term of a renewal of a licence ends 2 years after the day on which the previous term of the licence expires.
Note: The licence may be surrendered at any time (see section 127).
(3) Ignore section 90 in working out the period of 2 years referred to in subsection (2).
(4) An exploration licence is not to be renewed more than 3 times.
90 Effect of suspension of rights on term of exploration licence
(1) If the Joint Authority suspends rights conferred by an exploration licence for a specified period under section 48, the Joint Authority may extend the term of the licence.
(2) An extension of a licence term under subsection (1):
(a) must not be for a period that is longer than the period for which the licence rights were suspended; and
(b) must be in writing.
(3) If the Joint Authority extends the term of a licence under subsection (1), the Joint Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder:
(a) that the licence has been extended; and
(b) of the period of the extension.
91 Effect of application for renewal on term of exploration licence
If:
(a) an exploration licence holder applies to renew the licence under section 101; and
(b) the current term of the licence expires; and
(c) a renewal of the licence does not take effect immediately after the current term expires;
the licence remains in force after the current term expires until:
(d) a renewal of the licence takes effect; or
(e) a provisional renewal of the licence lapses; or
(f) the application for renewal is withdrawn or refused.
92 Effect of application for retention licence or mining licence on term of exploration licence
If:
(a) an exploration licence holder applies for:
(i) a retention licence (see section 137); or
(ii) a mining licence (see section 198);
over the licence area, or part of the licence area, of the exploration licence; and
(b) the current term of the exploration licence expires; and
(c) a grant of the retention licence or mining licence does not take effect before the current term of the exploration licence expires;
the exploration licence remains in force until:
(d) the grant of the retention licence or mining licence takes effect; or
(e) a provisional grant of the retention licence or mining licence lapses; or
(f) the application for the retention licence or mining licence is withdrawn or refused.
93 Effect of application for extension on term of licence
If:
(a) an exploration licence holder applies for an extension of the licence under section 94 or 96; and
(b) the holder has also applied to renew the licence under section 101; and
(c) the extension application is not decided before the licence is due to expire;
then:
(d) the renewal application lapses; and
(e) the licence remains in force:
(i) until:
(A) if the Joint Authority extends the term of the licence under section 95 for a specified period—30 days after the day on which that period ends; or
(B) if the Joint Authority refuses to extend the term of the licence under section 95—30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice of the refusal under section 98; or
(ii) until a further application is made under section 101 to renew the licence;
whichever is the later.
94 Extension of licence—activities disrupted
(1) If:
(a) an exploration licence authorises the licence holder to carry out an activity; and
(b) circumstances beyond the control of the holder prevent the holder from carrying out the activity;
the holder may apply to the Joint Authority for an extension of the licence.
(2) The application must be made:
(a) within 30 days after the day on which the holder first became aware of the circumstances; and
(b) before the licence expires.
(3) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
95 Grant of licence extension—activities disrupted
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if an exploration licence holder applies for an extension under section 94, the Joint Authority:
(a) must grant an extension of the licence if the Joint Authority is satisfied that:
(i) the holder is unable to carry out the activities authorised by the licence; and
(ii) the holder is unable to do so because of circumstances beyond the holder’s control; and
(iii) the period during which the holder is unable to do so:
(A) occurs while the licence is in force; and
(B) does not occur during any excluded time; and
(b) must refuse the application for extension if the Joint Authority is not satisfied of the matters referred to in paragraph (a).
(2) The period for which the extension is granted must not be longer than the disruption period for the licence less any excluded time for the licence.
(3) The extension may be granted subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) In this section:
disruption period for a licence means the period during which the licence holder is unable to carry out activities authorised by the licence because of circumstances beyond the holder’s control.
excluded time for a licence means any period during which the licence was in force because of section 90, 91, 92 or 93.
Note: Under section 90, the Designated Authority can extend the term of a licence if there has been a suspension of rights under section 48. Under section 91, the term of a licence is automatically extended if there is an application for the renewal of a licence undecided when the licence is due to expire. Under section 92, the term of a licence is automatically extended if the holder applies for a retention or mining licence over the licence area. Under section 93, the term of a licence is automatically extended if there is an application for an extension of the licence undecided when the licence is due to expire.
96 Extension of licence—other circumstances
(1) An exploration licence holder may apply to the Joint Authority for an extension of the licence if, under section 121, the Joint Authority:
(a) suspends a licence condition; or
(b) exempts the holder from complying with a licence condition.
(2) The application:
(a) must be made not later than 30 days before the licence expires; and
(b) must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
97 Grant of licence extension—other circumstances
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if an exploration licence holder applies for an extension under section 96, the Joint Authority:
(a) may grant an extension of the licence; or
(b) may refuse to grant an extension of the licence.
(2) The extension must not be for a period that is longer than the period of the suspension or exemption.
(3) The extension may be granted subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
98 Notification of decision
(1) If the Joint Authority grants an extension of an exploration licence under section 95 or 97, the Joint Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of:
(a) the grant of extension; and
(b) the period of the extension; and
(c) if the extension is subject to conditions—the conditions.
(2) If the Joint Authority refuses an application for a licence extension, the Joint Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of:
(a) the refusal; and
(b) the reasons for the refusal.
Division 5—Voluntary surrender of part of exploration licence area
99 Voluntary surrender of blocks if discrete area remains
(1) An exploration licence holder may surrender a block or some of the blocks covered by the licence if the remaining blocks in the licence area form a discrete area.
Note: See section 127 for the surrender of the whole licence.
(2) A surrender under subsection (1) must:
(a) be made in writing; and
(b) identify the blocks surrendered; and
(c) be given to the Designated Authority.
Note: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under section 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
100 Voluntary surrender of blocks if up to 3 discrete areas remain
(1) If:
(a) an exploration licence holder wants to surrender some of the blocks covered by the licence; and
(b) the blocks remaining in the licence area after the proposed surrender would form not more than 3 discrete areas;
the holder may apply to the Designated Authority for approval of the proposed surrender.
(2) The application:
(a) must be in writing; and
(b) must include a surrender proposal that identifies the blocks in the licence area that the holder proposes to surrender; and
(c) may include any other information that the holder thinks is relevant; and
(d) must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) Subject to subsection (6), if the Designated Authority agrees with the surrender proposal the Designated Authority may approve the surrender of the blocks specified in the proposal by giving the holder written notice of the approval.
Note: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under section 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
(4) If the Designated Authority does not agree with the surrender proposal, the Designated Authority may ask the holder to discuss the proposal.
(5) Subject to subsection (6), if the Designated Authority and the holder agree, after discussions, on the blocks to be surrendered the Designated Authority may approve the surrender of the blocks agreed on by giving the holder written confirmation of the agreement.
Note: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under section 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
(6) The Designated Authority may give approval under subsection (3) or (5) only with the approval of the Joint Authority.
(7) Subsection (6) does not apply to a block in an external territory offshore area.
Note: The responsible Commonwealth Minister is both the Designated Authority (see subsection 29(3)) and the Joint Authority (see subsection 32(3)) for an external territory offshore area.
(8) If, after discussions, the Designated Authority and the holder do not agree on the surrender proposal, no blocks are surrendered.
Division 6—Application for and grant of renewal of exploration licence
101 Application for renewal of exploration licence
An exploration licence holder may apply to the Joint Authority to renew the licence.
Note 1: Part of the licence area must be surrendered on each renewal (see section 104).
Note 2: At each renewal, the licence conditions are reviewed (see section 118).
102 When must an application to renew be made?
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the application must be made at least 30 days before the day on which the licence is to expire.
Note: If an application for extension of a licence is made, the expiry of the licence is postponed (see section 91).
(2) The Designated Authority may accept an application that is made later than 30 days before the day on which the licence is to expire if:
(a) the application is made before the day on which the licence expires; and
(b) the Designated Authority believes that there are reasonable grounds for accepting the application.
103 How to apply for renewal
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) include details of:
(i) the activities carried out by the applicant under the licence during its current term; and
(ii) the amount of money spent by the applicant in relation to the blocks covered by the licence during its current term; and
(iii) the activities that the applicant intends to carry out under the licence during the term applied for; and
(iv) the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend on those activities during the term applied for; and
(d) specify the blocks that the applicant nominates for surrender in accordance with section 104.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(3) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
104 Mandatory reduction of licence area on renewal of exploration licence
(1) This section deals with the mandatory reduction of the licence area covered by an exploration licence when the licence is renewed.
(2) Subject to paragraph (4)(b), on each surrender day of an exploration licence, the licence holder must surrender:
(a) 50% of the number of blocks in the licence area; or
(b) if 50% of that number is a whole number and a fraction—the next higher whole number.
(3) Subject to paragraph (4)(a), the blocks that remain in the licence area after a surrender under subsection (2) must form a discrete area.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the Designated Authority may:
(a) give permission for the surrender of blocks in a licence area if the licence area remaining after the proposed surrender would consist of not more than 3 discrete areas; or
(b) give permission for a licence area to be reduced by less than 50% if the Designated Authority considers that there are special circumstances present in relation to the renewal application.
(5) The Designated Authority may give permission under subsection (4) only with the approval of the Joint Authority.
(6) Subsection (5) does not apply to a block in an external territory offshore area.
Note: The responsible Commonwealth Minister is both the Designated Authority (see subsection 29(3)) and the Joint Authority (see subsection 32(3)) for an external territory offshore area.
105 Request for further information
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant to provide further information about the application.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the applicant; and
(c) specify the time within which the information must be provided.
(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be provided:
(a) in writing; and
(b) within the time specified in the request.
106 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
107 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer renewal application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the renewal application covers blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does what is required by sections 101 to 106, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 101 to 106, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
108 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—provisional renewal of an exploration licence
(1) The Joint Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area must provisionally renew an exploration licence if:
(a) the Designated Authority refers the renewal application to the Joint Authority under section 107; and
(b) the applicant has complied with:
(i) this Act; and
(ii) the regulations; and
(iii) the licence conditions.
Note 1: Under section 89, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 114 for proper acceptance).
Note 2: Under section 118, new conditions may be imposed on renewal.
(2) If subsection (1) does not require the Joint Authority to provisionally renew the licence, the Joint Authority may:
(a) provisionally renew the licence; or
(b) refuse to renew the licence.
109 External territory offshore area—how application for renewal dealt with
(1) This section applies if the renewal application covers blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 101 to 106, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for the offshore area) must refuse to renew the licence.
(3) If:
(a) the applicant does what is required by sections 101 to 106; and
(b) the applicant has complied with:
(i) this Act; and
(ii) the regulations; and
(iii) the licence conditions;
the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) must provisionally renew the exploration licence.
Note 1: Under section 89, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 114 for proper acceptance).
Note 2: Under section 118, new conditions may be imposed on renewal.
(4) If:
(a) subsection (2) does not require the responsible Commonwealth Minister to refuse to renew the licence; and
(b) subsection (3) does not require the responsible Commonwealth Minister to provisionally renew the licence;
the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) may:
(c) provisionally renew the licence; or
(d) refuse to renew the licence.
Note: Under section 89, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 114 for proper acceptance).
110 Applicant must be notified
(1) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written notice of the Joint Authority’s decision under section 108 or 109.
(2) If the Joint Authority provisionally renews the exploration licence under section 108 or 109, the notice must contain the following information:
(a) notification of the conditions of the renewed licence;
(b) notification of any determination under section 399 that the applicant must lodge a security or a further security;
(c) notification that the provisional renewal will lapse unless the applicant, before the end of the primary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.
Note: Section 118 provides for renewals to be granted subject to conditions.
111 Amendment of conditions
(1) If the licence holder:
(a) has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 108 or 109; and
(b) is notified of the licence conditions; and
(c) is dissatisfied with a condition;
the holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 110; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may amend the licence conditions.
(4) The Joint Authority must give the holder written notice of the amendment.
112 Amendment of security requirements
(1) If the licence holder:
(a) has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 108 or 109; and
(b) is notified of a security requirement; and
(c) is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;
the holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 110; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Authority may make a new determination under section 399.
(4) The Joint Authority must give the holder written notice of the new determination.
113 Extension of primary payment period
(1) If the licence holder makes a request under section 111 or 112, the holder may ask the Designated Authority to extend the primary payment period.
(2) The request must be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 110.
(3) If the Designated Authority agrees to the request, the Designated Authority must:
(a) determine the period of the extension in writing; and
(b) give the holder a written notice informing the holder of the period of the extension.
114 Acceptance of renewal of exploration licence
(1) The provisional renewal of an exploration licence is properly accepted by the licence holder if, before the end of the primary payment period, the holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 89, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration).
