a person is a registered holder of a licence; and

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.

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

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.

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

the licence has 2 or more holders and:

some, but not all, of the holders transfer the whole of their shares in the licence to another person; or

some or all of the holders transfer a part of their shares in the licence to another person.

a mining licence takes effect immediately after an exploration licence expires; and

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.

a retention licence takes effect immediately after an exploration licence expires; and

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.

a mining licence takes effect immediately after a retention licence expires; and

the retention licence took effect immediately after an exploration licence expired; and

the holder of the mining licence immediately after it takes effect was the holder of the retention licence immediately before it expired; and

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.

if the diagram occurs in a section containing subsections—the subsection immediately preceding the diagram; or

if the diagram occurs in a section without subsections—the section.

if the Note immediately follows a section without subsections—the section; or

if the Note immediately follows a subsection—the subsection; or

if the Note immediately follows a definition and is aligned with the text of the definition—the definition.

the position is to be worked out by reference to a spheroid that:

has a major (equatorial) radius of 6,378,160 metres; and

has a flattening of 100/29825; and

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:

133°12’30.0771” East Longitude; and

25°56’54.5515” South Latitude.

the Agreement between Australia and Indonesia that was signed at Canberra on 18 May 1971 and established certain seabed boundaries; and

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

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

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

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

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

the Treaty between Australia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Establishing their Maritime Boundaries in the Timor Sea done at New York on 6 March 2018;

and includes those agreements as varied from time to time.

subordinate instrument means:

the regulations; and

instruments made under this Act and the regulations.

must also be exercised in writing; and

is subject to the same procedural requirements as the original power; and

is subject to the same conditions as those that governed the exercise of the original power.

the Bayu-Undan pipeline international offshore area;

the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area.

the territorial sea baseline; and

the 3 nautical mile limit (the outer limit of the State’s coastal waters); and

the 12 nautical mile limit (the outer limit of the territorial sea); and

the outer limits of the Continental Shelf.

a licence has been granted on the basis that an area is within an offshore area; and

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

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.

a State offshore mining licence has been granted on the basis that an area is within the State’s coastal waters; and

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

as a result of the change to, or reassessment of the location of, the baseline, the area:

ceases to be within the State’s coastal waters; and

falls within an offshore area;

this Act does not apply to the area.

explore for or recover minerals (other than petroleum) in the seabed or subsoil under the State’s coastal waters; or

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.

the first 3 nautical miles of the Australian territorial sea from the baseline; and

any waters that are inside the baseline and not within the limits of the State.

assume that there is laid over the offshore area a grid constituted by:

lines running along meridians drawn through each degree of longitude and the minutes between those degrees; and

lines running along parallels drawn through each degree of latitude and the minutes between those degrees;

take a bounded space defined by the grid;

the seabed and subsoil within the offshore area that is under that space is a block in the offshore area.

a licence over that block is in force; or

an application for a licence over that block has been made and has not been determined.

associated contractors of the holder;

associated agents of the holder;

associated agents of associated contractors;

associated employees of the holder;

associated employees of associated contractors.

the person enters an agreement with the holder for carrying out