(2) The provisional renewal of an exploration licence is properly accepted by the licence holder if the holder:
(a) has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 113; and
(b) before the end of the secondary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 89, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration).
115 Conditions applicable to licence on renewal
If the provisional renewal is properly accepted, the renewed licence is subject to:
(a) the conditions specified in the notice given to the licence holder under section 110; or
(b) if the Joint Authority amended those conditions under section 111—those conditions as amended.
116 Lapse of provisional renewal of exploration licence
If the provisional renewal of an exploration licence is not properly accepted under section 114, the provisional renewal lapses.
Division 7—Obligations associated with exploration licence
117 General
(1) The sources of obligations associated with an exploration licence are:
(a) the licence conditions; and
(b) obligations arising from compliance directions given by the Designated Authority; and
(c) obligations imposed by this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraph (a) see sections 118 to 120. For paragraph (b) see sections 387 and 392. For paragraph (c) see sections 123 to 125 and section 372.
(2) If an exploration licence has 2 or more holders, all the holders are jointly and severally bound by the obligations that attach to the licence.
118 Conditions of exploration licence
(1) The Joint Authority may grant or renew an exploration licence subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(2) If the Joint Authority grants or renews an exploration licence subject to conditions, the conditions must be specified in the licence.
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the Joint Authority 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 Designated Authority;
(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, and to comply with directions concerning that work given under section 387;
(c) a condition requiring the holder to spend a specified amount of money in carrying out the work referred to in paragraph (b), and to comply with directions concerning that expenditure given under section 387;
(d) a condition requiring the holder to lodge a security with the Designated Authority;
(e) a condition requiring the holder to keep specified information;
(f) a condition requiring the holder to give the Designated Authority, 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 Commonwealth if the holder does not comply with a licence condition.
(4) A condition under paragraph (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 (3)(d), 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.
119 No conditions requiring payment of money
Except for a condition requiring the payment of a penalty or lodgment of security, a licence condition must not require the payment of money to:
(a) the Designated Authority; or
(b) the Joint Authority; or
(c) the Commonwealth.
120 Variation of conditions
(1) If:
(a) an exploration licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to vary a licence condition; or
(b) an exploration licence continues in force because of section 93; or
(c) an extension of an exploration licence is granted under section 95; or
(d) part of the licence area of an exploration licence is surrendered under section 99 or 100;
the Joint Authority may vary a licence condition.
(2) If a Designated Authority gives:
(a) a direction under section 387; or
(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations;
to an exploration licence holder, the Joint Authority may vary a licence condition to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.
(3) The Joint Authority may vary a licence condition subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) If the Joint Authority varies a licence condition, the Designated Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that:
(a) informs the holder of the variation; and
(b) specifies the conditions which have been varied; and
(c) specifies any conditions to which the variation is subject.
121 Exemption from or suspension of conditions
(1) If:
(a) an exploration licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to:
(i) suspend a licence condition; or
(ii) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition; or
(b) an exploration licence continues in force because of section 93; or
(c) an extension of an exploration licence is granted under section 95; or
(d) part of the licence area of an exploration licence is surrendered under section 99 or 100;
the Joint Authority may:
(e) suspend a licence condition; or
(f) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition.
(2) If a Designated Authority gives:
(a) a direction under section 387; or
(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations;
to an exploration licence holder, the Joint Authority may suspend a licence condition, or exempt the holder from compliance with a licence condition, to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.
(3) The Joint Authority may:
(a) suspend a licence condition; or
(b) exempt the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;
subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) If the Joint Authority:
(a) suspends a licence condition; or
(b) exempts the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;
the Designated Authority must give the holder a written notice that:
(c) informs the holder of the exemption or suspension; and
(d) specifies the conditions which have been suspended or affected by the exemption; and
(e) specifies any conditions to which the suspension or exemption is subject.
Note: A suspension or exemption of a condition cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 337).
122 Automatic suspension of conditions if licence rights are suspended
If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends particular rights conferred by an exploration licence under section 48; and
(b) a licence condition is affected by the suspension;
the licence condition is suspended for the period of the suspension of the rights.
123 Work practices
If a person who is:
(a) an exploration licence holder; or
(b) an associate of the holder;
carries out activities in the licence area that are authorised by the licence, the person must take all reasonable steps:
(c) to ensure that the activities are carried out at a standard that is accepted as reasonable and proper in the mining industry; and
(d) to protect the health, safety and welfare of people engaged in the activities in and about the licence area; and
(e) to maintain in good repair all structures and equipment brought into the licence area by the person; and
(f) to remove from the licence area any structure, equipment or other property that:
(i) belongs to the person, or is under the person’s control; and
(ii) is not being used, or is not going to be used, in connection with the activities.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
124 Licence holder must keep specified records etc.
An exploration licence holder must:
(a) keep whatever records, cores and samples; and
(b) give whatever records, cores and samples to the Designated Authority for inspection; and
(c) make whatever returns;
are necessary to comply with:
(d) the regulations; or
(e) the licence conditions; or
(f) a direction given by the Designated Authority under section 387.
Note: Under section 387 the Designated Authority may direct a person to keep records and cores, to collect and retain samples, and to make returns.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
125 Licence holder must assist inspectors
An exploration licence holder must provide an inspector with reasonable facilities and assistance so that the inspector is able to carry out compliance inspections.
Note: See sections 377 to 384 for compliance inspections.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Division 8—Expiry of exploration licence
126 General
An exploration licence expires if:
(a) the term of the licence ends without the licence being renewed; or
(b) the licence holder surrenders the licence; or
(c) a retention licence is granted over the blocks in the licence area of the exploration licence; or
(d) a mining licence is granted over the blocks in the licence area of the exploration licence; or
(e) the licence is cancelled.
Note: For paragraph (a) see Division 6. For paragraph (b) see section 127. For paragraph (c) see section 128. For paragraph (d) see section 129. For paragraph (e) see section 130.
127 Voluntary surrender of exploration licence
An exploration licence holder may surrender the licence.
Note 1: See Division 5 for voluntary surrender of part of a licence area.
Note 2: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under section 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
128 Automatic expiry of exploration licence when retention licence takes effect
If:
(a) an exploration licence is in force under this Act; and
(b) the Joint Authority provisionally grants a retention licence over all or some of the blocks in the exploration licence area; and
(c) the provisional grant of the retention licence is properly accepted; and
(d) the retention licence comes into force;
the exploration licence expires in relation to the blocks covered by the retention licence.
129 Automatic expiry of exploration licence when mining licence takes effect
If:
(a) an exploration licence is in force under this Act; and
(b) the Joint Authority provisionally grants a mining licence over all or some of the blocks in the exploration licence area; and
(c) the provisional grant of the mining licence is properly accepted; and
(d) the mining licence comes into force;
the exploration licence expires in relation to the blocks covered by the mining licence.
130 Cancellation of exploration licence
(1) Subject to subsection (5), the Joint Authority may cancel an exploration licence if the licence holder:
(a) breaches a licence condition; or
(b) contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations; or
(c) breaches a condition attached to an approval under subsection 365(2); or
(d) fails to pay user charge that is payable for the licence under the Exploration Licence User Charge Act.
(2) If the Joint Authority proposes to cancel a licence under subsection (1), the Designated Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of the proposed cancellation.
(3) The notice must:
(a) specify the reason for the proposed cancellation; and
(b) invite the holder to make submissions in relation to the proposed cancellation; and
(c) specify the day by which submissions should be given to the Joint Authority; and
(d) specify an address where submissions are to be lodged.
(4) The day specified under paragraph (3)(c) must be not less than 60 days after the day on which the notice is given.
(5) The Joint Authority may cancel the licence only if:
(a) the holder has been given a notice under subsection (2); and
(b) the Joint Authority has considered:
(i) any submission made by the holder; and
(ii) any steps taken by the holder to remedy the circumstances that led to the proposal to cancel the licence and to prevent those circumstances from happening again; and
(c) the Joint Authority is satisfied that no special circumstances exist that justify the licence not being cancelled.
131 Obligations of former exploration licence holders and former associates
(1) Subject to subsection (4), if:
(a) a person was:
(i) an exploration licence holder; or
(ii) an associate of an exploration licence holder; and
(b) the licence:
(i) expires; or
(ii) is cancelled; or
(iii) is surrendered; and
(c) an obligation associated with the licence arising out of:
(i) a licence condition; or
(ii) a direction given under section 387; or
(iii) this Act or the regulations;
has not been discharged; and
(d) the person was bound by that obligation when the person was the licence holder or an associate;
the person remains bound by the obligation until the obligation is discharged.
(2) Subsection (1) does not continue an obligation to carry out exploration or recovery activities.
(3) Subsection (1) continues an obligation that a person had to carry out exploration or recovery activities in a particular manner if the person carries them out.
(4) The Joint Authority may determine that the person is not subject to:
(a) a particular obligation under this section; or
(b) all the person’s remaining obligations under this section.
(5) A determination under subsection (4) is to be in writing.
Part 2.3—Retention licences
Division 1—General
132 Retention licences
This Part provides for the grant of retention licences over blocks in an offshore area.
Note: A retention licence is designed to allow an exploration licence holder to retain rights over an area if:
- the holder has identified and evaluated a significant mineral deposit in the exploration licence area; and
- mining the deposit is not commercially viable in the short term for some reason (for example, the political situation, the prevailing situation in the commodity market for particular minerals, the need to arrange finance or build up capital reserves, the need to develop new technologies or the impending development of new technologies); and
- there is a reasonable prospect of development of the deposit in the longer term.
See section 145 for the grounds on which a retention licence may be granted.
133 Activities authorised by a retention licence
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a retention licence holder may:
(a) explore for minerals in the licence area; and
(b) recover minerals in the licence area.
Note 1: The retention licence may specify a restricted range of activities that are the only ones authorised by the licence (see subsection 146(3)).
Note 2: Under subsection 23(1) the concept of exploration extends to activities that are directly related to exploration.
Note 3: Under subsection 24(1) the concept of recovery extends to activities that are directly related to the recovery of minerals.
(2) A retention licence does not authorise the recovery of minerals as part of a commercial mining operation.
(3) If the licence is expressed to restrict the kind of minerals covered by the licence, the holder is not permitted to explore for, or to recover, minerals not covered by the licence.
(4) A restriction on the kind of minerals covered by the licence may be inclusive (for example, only minerals A, B and C) or exclusive (for example, all minerals except A, B and C).
(5) For the purposes of subsection (3), the holder does not recover an excluded mineral if, in the course of exploring for, or recovering, another mineral, the holder recovers some excluded mineral.
134 Joint Authority may cancel or not renew retention licence without compensation
No compensation is payable because of the cancellation or non‑renewal of a retention licence by the Joint Authority.
Note 1: The Joint Authority may cancel the licence under section 189 or 190.
Note 2: The Joint Authority may refuse under section 165 or 166 to renew the licence.
135 Licence rights may be suspended
(1) The Joint Authority must suspend particular rights conferred by a retention licence if the Joint Authority is satisfied that it is necessary in the national interest to do so.
(2) The Joint Authority may suspend rights under subsection (1) for a specified period or for an indefinite period.
(3) The Joint Authority may end a suspension at any time.
(4) A suspension or the ending of a suspension must be in writing.
(5) If the Joint Authority:
(a) suspends rights conferred by a retention licence; or
(b) ends a suspension;
the Joint Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of the suspension or the ending of a suspension.
Note: See section 181 for the effect of the suspension on the obligations associated with the licence.
(6) A suspension takes effect when:
(a) the holder has been given notice of the suspension under subsection (5); and
(b) the suspension has been registered under section 337.
136 Compensation for acquisition of property due to suspension of rights
(1) If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 135; and
(b) the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and
(c) the Commonwealth and the person agree on an amount of compensation for the acquisition;
the Commonwealth must pay the person the agreed amount of compensation.
(2) If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 135; and
(b) the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and
(c) the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on an amount of compensation for the acquisition; and
(d) the person brings an action for compensation against the Commonwealth in the High Court or an appropriate Supreme Court;
the Commonwealth must pay the person the amount of compensation (if any) that is determined by the court.
(3) In this section:
acquisition of property means an acquisition of property within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.
appropriate Supreme Court means the Supreme Court of, or having jurisdiction in, the State or Territory for which the Joint Authority is established.
Division 2—Application for and grant of retention licence
137 Application for retention licence
(1) An exploration licence holder may apply to the Joint Authority for a retention licence over blocks within the exploration licence area.
(2) A person may apply for a retention licence over a group of blocks only if:
(a) the group forms a discrete area; and
(b) there are not more than 20 blocks in the group.
(3) The exploration licence holder may apply for 2 or more retention licences over different parts of the exploration licence area.
138 How to apply
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) specify the blocks for which the application is made; and
(d) include details of:
(i) the reasons why the applicant is applying for a retention licence rather than a mining licence; and
(ii) the mineral deposit that the applicant has identified and evaluated and that the applicant believes is commercially viable in the longer term; and
(iii) the applicant’s assessment of the present and potential commercial viability of the mineral deposit; and
(iv) the overall work program that the applicant has already carried out under the exploration licence on the blocks covered by the application; and
(v) the amount of money that the applicant has already spent under the exploration licence on and in connection with the blocks covered by the application; and
(vi) the activities that the applicant intends to carry out on the blocks covered by the application; and
(vii) the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend on and in connection with those activities; and
(viii) the technical qualifications of the applicant and of the applicant’s employees who are likely to be involved in activities authorised by the licence; and
(ix) the technical advice available to the applicant; and
(x) the financial resources available to the applicant; and
(e) be accompanied by maps that:
(i) relate to the blocks; and
(ii) comply with guidelines issued by the Designated Authority under subsection 41 (2); and
(f) specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) The mineral deposit details given under subparagraph (1)(d)(ii) must include:
(a) a full description of the mineral deposit; and
(b) both factual information about the deposit and the applicant’s interpretation of the factual information.
(3) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(4) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
139 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
140 Application must be advertised
(1) The applicant must advertise the application in a newspaper circulating throughout the State or external territory concerned.
(2) The advertisement must contain:
(a) the applicant’s name and address; and
(b) a map and description of the blocks applied for that are sufficient for the blocks to be identified; and
(c) the address of the Designated Authority; and
(d) a statement:
(i) that the applicant has applied for a retention licence for the blocks described in the notice; and
(ii) that invites comment from the public on the application; and
(iii) that requests that comments be sent to the applicant and the Designated Authority within 30 days after the day on which the advertisement is published.
(3) The advertisement must be published as soon as possible after the applicant applies for a retention licence.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the advertisement must be published within 14 days after the day on which the applicant lodges the application.
(5) If:
(a) the applicant applies to the Designated Authority within the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) for an extension of the period; and
(b) the Designated Authority extends the period;
the advertisement must be published within the period as extended by the Designated Authority.
141 Request for further information
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant for further information about the application.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the applicant; and
(c) specify the time within which the information must be provided.
(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be provided:
(a) in writing; and
(b) within the time specified in the request.
142 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the application covers blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does what is required by sections 138 to 141, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 138 to 141, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
143 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Joint Authority may provisionally grant retention licence
If the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area refers the application to the Joint Authority under section 142, the Joint Authority may:
(a) subject to section 145, provisionally grant a retention licence to the applicant; or
(b) refuse the application.
Note: Under section 154, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 151 for proper acceptance).
144 External territory offshore area—how application for retention licence dealt with
(1) This section applies if the application covers blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 137 to 141, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for the offshore area) must refuse the application.
(3) If the applicant does what is required by sections 137 to 141, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for the offshore area) may:
(a) subject to section 145, provisionally grant a retention licence to the applicant; or
(b) refuse the application.
Note: Under section 154, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 151 for proper acceptance).
145 Grounds for granting retention licence
(1) The Joint Authority may provisionally grant the retention licence only if it is satisfied that:
(a) the exploration licence holder has identified and evaluated a significant mineral deposit in the exploration licence area; and
(b) there are reasonable grounds for the holder not applying immediately for a mining licence.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), reasonable grounds for not applying immediately for a mining licence include the following:
(a) the need to obtain government approvals (for example, relating to environmental protection) before mining activities can commence;
(b) the need to carry out further exploration or evaluation in order to establish the commercial viability of a mineral deposit found in the licence area;
(c) the need to develop technologies before mining activities can commence;
(d) the need to arrange finance, or to secure additional capital reserves, before mining activities can commence;
(e) the existence of economic considerations (for example, the prevailing condition of the commodity market for the minerals concerned) that effectively preclude mining activities in the immediate future;
(f) the existence of political considerations that effectively preclude mining activities in the immediate future.
146 Matters to be specified in the licence
(1) The licence must specify:
(a) the blocks covered by the licence; and
(b) the term of the licence; and
(c) the licence conditions.
(2) The term specified under paragraph (1)(b) is not to exceed 5 years.
(3) The licence may specify the activities that may be carried out under the licence.
(4) If the licence includes a specification under subsection (3), the licence authorises only the specified activities.
147 Applicant must be notified
(1) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written notice of the Joint Authority’s decision under section 143 or 144.
(2) If the Joint Authority provisionally grants a retention licence:
(a) the Designated Authority must give the licence to the provisional holder; and
(b) the notice under subsection (1) must contain the following information:
(i) notification of any determination under section 399 that the provisional holder must lodge a security;
(ii) notification that the provisional grant will lapse unless the provisional holder, before the end of the primary payment period:
(A) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(B) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(C) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Retention Licence Fees Act.
148 Amendment of conditions
(1) If the provisional holder is dissatisfied with a licence condition, the provisional holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given the licence under section 147; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority receives a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may amend the licence conditions.
(4) The Joint Authority must give the provisional holder written notice of the amendment.
149 Amendment of security requirements
(1) If the provisional holder:
(a) is notified of a security requirement; and
(b) is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;
the provisional holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 147; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority receives a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may make a new determination under section 399.
(4) The Joint Authority must give the provisional holder written notice of the new determination.
150 Extension of primary payment period
(1) If the provisional holder makes a request under section 148 or 149, the provisional holder may ask the Designated Authority to extend the primary payment period.
(2) The request must be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 147.
(3) If the Designated Authority agrees to the request, the Designated Authority must:
(a) determine the period of the extension; and
(b) give the provisional holder a written notice informing the applicant of the period of the extension.
151 Acceptance of grant of retention licence
(1) The provisional grant of a retention licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if, before the end of the primary payment period, the provisional holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(b) lodges any security for the licence required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Retention Licence Fees Act.
(2) A retention licence provisionally granted under section 143 or 144 is properly accepted by the provisional holder if the provisional holder:
(a) has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 150; and
(b) before the end of the secondary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Retention Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 154, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before the grant is registered (see section 333 for registration).
152 Conditions applicable to licence on grant
If the provisional grant of the licence is properly accepted, it is subject to:
(a) the conditions specified in the licence given to the applicant under section 147; or
(b) if the Joint Authority amended those conditions under section 148—those conditions as amended.
153 Lapse of provisional grant of retention licence
If the provisional grant of the licence is not properly accepted under section 151, the provisional grant lapses.
Division 3—Duration of retention licence
154 Initial term of retention licence
(1) A retention licence comes into force on:
(a) the day on which the grant of the licence is registered; or
(b) if a day later than the day on which the grant of the licence is registered is specified in the licence as its commencement day—that specified day.
(2) The initial term of a retention licence expires at the end of the period specified in the licence under subsection 146(1).
Note 1: For the maximum initial term see subsection 146(2).
Note 2: The licence may be surrendered at any time (see section 187).
(3) The period runs from:
(a) the day on which the licence is provisionally granted; or
(b) if a day later than the day on which the licence is provisionally granted is specified in the licence as its commencement day—that specified day.
155 Term of renewal of licence
(1) A renewal of a retention licence comes into force on:
(a) the day on which the renewal is registered; or
(b) the day on which the previous term of the licence expires;
whichever is the later.
Note: See Division 5 for renewal.
(2) The term of a renewal of a licence expires at the end of the period specified in the notice under section 169.
Note 1: For the maximum term of renewal see subsection 169(3).
Note 2: The licence may be surrendered at any time (see section 187).
(3) The period runs from the expiry of the previous term of the licence.
(4) Ignore section 156 in working out the period referred to in subsection (3).
156 Effect of application for renewal on term of retention licence
If:
(a) a retention licence holder applies to renew the licence under section 159; and
(b) the current term of the licence expires; and
(c) a renewal of the licence does not take effect immediately after the current term expires;
the licence remains in force after the current term expires until:
(d) a renewal of the licence takes effect; or
(e) a provisional renewal of the licence lapses; or
(f) the application for renewal is withdrawn or refused.
157 Effect of application for mining licence on term of retention licence
If:
(a) a retention licence holder applies for a mining licence over the licence area, or part of the licence area, of the retention licence; and
(b) the current term of the retention licence expires; and
(c) a grant of the mining licence does not take effect before the current term of the retention licence expires;
the retention licence remains in force until:
(d) the grant of the mining licence takes effect; or
(e) a provisional grant of the mining licence lapses; or
(f) the application for the mining licence is withdrawn or refused.
Division 4—Voluntary surrender of part of retention licence area
158 Voluntary surrender of blocks if discrete area remains
(1) A retention licence holder may surrender a block or some of the blocks covered by the licence if the remaining blocks in the licence area form a discrete area.
Note: See section 187 for the surrender of the whole licence.
(2) A surrender under subsection (1):
(a) must be made in a written notice; and
(b) must identify the blocks surrendered; and
(c) must be given to the Designated Authority.
Note: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under section 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
Division 5—Application for and grant of renewal of retention licence
159 Application for renewal of retention licence
A retention licence holder may apply to the Joint Authority to renew the licence.
Note: At each renewal, the licence conditions are reviewed (see section 177).
160 When must an application to renew be made?
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the application must be made at least 6 months before the day on which the licence is to expire.
(2) The Designated Authority may accept an application that is made later than 6 months before the day on which the licence is to expire if:
(a) the application is made before the day on which the licence expires; and
(b) the Designated Authority believes that there are reasonable grounds for accepting the application.
161 How to apply for renewal
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) include details of:
(i) the reasons why the applicant is applying to renew the retention licence rather than applying for a mining licence; and
(ii) the activities carried out by the applicant under the licence during its current term; and
(iii) the amount of money spent by the applicant in relation to the blocks covered by the licence during its current term; and
(iv) the results obtained by the applicant from carrying out the activities referred to in subparagraph (ii); and
(v) the activities that the applicant intends to carry out under the licence during the term applied for; and
(vi) the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend in relation to activities authorised by the licence during the term applied for.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(3) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
162 Request for further information
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant to provide further information relating to the application.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the applicant; and
(c) specify the time within which the information must be provided.
(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be provided:
(a) in writing; and
(b) within the time specified in the request.
163 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
164 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer renewal application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the renewal application covers blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does what is required by sections 161 to 163, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 161 to 163, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
165 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—provisional renewal of retention licence
If the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area refers the application to the Joint Authority under section 164, the Joint Authority may:
(a) provisionally renew the licence; or
(b) subject to section 168, refuse to renew the licence.
Note 1: Under section 155, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 173 for proper acceptance).
Note 2: Under section 177, new conditions may be imposed on renewal.
166 External territory offshore area—how application for renewal dealt with
(1) This section applies if the renewal application covers blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 161 to 163, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for the offshore area) must refuse to renew the licence.
(3) If the applicant does what is required by sections 161 to 163, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) may:
(a) provisionally renew the licence; or
(b) subject to section 168, refuse to renew the licence.
Note 1: Under section 155, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 173 for proper acceptance).
Note 2: Under section 177, new conditions may be imposed on renewal.
167 Matters to be taken into account in deciding whether to renew retention licence
In determining whether to renew the licence, the Joint Authority may have regard to:
(a) whether mining activities are commercially viable in the retention licence area; and
(b) whether the applicant has complied with:
(i) this Act; and
(ii) the regulations; and
(iii) any licence conditions.
168 Refusal of application for renewal
(1) If the Joint Authority proposes to refuse to renew the licence, the Designated Authority must give the applicant notice of the proposed refusal.
Note: The retention licence remains in force until the application for renewal has been finally determined (i.e. until the Joint Authority decides whether or not to renew the licence) (see section 156).
(2) The notice must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) give details of the Joint Authority’s reasons for its proposal not to renew the licence; and
(c) invite the applicant to make written submissions on the proposed non‑renewal to the Designated Authority; and
(d) specify the day by which submissions should be made to the Designated Authority.
(3) The day specified under paragraph (2)(d) is to be at least 30 days after the day on which the notice under subsection (1) is given to the applicant.
(4) The Joint Authority, in deciding whether to refuse to renew the licence, must have regard to any submissions made by the applicant in response to the notice under subsection (1).
169 Applicant must be notified
(1) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written notice of the Joint Authority’s decision under section 165 or 166.
(2) If the Joint Authority provisionally renews the licence under section 165 or 166, the notice must contain the following information:
(a) notification of the term of the renewal;
(b) notification of the conditions of the renewed licence;
(c) notification of any determination under section 399 that the applicant must lodge a security or a further security;
(d) notification that the provisional renewal will lapse unless the applicant, before the end of the primary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid under the Retention Licence Fees Act.
Note: Paragraph (b): section 177 provides for renewals to be granted to conditions.
(3) The term specified under paragraph (2)(a) is not to be more than 5 years.
170 Amendment of conditions
(1) If the licence holder:
(a) has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 165 or 166; and
(b) is notified of the licence conditions; and
(c) is dissatisfied with a condition;
the holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the applicant is given notice under section 169; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may amend the licence conditions.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the holder written notice of the amendment.
171 Amendment of security requirements
(1) If the licence holder:
(a) has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 165 or 166; and
(b) is notified of a security requirement; and
(c) is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;
the holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 169; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may make a new determination under section 399.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the holder written notice of the new determination.
172 Extension of primary payment period
(1) If the licence holder makes a request under section 170 or 171, the holder may ask the Designated Authority to extend the primary payment period.
(2) The request must be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 169.
(3) If the Designated Authority agrees to the request to extend the primary payment period, the Designated Authority must:
(a) determine the period of the extension in writing; and
(b) give the holder a written notice informing the holder of the period of the extension.
173 Acceptance of renewal of retention licence
(1) The provisional renewal of a retention licence is properly accepted by the licence holder if, before the end of the primary payment period, the holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be under the Retention Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 155, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration).
(2) The provisional renewal of a retention licence is properly accepted by the licence holder if the holder:
(a) has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 172; and
(b) before the end of the secondary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid under the Retention Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 155, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration).
174 Conditions applicable to licence on renewal
If the provisional renewal is properly accepted, the renewed licence is subject to:
(a) the conditions specified in the notice given to the licence holder under section 169; or
(b) if the Joint Authority amended those conditions under section 170—those conditions as amended.
175 Lapse of provisional renewal of retention licence
If the provisional renewal of a retention licence is not properly accepted under section 173, the provisional renewal lapses.
Division 6—Obligations associated with retention licence
176 General
(1) The sources of obligations associated with a retention licence are:
(a) the licence conditions; and
(b) obligations arising from compliance directions given by the Designated Authority; and
(c) obligations imposed by this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraph (a) see section 177. For paragraph (b) see section 387. For paragraph (c) see sections 177 to 185 and section 372.
(2) If a retention licence has 2 or more holders, all the holders are jointly and severally bound by the obligations that attach to the licence.
177 Conditions of retention licence
(1) The Joint Authority may grant or renew a retention licence subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(2) If the Joint Authority grants or renews a retention licence subject to conditions, the conditions must be specified in the licence.
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the Joint Authority may attach the following kinds of conditions to the grant or renewal of a retention licence:
(a) a condition requiring the licence holder to take out insurance as required by the Designated Authority;
(b) a condition requiring the holder to carry out certain activities in or in relation to the licence area during the term of the licence, and to comply with directions concerning those activities given under section 387;
(c) a condition requiring the holder to spend a specified amount of money in carrying out the activities referred to in paragraph (b), and to comply with directions concerning that expenditure given under section 387;
(d) a condition requiring the holder to lodge a security with the Designated Authority;
(e) a condition requiring the holder to keep specified information;
(f) a condition requiring the holder to give the Designated Authority, 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 Commonwealth if the holder does not comply with a licence condition.
(4) A condition under paragraph (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 (3)(d), 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.
178 No conditions requiring payment of money
Except for a condition requiring the payment of a penalty or lodgment of a security, a licence condition must not require the payment of money to:
(a) the Designated Authority; or
(b) the Joint Authority; or
(c) the Commonwealth.
179 Variation of conditions
(1) If:
(a) a retention licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to vary a licence condition; or
(b) part of the licence area of a retention licence is surrendered under section 158;
the Joint Authority may vary a licence condition.
(2) If a Designated Authority gives:
(a) a direction under section 387; or
(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations;
to a retention licence holder, the Joint Authority may vary a licence condition to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.
(3) The Joint Authority may vary a licence condition subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) If the Joint Authority varies a licence condition, the Designated Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that:
(a) informs the holder of the variation; and
(b) specifies the conditions which have been varied; and
(c) specifies any conditions to which the variation is subject.
180 Exemption from or suspension of conditions
(1) If:
(a) a retention licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to:
(i) suspend a licence condition; or
(ii) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition; or
(b) part of the licence area of a retention licence is surrendered under section 158;
the Joint Authority may:
(c) suspend a licence condition; or
(d) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition.
(2) If a Designated Authority gives:
(a) a direction under section 387; or
(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations;
to a retention licence holder, the Joint Authority may suspend a licence condition, or exempt the holder from compliance with a licence condition, to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.
(3) The Joint Authority may:
(a) suspend a licence condition; or
(b) exempt the licence holder from compliance with a licence condition;
subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) If the Joint Authority:
(a) suspends a licence condition; or
(b) exempts the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;
the Designated Authority must give the holder a written notice that:
(c) informs the holder of the exemption or suspension; and
(d) specifies the conditions which have been suspended or affected by the exemption; and
(e) specifies any conditions to which the suspension or exemption is subject.
Note: A suspension or exemption of a condition does not take effect until registered (see section 337).
181 Automatic suspension of conditions if licence rights are suspended
If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends particular rights conferred by a retention licence under section 135; and
(b) a licence condition is affected by the suspension;
the licence condition is suspended for the period of the suspension of the rights.
182 Significant changes in circumstances to be reported to Designated Authority
(1) A retention licence holder must notify the Designated Authority of any change of circumstances that significantly affects the long term viability of mining activities in the retention licence area.
Note: The Joint Authority may cancel the retention licence if it believes that circumstances have changed so that mining activities can now commence (see section 190).
(2) Subsection (1) applies to a change of circumstances whether favourable or unfavourable to the long term viability of mining activities in the retention licence area.
183 Work practices
If a person who is:
(a) a retention licence holder; or
(b) an associate of the holder;
carries out activities in the licence area that are authorised by the licence, the person must take all reasonable steps:
(c) to ensure that the activities are carried out at a standard that is accepted as reasonable and proper in the mining industry; and
(d) to protect the health, safety and welfare of people engaged in the activities in and about the licence area; and
(e) to maintain in good repair all structures and equipment in the licence area brought there by the person; and
(f) to remove from the licence area any structure, equipment or other property that:
(i) belongs to the person, or is under the person’s control; and
(ii) is not being used, or is not going to be used, in connection with the activities.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
184 Licence holder must keep specified records etc.
A retention licence holder must:
(a) keep whatever records, cores and samples; and
(b) give whatever records, cores and samples to the Designated Authority for inspection; and
(c) make whatever returns;
are necessary to comply with:
(d) the regulations; or
(e) the licence conditions; or
(f) a direction given by the Designated Authority under section 387.
Note: Under section 387 the Designated Authority may direct a person to keep records and cores, to collect and retain samples, and to make returns.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
185 Licence holder must assist inspectors
A retention licence holder must provide an inspector with reasonable facilities and assistance so that the inspector is able to carry out compliance inspections.
Note: See sections 377 to 384 for compliance inspections.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Division 7—Expiry of retention licence
186 General
A retention licence expires if:
(a) the term of the licence expires without the licence being renewed; or
(b) the licence holder surrenders the licence; or
(c) a mining licence is granted over the blocks in the licence area of the retention licence; or
(d) the licence is cancelled.
Note: For paragraph (a) see Division 5. For paragraph (b) see section 187. For paragraph (c) see section 188. For paragraph (d) see sections 189 and 190.
187 Voluntary surrender of retention licence
A retention licence holder may surrender the licence.
Note 1: See Division 4 for voluntary surrender of part of a licence area.
Note 2: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under sction 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
188 Automatic expiry of retention licence when mining licence takes effect
If:
(a) a retention licence is in force under this Act; and
(b) the Joint Authority provisionally grants a mining licence over all or some of the blocks in the retention licence area; and
(c) the provisional grant of the mining licence is properly accepted; and
(d) the grant of the mining licence comes into force;
the retention licence expires in relation to the blocks covered by the mining licence.
189 Cancellation of retention licence—breach of condition etc.
(1) Subject to subsection (5), the Joint Authority may cancel a retention licence if the licence holder:
(a) breaches a licence condition; or
(b) contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations; or
(c) breaches a condition attached to an approval under subsection 365(2); or
(d) fails to pay user charge that is payable for the licence under the Retention Licence User Charge Act.
(2) If the Joint Authority proposes to cancel a licence under subsection (1), the Designated Authority must give the holder a written notice that informs the holder of the proposed cancellation.
(3) The notice must:
(a) specify the reason for the proposed cancellation; and
(b) invite the holder to make submissions in relation to the proposed cancellation; and
(c) specify the day by which submissions should be given to the Joint Authority; and
(d) specify an address where submissions are to be lodged.
(4) The day specified under paragraph (3)(c) must be not less than 60 days after the day on which the notice is given.
(5) The Joint Authority may cancel the licence only if:
(a) the holder has been given a notice under subsection (2); and
(b) the Joint Authority has considered:
(i) any submission made by the holder; and
(ii) any steps taken by the holder to remedy the circumstances that led to the proposal to cancel the licence and to prevent those circumstances from happening again; and
(c) the Joint Authority is satisfied that no special circumstances exist that justify the licence not being cancelled.
190 Cancellation of retention licence—mining activities viable
(1) If the Joint Authority believes that mining activities should commence in a retention licence area, the Designated Authority must ask the licence holder to explain why the holder should not apply for a mining licence over the retention licence area.
(2) A request under subsection (1) must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the day by which the holder should give the explanation to the Designated Authority.
(3) The day specified under paragraph (2)(b) is to be at least 30 days after the day on which the request is given to the holder.
(4) An explanation provided in response to a request under subsection (1) must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the Designated Authority.
(5) The Joint Authority may cancel the retention licence if:
(a) the holder is given a request under subsection (1); and
(b) either:
(i) the holder does not give the Designated Authority an explanation in response to the request by the day specified in the request; or
(ii) the holder gives the Designated Authority an explanation in response to the request but the Joint Authority does not consider the explanation to be satisfactory.
(6) If the Joint Authority cancels a retention licence under subsection (5), the Joint Authority may specify the day on which the cancellation takes effect.
(7) Without limiting subsection (6), the Joint Authority, in determining the day on which the cancellation is to take effect, may have regard to the time needed by the holder to obtain the grant of a mining licence over the retention licence area.
191 Obligations of former retention licence holders and former associates
(1) Subject to subsection (4), if:
(a) a person was:
(i) a retention licence holder; or
(ii) an associate of a retention licence holder; and
(b) the licence:
(i) expires; or
(ii) is cancelled; or
(iii) is surrendered; and
(c) an obligation associated with the licence arising out of:
(i) a licence condition; or
(ii) a direction given under section 387 by the Designated Authority in relation to the licence; or
(iii) this Act or the regulations;
has not been discharged; and
(d) the person was bound by that obligation when the person was the licence holder or an associate;
the person remains bound by the obligation until the obligation is discharged.
(2) Subsection (1) does not continue an obligation to carry out exploration or recovery activities.
(3) Subsection (1) continues an obligation that a person had to carry out exploration or recovery activities in a particular manner if the person carries them out.
(4) The Joint Authority may determine that the person is not subject to:
(a) a particular obligation under this section; or
(b) all the person’s remaining obligations under this section.
(5) A determination under subsection (4) is to be in writing.
Part 2.4—Mining licences
Division 1—General
192 Mining licences
(1) This Part provides for the grant of mining licences over blocks in an offshore area.
(2) A mining licence may be granted over:
(a) a vacant standard block (see Division 2); or
(b) certain blocks that are not vacant (see Division 2); or
(c) a tender block (see Division 3).
Note 1: A tender block is a block that has been declared available for tender. A standard block is any other block (see sections 19 and 20).
Note 2: A retention or exploration licence holder may apply for a mining licence over the same area or part of the same area.
193 Activities authorised by a mining licence
(1) Subject to subsection (2), a mining licence holder may:
(a) recover minerals in the licence area; and
(b) explore for minerals in the licence area.
Note 1: Under subsection 23(1) the concept of exploration extends to activities that are directly related to exploration.
Note 2: Under subsection 24(1) the concept of recovery extends to activities that are directly related to the recovery of minerals.
(2) If the licence is expressed to restrict the kind of minerals covered by the licence, the holder is not permitted to recover, or to explore for, minerals not covered by the licence.
(3) A restriction on the kind of minerals covered by the licence may be inclusive (for example, only minerals A, B and C) or exclusive (for example, all minerals except A, B and C).
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2), the holder does not recover an excluded mineral if, in the course of recovering, or exploring for, another mineral, the holder recovers some excluded mineral.
194 Joint Authority may cancel or not renew mining licence without compensation
No compensation is payable because of the cancellation or non‑renewal of a mining licence by the Joint Authority.
Note 1: The Joint Authority may cancel the licence under section 265.
Note 2: The Joint Authority may refuse under section 242 or 243 to renew the licence.
195 Licence rights may be suspended
(1) The Joint Authority must suspend particular rights conferred by a mining licence if the Joint Authority is satisfied that it is necessary in the national interest to do so.
(2) The Joint Authority may suspend rights conferred under subsection (1) for a specified period or for an indefinite period.
(3) The Joint Authority may end a suspension at any time.
(4) A suspension or the ending of a suspension must be in writing.
(5) If the Joint Authority:
(a) suspends rights conferred by a mining licence; or
(b) ends a suspension;
the Joint Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of the suspension or the ending of a suspension.
Note: See section 258 for the effect of the suspension on the obligations associated with the licence.
(6) A suspension takes effect when:
(a) the holder has been given notice of the suspension under subsection (5); and
(b) the suspension has been registered under section 337.
196 Compensation for acquisition of property due to suspension of rights
(1) If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 195; and
(b) the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and
(c) the Commonwealth and the person agree on an amount of compensation for the acquisition;
the Commonwealth must pay the person the agreed amount of compensation.
(2) If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 195; and
(b) the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and
(c) the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on an amount of compensation for the acquisition; and
(d) the person brings an action for compensation against the Commonwealth in the High Court or an appropriate Supreme Court;
the Commonwealth must pay the person the amount of compensation (if any) that is determined by the court.
(3) In this section:
acquisition of property means an acquisition of property within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.
appropriate Supreme Court means the Supreme Court of, or having jurisdiction in, the State or Territory for which the Joint Authority is established.
Division 2—Application for and grant of mining licence over standard blocks
197 Application for mining licence over vacant standard block
(1) A person may apply to the Joint Authority for a mining licence over a standard block that is vacant.
(2) A standard block is vacant if no exploration, retention or mining licence is in force over the block.
(3) The application must not cover more than 20 blocks.
(4) If the application is for a licence over a group of blocks, the blocks must form a discrete area.
198 Holder of exploration licence or retention licence may apply for mining licence
(1) An exploration or retention licence holder may apply to the Joint Authority for a mining licence over all or some of the blocks in the licence area of the exploration or retention licence.
(2) A person may apply for a mining licence under subsection (1) over a group of blocks only if:
(a) the group forms a discrete area; and
(b) there are not more than 20 blocks in the group.
(3) The holder may apply for 2 or more mining licences over different parts of the licence area of the exploration or retention licence.
199 How to apply
(1) An application under section 197 or 198 must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) specify the blocks for which the application is made; and
(d) include details of:
(i) the activities that the applicant intends to carry out on the block or blocks covered by the application; and
(ii) the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend on those activities; and
(iii) the technical qualifications of the applicant and of the applicant’s employees who are likely to be involved in activities authorised by the licence; and
(iv) the technical advice available to the applicant; and
(v) the financial resources available to the applicant; and
(vi) if the licence is to be held by more than one person—the share of the licence that each prospective holder will hold; and
(e) be accompanied by maps that:
(i) relate to the blocks; and
(ii) comply with guidelines issued by the Designated Authority under subsection 41(2); and
(f) specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(3) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
200 Effect of inclusion of unavailable block in application
If:
(a) a person applies under section 197 or 198 for a licence over a group of blocks; and
(b) because of section 18, 197 or 198:
(i) a mining licence cannot be granted over one or more of the blocks in the group; or
(ii) the Joint Authority cannot grant the licence over one or more of the blocks in the group;
the Designated Authority and the Joint Authority may still deal with the application to the extent to which the application covers blocks:
(c) for which a mining licence can be granted; or
(d) for which the Joint Authority does have power to grant the licence applied for.
Note 1: A mining licence cannot be granted over a block that is not vacant or over a reserved block (see section 18).
Note 2: The Joint Authority for a State may grant a licence only over blocks in that State’s Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
201 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
202 Application must be advertised
(1) The applicant must advertise the application in a newspaper that circulates throughout the State or external territory concerned.
(2) The advertisement must contain:
(a) the applicant’s name and address; and
(b) a map and description of the blocks applied for that are sufficient for the blocks to be identified; and
(c) the address of the Designated Authority; and
(d) a statement:
(i) that the applicant has applied for a mining licence over the blocks described in the notice; and
(ii) that invites comment from the public on the application; and
(iii) that requests that comments be sent to the applicant and the Designated Authority within 30 days after the day on which the advertisement is published.
(3) The advertisement must be published as soon as possible after the applicant applies for a mining licence.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the advertisement must be published within 14 days after the day on which the applicant lodges the application.
(5) If:
(a) the applicant applies to the Designated Authority within the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) for an extension of the period; and
(b) the Designated Authority extends the period;
the advertisement must be published within the period as extended by the Designated Authority.
203 How multiple applications are dealt with
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a block is covered by 2 or more applications for a mining or exploration licence, the Designated Authority must deal with the applications in the order in which they are made.
Note: See also section 58.
(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 Designated Authority must determine the order in which the applications are to be dealt with by drawing lots in the way prescribed by the regulations.
204 Request for further information
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant for further information relating to the application.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the applicant; and
(c) specify the time within which the information must be provided.
(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be provided:
(a) in writing; and
(b) within the time specified in the request.
205 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the application covers blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does what is required by sections 199 to 204, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 199 to 204, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
206 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Joint Authority may provisionally grant mining licence
If the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area refers the application to the Joint Authority under section 205, the Joint Authority may:
(a) provisionally grant a mining licence to the applicant; or
(b) subject to section 208, refuse the application.
Note: Under section 232, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 214 for proper acceptance).
207 External territory offshore area—how application for mining licence dealt with
(1) This section applies if the application covers blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 199 to 204, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) must refuse the application.
(3) If the applicant does what is required by sections 199 to 204, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) may:
(a) provisionally grant a mining licence to the applicant; or
(b) subject to section 208, refuse the application.
Note: Under section 232, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 214 for proper acceptance).
208 Refusal of application for mining licence made under section 198
(1) If the Joint Authority proposes to refuse an application for a mining licence made under section 198, the Designated Authority must notify the applicant of the proposed refusal.
(2) The notice must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the reason for the proposed refusal; and
(c) invite the applicant to make written submissions in relation to the proposed refusal; and
(d) specify the day by which submissions should be given to the Designated Authority; and
(e) specify an address where submissions are to be lodged.
(3) The day specified under paragraph (2)(d) must be not less than 30 days after the day on which the notice is given.
(4) The Joint Authority may refuse to grant an application for a mining licence made under section 198 only if:
(a) the applicant has been given a notice under subsection (1); and
(b) the Joint Authority has considered any submission made by the applicant; and
(c) the Joint Authority is satisfied that no special circumstances exist that justify the licence being granted.
209 Matters to be specified in the licence
(1) The licence must specify:
(a) the blocks covered by the licence; and
(b) the term of the licence; and
(c) the licence conditions.
(2) The term specified under paragraph (1)(b) is not to exceed 21 years.
210 Applicant must be notified
(1) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written notice of the Joint Authority’s decision under section 206 or 207.
(2) If the Joint Authority provisionally grants a mining licence:
(a) the Designated Authority must give the licence to the provisional holder; and
(b) the notice under subsection (1) must contain the following information:
(i) notification of any determination under section 399 that the provisional holder must lodge a security;
(ii) notification that the provisional grant will lapse unless the provisional holder, before the end of the primary payment period:
(A) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(B) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(C) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Mining Licence Fees Act.
211 Amendment of conditions
(1) If the provisional holder is dissatisfied with a licence condition, the provisional holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given the licence under section 210; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may amend the licence conditions.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the provisional holder written notice of the amendment.
212 Amendment of security requirements
(1) If the provisional holder:
(a) is notified of a security requirement; and
(b) is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;
the provisional holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the applicant is given notice under section 210; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may make a new determination under section 399.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the provisional holder written notice of the new determination.
213 Extension of primary payment period
(1) If the provisional holder makes a request under section 211 or 212, the provisional holder may ask the Designated Authority to extend the primary payment period.
(2) The request must be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 210.
(3) If the Designated Authority agrees to the request, the Designated Authority must:
(a) determine the period of the extension; and
(b) give the provisional holder a written notice informing the applicant of the period of the extension.
214 Acceptance of grant of mining licence for standard block
(1) The provisional grant of a mining licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if, before the end of the primary payment period, the provisional holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Mining Licence Fees Act.
(2) The provisional grant of a mining licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if the provisional holder:
(a) has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 213; and
(b) before the end of the secondary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Mining Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 232, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration).
215 Conditions applicable to licence on grant
If the provisional grant of the licence is properly accepted, it is subject to:
(a) the conditions specified in the licence given to the applicant under section 210; or
(b) if the Joint Authority amended those conditions under section 211—those conditions as amended.
216 Lapse of provisional grant of mining licence
If the provisional grant of the licence is not properly accepted under section 214, the provisional grant lapses.
Division 3—Application for and grant of mining licence over tender block
217 Matters to be determined before applications for mining licence over tender blocks invited
(1) If the Joint Authority proposes to invite applications for the grant of a mining licence over reserved blocks, the Joint Authority must, before inviting the applications, determine:
(a) the procedure and criteria that the Joint Authority will adopt to allocate the licence; and
(b) the amount of security that will be required for the licence under section 399; and
(c) the initial term of the licence; and
(d) the licence conditions.
(2) The term determined under paragraph (1)(c) is not to exceed 21 years.
218 Joint Authority may invite applications for mining licence over tender blocks
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Joint Authority may invite applications for the grant of a mining licence over reserved blocks.
(2) Applications may be invited for a licence covering a group of reserved blocks only if the group forms a discrete area.
(3) The Joint Authority is to invite applications by publishing a tender block licence notice for the licence in the Gazette.
Note 1: A mining licence may cover not more than 20 tender blocks (see section 219).
Note 2: A mining licence might be made available by a tender block notice if a mineral deposit in the area had already been identified and sufficient information was already available to justify the issue of a mining licence rather than an exploration licence.
219 Tender block licence notice—mining licence
(1) A tender block licence notice for a mining licence must:
(a) specify the blocks to be covered by the licence; and
(b) specify the period within which applications may be made; and
(c) specify the procedure and criteria that the Joint Authority will adopt to allocate the licence; and
(d) specify the amount of security that the successful applicant will be required to lodge; and
(e) specify the initial term of the licence; and
(f) include a statement to the effect that information about:
(i) the security that the successful applicant will be required to lodge; and
(ii) the licence conditions;
may be obtained from the Designated Authority.
(2) The tender block licence notice may specify not more than 20 blocks for the mining licence.
220 Application for mining licence over tender blocks
If a tender block licence notice has been published inviting applications for a mining licence, a person may apply for the licence.
221 How to apply
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) be made before the end of the period specified in the tender block licence notice; and
(d) include details of:
(i) the technical qualifications of the applicant and of the applicant’s employees who are likely to be involved in activities authorised by the licence; and
(ii) the technical advice available to the applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the applicant; and
(iv) if the licence is to be held by more than one person—the share of the licence that each prospective holder will hold; and
(e) specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) If the Joint Authority has specified in the tender block licence notice that it will select the successful applicant on the basis of development proposals submitted for the blocks to be covered by the licence, the application must include details of the applicant’s development proposals for the blocks.
(3) If the Joint Authority has specified in the tender block licence notice that it will select the successful applicant on the basis of the amounts of money offered for the licence, the application must state the amount offered by the applicant for the licence.
(4) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(5) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
222 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
223 Request for further information
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant for further information relating to the application.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the applicant; and
(c) specify the time within which the information must be provided.
(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be provided:
(a) in writing; and
(b) within the time specified in the request.
224 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the tender block notice relates to blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If an applicant does what is required by sections 221 to 223, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If an applicant does not do what is required by sections 221 to 223, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
225 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Joint Authority may provisionally grant tender block mining licence
(1) If the Designated Authority refers applications to the Joint Authority under section 224, the Joint Authority may provisionally grant a mining licence to one of the applicants.
Note: Under section 232, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 228 for proper acceptance).
(2) The Joint Authority may provisionally grant a licence under subsection (1) even if only one application is referred to the Joint Authority by the Designated Authority.
(3) When provisionally granting a licence under subsection (1), the Joint Authority must follow the procedure and apply the criteria specified in the tender block licence notice published for the licence under section 218.
226 External territory offshore area—how applications dealt with
(1) This section applies if the tender block licence notice relates to blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) The responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area):
(a) must refuse an application if the applicant does not do what is required by sections 221 to 223; and
(b) may provisionally grant a mining licence to an applicant whose application has not been refused under paragraph (a).
Note: Under section 232, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 228 for proper acceptance).
(3) The responsible Commonwealth Minister may provisionally grant a licence under subsection (2) even if there is only one application that is not refused under paragraph (2)(a).
(4) When provisionally granting a licence under subsection (2), the responsible Commonwealth Minister must follow the procedure and apply the criteria specified in the tender block licence notice published for the licence under section 218.
227 Successful applicant must be notified
(1) If the Joint Authority provisionally grants a mining licence under section 225, 226 or 231, the Designated Authority must give the provisional holder:
(a) the licence; and
(b) written notice that the provisional grant will lapse unless the provisional holder, before the end of the primary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Mining Licence Fees Act; and
(iv) if the tender is determined on the basis of the amounts of money offered for the licence—pays the Commonwealth the amount that the provisional holder offered for the licence under subsection 221(3).
(2) The licence must specify:
(a) the blocks covered by the licence; and
(b) the term of the licence; and
(c) the licence conditions.
Note: For the term of a licence see subsection 217(2).
228 Acceptance of grant of mining licence over tender blocks
The provisional grant of a mining licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if, within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 227, the provisional holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Mining Licence Fees Act; and
(d) if the tender is determined on the basis of the amounts of money offered for the licence—pays the Commonwealth the amount that the provisional holder offered for the licence under subsection 221(3).
Note: Under section 232, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration).
229 Conditions applicable to licence on grant
If the provisional grant of the licence is properly accepted, the licence is subject to the conditions determined under section 217.
230 Lapse of provisional grant of mining licence
If the provisional grant of the licence is not properly accepted under section 229, the provisional grant lapses.
231 Provisional grant to next applicant if grant lapses
(1) If the provisional grant of the licence lapses under section 230, the Joint Authority may provisionally grant the licence to another of the applicants for the licence.
(2) When provisionally granting a licence under subsection (1), the Joint Authority must follow the procedure and apply the criteria specified in the tender block licence notice published for the licence under section 218.
Division 4—Duration of mining licence
232 Initial term of mining licence
(1) A mining licence comes into force on:
(a) the day on which the grant of the licence is registered; or
(b) if a day later than the day on which the grant of the licence is registered is specified in the licence as its commencement day—that specified day.
(2) The initial term of a mining licence ends:
(a) if the licence is granted under Division 2—at the end of the period specified in the licence under subsection 209(1); or
(b) if the licence is granted under Division 3—at the end of the period specified under subsection 227(2).
Note 1: For the maximum initial term of renewal see subsections 209(2) and 217(2).
Note 2: The licence may be surrendered at any time (see section 264).
(3) The period runs from:
(a) the day on which the licence is provisionally granted; or
(b) if a day later than the day on which the licence is provisionally granted is specified in the licence as its commencement day—that specified day.
233 Term of renewal of licence
(1) A renewal of a mining licence comes into force on:
(a) the day on which the renewal is registered; or
(b) the day on which the previous term of the licence expires;
whichever is the later.
Note: See Division 6 for renewal.
(2) The term of a renewal of a licence ends at the end of the period specified in the notice under section 246.
Note 1: For the maximum term of renewal see subsection 246(3).
Note 2: The licence may be surrendered at any time (see section 264).
(3) The period runs from the day on which the previous term of the licence expires.
(4) Ignore section 234 in working out the period referred to in subsection (3).
234 Effect of application for renewal on term of mining licence
If:
(a) a mining licence holder applies to renew the licence under section 236; and
(b) the current term of the licence expires; and
(c) a renewal of the licence does not take effect immediately after the current term expires;
the licence remains in force after the current term expires until:
(d) a renewal of the licence takes effect; or
(e) a provisional renewal of the licence lapses; or
(f) the application for renewal is withdrawn or refused.
Division 5—Voluntary surrender of part of mining licence area
235 Voluntary surrender of blocks if discrete area remains
(1) A mining licence holder may surrender a block or some of the blocks covered by the licence if the remaining blocks in the licence area form a discrete area.
Note: See section 264 for the surrender of the whole licence.
(2) A surrender under subsection (1) must:
(a) be made in writing; and
(b) identify the blocks surrendered; and
(c) be given to the Designated Authority.
Note: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under section 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
Division 6—Application for and grant of renewal of mining licence
236 Application for renewal of mining licence
A mining licence holder may apply to the Joint Authority to renew the licence.
Note: At each renewal, the licence conditions are reviewed (see section 254).
237 When must an application to renew be made?
(1) Subject to this section, the application must be made at least 6 months before the day on which the licence is to expire.
(2) The Designated Authority may accept an application that is made later than 6 months before the day on which the licence is to expire if:
(a) the application is made before the day on which the licence expires; and
(b) the Designated Authority believes that there are reasonable grounds for accepting the application.
238 How to apply for renewal
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) include details of:
(i) the activities carried out by the applicant under the licence during its current term; and
(ii) the amount of money spent by the applicant in relation to the blocks covered by the licence during its current term; and
(iii) the activities that the applicant intends to carry out under the licence during the term applied for; and
(iv) the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend in relation to activities authorised by the licence during the term applied for.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(3) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
239 Request for further information
(1) The Designated Authority may ask the applicant to provide further information relating to the application.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the applicant; and
(c) specify the time within which the information must be provided.
(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be provided:
(a) in writing; and
(b) within the time specified in the request.
240 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
241 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer renewal application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the renewal application covers blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does what is required by sections 237 to 240, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 237 to 240, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
242 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—provisional renewal of mining licence
If the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area refers the renewal application to the Joint Authority under section 241, the Joint Authority may:
(a) provisionally renew the licence; or
(b) subject to section 245, refuse to renew the licence.
Note 1: Under section 233, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 250 for proper acceptance).
Note 2: Under section 254, new conditions may be imposed on renewal.
243 External territory offshore area—how application for renewal dealt with
(1) This section applies if the renewal application covers blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 237 to 240, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for the offshore area) must refuse to renew the licence.
(3) If the applicant does what is required by sections 237 to 240, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) may:
(a) provisionally renew the licence; or
(b) subject to section 245, refuse to renew the licence.
Note 1: Under section 233, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 250 for proper acceptance).
Note 2: Under section 254, new conditions may be imposed on renewal.
244 Matters to be taken into account in deciding whether to renew mining licence
In deciding whether to renew a mining licence, the Joint Authority may have regard to whether the applicant has complied with:
(a) this Act; and
(b) the regulations; and
(c) any licence conditions.
245 Refusal of application for renewal
(1) If the Joint Authority proposes to refuse to renew the licence, the Designated Authority must give the applicant notice of the proposed refusal.
(2) The notice must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the reason for the proposed refusal; and
(c) invite the holder to make written submissions in relation to the proposed refusal; and
(d) specify the day by which submissions should be given to the Designated Authority; and
(e) specify an address where submissions are to be lodged.
(3) The day specified under paragraph (2)(d) must be not less than 30 days after the day on which the notice is given.
(4) The Joint Authority may refuse to grant the application only if:
(a) the holder has been given a notice under subsection (1); and
(b) the Joint Authority has considered any submission made by the applicant; and
(c) the Joint Authority is satisfied that no special circumstances exist that justify the renewal being granted.
246 Applicant must be notified
(1) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written notice of the Joint Authority’s decision under section 242 or 243.
(2) If the Joint Authority provisionally renews the licence under section 242 or 243, the notice must contain the following information:
(a) notification of the term of the renewal;
(b) notification of the conditions of the renewed licence;
(c) notification of any determination under section 399 that the applicant must lodge a security or a further security;
(d) notification that the provisional renewal will lapse unless the applicant, before the end of the primary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid for the renewal under the Mining Licence Fees Act.
Note: Section 254 provides for renewals to be granted subject to conditions.
(3) The term specified under paragraph (2)(a) is not to be more than 21 years.
247 Amendment of conditions
(1) If the licence holder:
(a) has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 242 or 243; and
(b) is notified of the licence conditions; and
(c) is dissatisfied with a condition;
the holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 246; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may amend the licence conditions.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the holder written notice of the amendment.
248 Amendment of security requirements
(1) If the licence holder:
(a) has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 242 or 243; and
(b) is notified of a security requirement for the licence; and
(c) is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;
the holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 246; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Authority may make a new determination under section 399.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the holder written notice of the new determination.
249 Extension of primary payment period
(1) If the licence holder makes a request under section 247 or 248, the holder may ask the Designated Authority to extend the primary payment period.
(2) The request must be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 246.
(3) If the Designated Authority agrees to the request, the Designated Authority must:
(a) determine the period of the extension in writing; and
(b) give the holder a written notice informing the holder of the period of the extension.
250 Acceptance of renewal of mining licence
(1) The provisional renewal of a mining licence is properly accepted by the licence holder if, before the end of the primary payment period, the holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid under the Mining Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 233, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration).
(2) The provisional renewal of a mining licence is properly accepted by the licence holder if the holder:
(a) has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 249; and
(b) before the end of the secondary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid under the Mining Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 233, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration).
251 Conditions applicable to licence on renewal
If the provisional renewal is properly accepted, the renewed licence is subject to:
(a) the conditions specified in the notice given to the licence holder under section 246; or
(b) if the Joint Authority amended those conditions under section 247— those conditions as amended.
252 Lapse of provisional renewal of mining licence
If the provisional renewal of a mining licence is not properly accepted under section 250, the provisional renewal lapses.
Division 7—Obligations associated with mining licence
253 General
(1) The sources of obligations associated with a mining licence are:
(a) the licence conditions; and
(b) obligations arising from compliance directions given by the Designated Authority; and
(c) obligations imposed by this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraph (a) see sections 254 to 256. For paragraph (b) see section 387. For paragraph (c) see sections 259 to 262 and section 372.
(2) If a mining licence has 2 or more holders, all the holders are jointly and severally bound by the obligations that attach to the licence.
254 Conditions of mining licence
(1) The Joint Authority may grant or renew a mining licence subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(2) If the Joint Authority grants or renews a mining licence subject to conditions, the conditions must be specified in the licence.
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the Joint Authority may attach the following kinds of conditions to the grant or renewal of a mining licence:
(a) a condition requiring the licence holder to take out insurance as required by the Designated Authority;
(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, and to comply with directions concerning that work given under section 387;
(c) a condition requiring the holder to lodge a security with the Designated Authority;
(d) a condition requiring the holder to keep specified information;
(e) a condition requiring the holder to give to the Designated Authority, on request, specified information;
(f) 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;
(g) a condition requiring the holder to repair any damage to the environment caused by activities in the licence area;
(h) a condition requiring the holder to pay a specified penalty to the Commonwealth if the holder does not comply with a licence condition.
(4) A condition under paragraph (3)(c) 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 (3)(c), 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.
255 No conditions requiring payment of money
Except for a condition requiring the payment of a penalty or lodgment of security, a licence condition must not require the payment of money to:
(a) the Designated Authority; or
(b) the Joint Authority; or
(c) the Commonwealth.
256 Variation of conditions
(1) If:
(a) a mining licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to vary a licence condition; or
(b) part of the licence area of a mining licence is surrendered under section 235;
a Joint Authority may vary a licence condition.
(2) If a Designated Authority gives:
(a) a direction under section 387; or
(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations;
to a mining licence holder, the Joint Authority may vary a licence condition to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.
(3) The Joint Authority may vary a licence condition subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) If the Joint Authority varies a licence condition, the Designated Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that:
(a) informs the holder of the variation; and
(b) specifies the conditions which have been varied; and
(c) specifies any conditions to which the variation is subject.
257 Exemption from or suspension of conditions
(1) If:
(a) a mining licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to:
(i) suspend a licence condition; or
(ii) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition; or
(b) part of the licence area of a mining licence is surrendered under section 235;
the Joint Authority may:
(c) suspend a licence condition; or
(d) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition.
(2) If a Designated Authority gives:
(a) a direction under section 387; or
(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations;
to a mining licence holder, the Joint Authority may suspend a licence condition, or exempt the holder from compliance with a licence condition, to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.
(3) The Joint Authority may:
(a) suspend a licence condition; or
(b) exempt the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;
subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) If the Joint Authority:
(a) suspends a licence condition; or
(b) exempts the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;
the Designated Authority must give the holder a written notice that:
(c) informs the holder of the exemption or suspension; and
(d) specifies the conditions which have been suspended or affected by the exemption; and
(e) specifies any conditions to which the suspension or exemption is subject.
Note: A suspension or exemption of a condition does not take effect until registered (see section 337).
258 Automatic suspension of conditions if licence rights are suspended
If:
(a) the Joint Authority suspends particular rights conferred by a mining licence under section 195; and
(b) a licence condition is affected by the suspension;
the licence condition is suspended for the period of the suspension of the rights.
259 Work practices
If a person who is:
(a) a mining licence holder; or
(b) an associate of the holder;
carries out activities in the licence area that are authorised by the licence, the person must take all reasonable steps:
(c) to ensure that the activities are carried out at a standard that is accepted as reasonable and proper in the mining industry; and
(d) to protect the health, safety and welfare of people engaged in the activities in and about the licence area; and
(e) to maintain in good repair all structures and equipment in the licence area brought there by the person; and
(f) to remove from the licence area any structure, equipment or other property that:
(i) belongs to the person, or is under the person’s control; and
(ii) is not being used, or is not going to be used, in connection with the activities.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
260 Licence holder must comply with Royalty Act
A mining licence holder must comply with the Royalty Act.
261 Licence holder must keep specified records
A mining licence holder must:
(a) keep whatever records, cores and samples; and
(b) give whatever records, cores and samples to the Designated Authority for inspection; and
(c) make whatever returns;
are necessary to comply with:
(d) the regulations; or
(e) the licence conditions; or
(f) a direction given by the Designated Authority under section 387.
Note: Under section 387 the Designated Authority may direct a person to keep records and cores, to collect and retain samples, and to make returns.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
262 Licence holder must assist inspectors
A mining licence holder must provide an inspector with reasonable facilities and assistance so that the inspector is able to carry out compliance inspections.
Note: See sections 377 to 384 for compliance inspections.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Division 8—Expiry of mining licence
263 General
A mining licence expires if:
(a) the term of the licence expires without the licence being renewed; or
(b) the licence holder surrenders the licence; or
(c) the licence is cancelled.
Note: For paragraph (a) see Division 6. For paragraph (b) see section 264. For paragraph (c) see section 265.
264 Voluntary surrender of mining licence
A mining licence holder may surrender the licence.
Note 1: See Division 5 for voluntary surrender of part of a licence area.
Note 2: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under section 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
265 Cancellation of mining licence
(1) Subject to subsection (5), the Joint Authority may cancel a mining licence if the licence holder:
(a) breaches a licence condition; or
(b) contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations; or
(c) breaches a condition attached to an approval under subsection 365(2).
(2) If the Joint Authority proposes to cancel a licence under subsection (1), the Designated Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of the proposed cancellation.
(3) The notice must:
(a) specify the reason for the proposed cancellation; and
(b) invite the holder to make submissions in relation to the proposed cancellation; and
(c) specify the day by which submissions should be given to the Joint Authority; and
(d) specify an address where submissions are to be lodged.
(4) The day specified under paragraph (3)(c) must be not less than 60 days after the day on which the notice is given.
(5) The Joint Authority may cancel the licence only if:
(a) the holder has been given a notice under subsection (2); and
(b) the Joint Authority has considered:
(i) any submission made by the holder; and
(ii) any steps taken by the holder to remedy the circumstances that led to the proposal to cancel the licence and to prevent those circumstances from happening again; and
(c) the Joint Authority is satisfied that no special circumstances exist that justify the licence not being cancelled.
266 Obligations of former mining licence holders and former associates
(1) Subject to subsection (4), if:
(a) a person was:
(i) a mining licence holder; or
(ii) an associate of a mining licence holder; and
(b) the licence:
(i) expires; or
(ii) is cancelled; or
(iii) is surrendered; and
(c) an obligation associated with the licence arising out of:
(i) a licence condition; or
(ii) a direction given under section 387 by the Designated Authority in relation to the licence; or
(iii) this Act or the regulations;
has not been discharged; and
(d) the person was bound by that obligation when the person was the licence holder or an associate;
the person remains bound by the obligation until the obligation is discharged.
(2) Subsection (1) does not continue an obligation to carry out exploration or recovery activities.
(3) Subsection (1) continues an obligation that a person had to carry out exploration or recovery activities in a particular manner if the person carries them out.
(4) The Joint Authority may determine that the person is not subject to:
(a) a particular obligation under this section; or
(b) all the person’s remaining obligations under this section.
(5) A determination under subsection (4) is to be in writing.
Part 2.5—Works licences
Division 1—General
267 Works licences
(1) This Part provides for the grant of works licences over blocks in an offshore area.
Note: A works licence allows licence‑related activities to be carried out on blocks that are outside the licence area of the exploration, retention or mining licence concerned.
(2) A works licence can only authorise activities that:
(a) are directly connected with activities that are carried out, or are to be carried out, under an exploration, retention or mining licence; and
(b) are necessary or desirable for the exploration, retention or mining licence holder to:
(i) effectively exercise the licence rights; or
(ii) effectively perform the licence obligations.
(3) A works licence can be granted over a particular block even though the block is a reserved block or is in someone else’s licence area.
(4) More than one works licence can be granted over a particular block.
(5) A works licence may be granted so as to allow activities that are connected with 2 or more licences.
268 Activities authorised by a works licence
A works licence holder may carry out in the licence area the activities that are specified in the licence.
269 Joint Authority may cancel or not renew works licence without compensation
No compensation is payable because of the cancellation or non‑renewal of a works licence by the Joint Authority.
Note 1: The Joint Authority may cancel the licence under section 313.
Note 2: The Joint Authority may refuse under section 294 or 295 to renew the licence.
Division 2—Application for and grant of works licence
270 Application for works licence
A person may apply to the Joint Authority for a works licence over a block.
271 How to apply
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) include details of the activities that the applicant proposes to carry out; and
(d) be accompanied by a map that shows the proposed location of the activities; and
(e) specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(3) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
272 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
273 Applicant to notify licence holders affected by the application
(1) The applicant must notify interested licence holders of the application.
(2) The notification:
(a) must be given to the interested licence holder in writing; and
(b) must give details of the works licence applied for; and
(c) must invite the interested licence holder to give comments to the Designated Authority within 30 days after the day on which the notice is given.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a licence holder is interested if:
(a) a block covered by the application is inside the licence area; and
(b) the holder is not the applicant.
274 Application must be advertised
(1) The applicant must advertise the application in a newspaper circulating throughout the State or external territory concerned.
(2) The advertisement must contain:
(a) the applicant’s name and address; and
(b) a map and description of the blocks covered that are sufficient for the blocks to be identified; and
(c) details of the activities that the applicant proposes to carry out; and
(d) a map showing the proposed location of those activities; and
(e) the address of the Designated Authority; and
(f) a statement:
(i) that the applicant has applied for a works licence over the blocks described in the notice; and
(ii) that invites comment from the public on the application; and
(iii) that requests that comments be sent to the applicant and to the Designated Authority specified in the notice within 30 days of the day on which the advertisement is published.
(3) The advertisement must be published as soon as possible after the applicant applies for the works licence.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the advertisement must be published within 14 days after the day on which the applicant lodges the application.
(5) If:
(a) the applicant applies to the Designated Authority within the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) for an extension of the period; and
(b) the Designated Authority extends the period;
the advertisement must be published within the period as extended by the Designated Authority.
275 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the application covers blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does what is required by sections 271 to 274, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 271 to 274, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
276 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Joint Authority may provisionally grant works licence
If the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area refers the application to the Joint Authority under section 275, the Joint Authority may:
(a) provisionally grant a works licence to the applicant; or
(b) refuse the application.
Note: Under section 286, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 283 for proper acceptance).
277 External territory offshore area—how application for works licence dealt with
(1) This section applies if the application covers blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 271 to 274, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) must refuse the application.
(3) If the applicant does what is required by sections 271 to 274, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) may:
(a) provisionally grant a works licence to the applicant; or
(b) refuse the application.
Note: Under section 286, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration). The grant will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 283 for proper acceptance).
278 Matters to be specified in the licence
(1) The licence must specify:
(a) the blocks covered by the licence; and
(b) the activities authorised by the licence; and
(c) the area in which the activities are to be carried out; and
(d) the term of the licence; and
(e) the licence conditions.
(2) The term specified under paragraph (1)(d) is not to exceed 5 years.
279 Applicant must be notified
(1) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written notice of the Joint Authority’s decision under section 276 or 277.
(2) If the Joint Authority provisionally grants a works licence:
(a) the Designated Authority must give the licence to the provisional holder; and
(b) the notice under subsection (1) must contain the following information:
(i) notification of any determination under section 399 that the provisional holder must lodge a security;
(ii) notification that the provisional grant will lapse unless the provisional holder, before the end of the primary payment period:
(A) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(B) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(C) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Works Licence Fees Act.
280 Amendment of conditions
(1) If the provisional holder is dissatisfied with a licence condition, the provisional holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given the licence under section 279; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority receives a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may amend the licence conditions.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the provisional holder written notice of the amendment.
281 Amendment of security requirements
(1) If the provisional holder:
(a) is notified of a security requirement; and
(b) is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;
the provisional holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the applicant is given notice under section 279; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority receives a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may make a new determination under section 399.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the provisional holder written notice of the new determination.
282 Extension of primary payment period
(1) If the provisional holder makes a request under section 280 or 281, the provisional holder may ask the Designated Authority to extend the primary payment period.
(2) The request must be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 279.
(3) If the Designated Authority agrees to the request, the Designated Authority must:
(a) determine the period of the extension; and
(b) give the provisional holder a written notice informing the holder of the period of the extension.
283 Acceptance of grant of works licence
(1) The provisional grant of a works licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if, before the end of the primary payment period, the provisional holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Works Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 286, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration).
(2) The provisional grant of a works licence is properly accepted by the provisional holder if the provisional holder:
(a) has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 282; and
(b) before the end of the secondary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Works Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 286, the grant of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 333 for registration).
284 Conditions applicable to works licence on grant
If the provisional grant of the licence is properly accepted, it is subject to:
(a) the conditions specified in the licence given to the applicant under section 279; or
(b) if the Joint Authority amended those conditions under section 280 —those conditions as amended.
285 Lapse of provisional grant of works licence
If the provisional grant of the licence is not properly accepted under section 283, the provisional grant lapses.
Division 3—Duration of works licence
286 Initial term of works licence
(1) A works licence comes into force on:
(a) the day on which the grant of the licence is registered; or
(b) if a day later than the day on which the grant of the licence is registered is specified in the licence as its commencement day—that specified day.
(2) The initial term of a works licence expires at the end of the period specified in the licence under subsection 278(1).
Note 1: For the maximum initial term see subsection 278(2).
Note 2: The licence may be surrendered at any time (see section 312).
(3) The period is to run from:
(a) the day on which the licence is provisionally granted; or
(b) if a day later than the day on which the licence is provisionally granted is specified in the licence as the licence’s commencement day—that specified day.
287 Term of renewal of works licence
(1) A renewal of a works licence comes into force on:
(a) the day on which the renewal is registered; or
(b) the day on which the previous term of the licence expires;
whichever is the later.
Note: See Division 4 for renewal.
(2) The term of a renewal of a licence expires at the end of the period specified in the notice under section 296.
Note 1: For the maximum term of renewal see subsection 296(3).
Note 2: The licence may be surrendered at any time (see section 312).
(3) The period runs from the day on which the previous term of the licence expires.
288 Effect of application for renewal on term of works licence
If:
(a) a works licence holder applies to renew the licence under section 289; and
(b) the current term of the licence expires; and
(c) a renewal of the licence does not take effect immediately after the current term expires;
the licence remains in force after the current term expires until:
(d) a renewal of the licence takes effect; or
(e) a provisional renewal of the licence lapses; or
(f) the application for renewal is withdrawn or refused;
whichever happens first.
Division 4—Application for and grant of renewal of works licence
289 Application for renewal of works licence
A works licence holder may apply to the Joint Authority to renew the licence.
Note: At each renewal, the works licence conditions are reviewed (see section 304).
290 When must an application to renew be made?
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the application must be made at least 30 days before the day on which the licence is to expire.
(2) The Designated Authority may accept an application that is made later than 30 days before the day on which the works licence is to expire if:
(a) the application is made before the day on which the licence expires; and
(b) the Designated Authority believes that there are reasonable grounds for accepting the application.
291 How to apply for renewal
(1) The application must:
(a) be made in accordance with the approved form; and
(b) be made in the approved manner; and
(c) include details of:
(i) the activities carried out by the applicant under the licence during its current term; and
(ii) the amount of money spent by the applicant in relation to the blocks covered by the licence during its current term; and
(iii) the activities that the applicant intends to carry out under the licence during the term applied for; and
(iv) the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend in relation to the activities authorised by the licence during the term applied for.
Note: For paragraphs (a) and (b) see section 41.
(2) The applicant may include in the application any other information that the applicant thinks is relevant.
(3) The application must be lodged with the Designated Authority.
292 Payment of fee
(1) The applicant must pay the application fee prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The fee must be paid when the application is made.
(3) The Joint Authority may refund any fee paid under subsection (1) but only if it is satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the refund of the fee.
293 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—Designated Authority must refer renewal application to Joint Authority if certain requirements met
(1) This section applies if the renewal application covers blocks in a Commonwealth‑State offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does what is required by sections 290 to 292, the Designated Authority must refer the application to the Joint Authority.
(3) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 290 to 292, the Designated Authority:
(a) must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and
(b) must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.
(4) The application lapses if a notice is given under subsection (3).
294 Commonwealth‑State offshore area—provisional renewal of works licence
If the Designated Authority for a Commonwealth‑State offshore area refers the application to the Joint Authority under section 293, the Joint Authority may:
(a) provisionally renew the licence; or
(b) refuse to renew the licence.
Note 1: Under section 287, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 300 for proper acceptance).
Note 2: Under section 304, new conditions may be imposed on renewal.
295 External territory offshore area—how application for renewal dealt with
(1) This section applies if the renewal application covers blocks in an external territory offshore area.
(2) If the applicant does not do what is required by sections 290 to 292, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for the offshore area) must refuse to renew the licence.
(3) If the applicant does what is required by sections 290 to 292, the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) may:
(a) provisionally renew the licence; or
(b) refuse to renew the licence.
Note 1: Under section 287, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration). The renewal will not be registered until it has been properly accepted (see section 300 for proper acceptance).
Note 2: Under section 304, new conditions may be imposed on renewal.
296 Applicant must be notified
(1) The Designated Authority must give the applicant written notice of the Joint Authority’s decision under section 294 or 295.
(2) If the Joint Authority provisionally renews the works licence under section 294 or 295, the notice must contain the following information:
(a) notification of the term of the renewal;
(b) notification of the conditions of the renewed licence;
(c) notification that the provisional renewal will lapse unless the applicant, before the end of the primary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid under the Works Licence Fees Act.
Note: Paragraph (b): section 304 provides for renewals to be granted subject to conditions.
(3) The term specified under paragraph (2)(a) is not to be more than 5 years.
297 Amendment of conditions
(1) If the licence holder:
(a) has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 294 or 295; and
(b) is notified of the licence conditions; and
(c) is dissatisfied with a licence condition;
the holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 296; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Joint Authority may amend the licence conditions.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the holder written notice of the amendment.
298 Amendment of security requirements
(1) If the licence holder:
(a) has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 294 or 295; and
(b) is notified of a security requirement; and
(c) is dissatisfied with the amount of security required;
the holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 296; and
(b) be lodged with the Designated Authority.
(3) If the Joint Authority is given a request under subsection (1), the Authority may make a new determination under section 399.
(4) The Designated Authority must give the holder written notice of the new determination.
299 Extension of primary payment period
(1) If the licence holder makes a request under section 297 or 298, the holder may ask the Designated Authority to extend the primary payment period.
(2) The request must be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 296.
(3) If the Designated Authority agrees to the request, the Designated Authority must:
(a) determine the period of the extension in writing; and
(b) give the holder written notice informing the holder of the period of the extension.
300 Acceptance of renewal of works licence
(1) The provisional renewal of a works licence is properly accepted by the holder if, before the end of the primary payment period, the holder:
(a) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(b) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(c) pays the fees that must be paid under the Works Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 287, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration).
(2) The provisional renewal of a works licence is properly accepted by the holder if the holder:
(a) has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 299; and
(b) before the end of the secondary payment period:
(i) gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and
(ii) lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and
(iii) pays the fees that must be paid under the Works Licence Fees Act.
Note: Under section 287, the renewal of the licence cannot be effective before it is registered (see section 334 for registration).
301 Conditions applicable to works licence on renewal
If the provisional renewal is properly accepted, the licence is subject to:
(a) the conditions specified in the notice given to the licence holder under section 296; or
(b) if the Joint Authority amended those conditions under section 297—those conditions as amended.
302 Lapse of provisional renewal of works licence
If the provisional renewal of the licence is not properly accepted under section 300, the provisional renewal lapses.
Division 5—Obligations associated with works licence
303 General
(1) The sources of obligations associated with a works licence are:
(a) the licence conditions; and
(b) obligations arising from compliance directions given by the Designated Authority; and
(c) obligations imposed by this Act and the regulations.
Note: For paragraph (a) see sections 304 and 305. For paragraph (b) see section 387. For paragraph (c) see sections 308 to 310 and section 372.
(2) If a works licence has 2 or more holders, all the holders are jointly and severally bound by the obligations that attach to the licence.
304 Conditions of works licence
(1) The Joint Authority may grant or renew a works licence subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks are appropriate.
(2) If the Joint Authority grants or renews a works licence subject to conditions, the conditions must be specified in the licence.
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the Joint Authority may attach the following kinds of conditions to the grant or renewal of a works licence:
(a) a condition requiring the licence holder to take out insurance as required by the Designated Authority;
(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, and to comply with directions concerning that work given under section 387;
(c) a condition requiring the holder to lodge a security with the Joint Authority;
(d) a condition requiring the holder to keep specified information;
(e) a condition requiring the holder to give the Joint Authority, on request, specified information;
(f) 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 of activities carried out in the licence area;
(g) a condition requiring the holder to repair any damage to the environment caused by activities in the licence area;
(h) a condition requiring the holder to pay a specified penalty to the Commonwealth if the holder does not comply with a licence condition.
(4) A condition under paragraph (3)(c) 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 (3)(c), 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.
305 No conditions requiring payment of money
Except for a condition requiring the payment of a penalty or lodgment of a security, a licence condition must not require the payment of money to:
(a) the Designated Authority; or
(b) the Joint Authority; or
(c) the Commonwealth.
306 Variation of conditions
(1) If a works licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to vary a licence condition, the Joint Authority may vary the condition.
(2) If a Designated Authority gives:
(a) a direction under section 387; or
(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations;
to a works licence holder, the Joint Authority may vary a licence condition to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.
(3) The Joint Authority may vary a licence condition subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) If the Joint Authority varies a licence condition, the Designated Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that:
(a) informs the holder of the variation; and
(b) specifies the conditions which have been varied; and
(c) specifies any conditions to which the variation is subject.
307 Exemption from or suspension of conditions
(1) If a works licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to:
(a) suspend a licence condition; or
(b) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition;
the Joint Authority may:
(c) suspend a licence condition; or
(d) exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition.
(2) If a Designated Authority gives:
(a) a direction under section 387; or
(b) an approval, consent or exemption under the regulations;
to a works licence holder, the Joint Authority may suspend a licence condition, or exempt the holder from compliance with a licence condition, to the extent necessary to avoid inconsistency between the licence conditions and the direction, approval, consent or exemption.
(3) The Joint Authority may:
(a) suspend a licence condition; or
(b) exempt the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;
subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.
(4) If the Joint Authority:
(a) suspends a licence condition; or
(b) exempts the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;
the Designated Authority must give the holder a written notice that:
(c) informs the holder of the exemption or suspension; and
(d) specifies the conditions which have been suspended or affected by the exemption; and
(e) specifies any conditions to which the suspension or exemption is subject.
Note: A suspension or exemption of a condition does not take effect until registered (see section 337).
308 Work practices
If a person who is:
(a) a works licence holder; or
(b) an associate of the holder;
carries out activities in the licence area that are authorised by the licence, the holder or associate must take all reasonable steps:
(c) to ensure that the activities are carried out at a standard that is accepted as reasonable and proper in the mining industry; and
(d) to protect the health, safety and welfare of people engaged in the activities in and about the licence area; and
(e) to maintain in good repair all structures, equipment and other property in the licence area brought there by the person; and
(f) to remove from the licence area any structure, equipment or other property that:
(i) belongs to the person, or is under the person’s control; and
(ii) is not being used, or is not going to be used, in connection with the activities.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
309 Licence holder must keep specified records etc.
A works licence holder must:
(a) keep whatever records; and
(b) give whatever records to the Designated Authority for inspection; and
(c) make whatever returns;
are necessary to comply with:
(d) the regulations; or
(e) the licence conditions; or
(f) a direction given by the Designated Authority under section 387.
Note: Under section 387 the Designated Authority may direct a person to keep records and to make returns.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
310 Licence holder must assist inspectors
A works licence holder must provide an inspector with reasonable facilities and assistance so that the inspector is able to carry out compliance inspections.
Note: See sections 377 to 384 for compliance inspections.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Division 6—Expiry of works licence
311 General
A works licence expires if:
(a) the term of the licence expires without the licence being renewed; or
(b) the licence holder surrenders the licence; or
(c) the licence is cancelled.
Note: For paragraph (a) see Division 4. For paragraph (b) see section 312. For paragraph (c) see section 313.
312 Voluntary surrender of works licence
The holder of a works licence may surrender the licence.
Note: The surrender takes effect when it is registered under section 337 (see subsection 337(5)).
313 Cancellation of works licence
(1) Subject to subsection (5), the Joint Authority may cancel a works licence if the licence holder:
(a) breaches a licence condition; or
(b) contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations; or
(c) breaches a condition attached to an approval under subsection 365(2).
(2) If the Joint Authority proposes to cancel a works licence under subsection (1), the Designated Authority must give the licence holder a written notice that informs the holder of the proposed cancellation.
(3) The notice must:
(a) specify the reason for the proposed cancellation; and
(b) invite the holder to make submissions in relation to the proposed cancellation; and
(c) specify the day by which submissions should be given to the Joint Authority; and
(d) specify an address where submissions are to be lodged.
(4) The day specified under paragraph (3)(c) must be not less than 60 days after the day on which the notice is given.
(5) The Joint Authority may cancel a works licence only if:
(a) the holder has been given a notice under subsection (2); and
(b) the Joint Authority has considered:
(i) any submission made by the holder; and
(ii) any steps taken by the holder to remedy the circumstances that led to the proposal to cancel the licence and to prevent those circumstances from happening again; and
(c) the Joint Authority is satisfied that no special circumstances exist that justify the licence not being cancelled.
314 Obligations of former works licence holders and former associates
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if:
(a) a person was:
(i) a works licence holder; or
(ii) an associate of a works licence holder; and
(b) the licence:
(i) expires; or
(ii) is cancelled; or
(iii) is surrendered; and
(c) an obligation associated with the licence arising out of:
(i) a licence condition; or
(ii) a direction given under section 387 by the Designated Authority in relation to the licence; or
(iii) this Act or the regulations;
has not been discharged; and
(d) the person was bound by that obligation when the person was the works licence holder or an associate;
the person remains bound by the obligation until the obligation is discharged.
(2) The Joint Authority may determine that the person is not subject to:
(a) a particular obligation under this section; or
(b) all the person’s remaining obligations under this section.
(3) A determination under subsection (2) is to be in writing.
Part 2.6—Special purpose consents
315 Special purpose consents
(1) This Part provides for the grant of special purpose consents.
(2) A special purpose consent may be granted over:
(a) a standard block; or
(b) a reserved block; or
(c) a tender block.
(3) A special purpose consent may be granted over a block even if the block is in the licence area of a licence or the consent area of another special purpose consent.
(4) A special purpose consent can only be granted for:
(a) a scientific investigation; or
(b) a reconnaissance survey; or
(c) the collection of only small amounts of minerals.
(5) The exploration of an area is a reconnaissance survey if the exploration is carried out to work out whether the area explored is sufficiently promising to justify more detailed exploration under an exploration licence.
316 Activities authorised by a special purpose consent
(1) A special purpose consent holder may:
(a) explore for minerals; and
(b) take samples of or recover minerals;
in the consent area for the purposes specified in the consent.
Note 1: Under subsection 23(1) the concept of exploration extends to activities that are directly related to exploration.
Note 2: Under subsection 24(1) the concept of recovery extends to activities that are directly related to the recovery of minerals.
(2) The grant of a consent does not give the consent holder:
(a)
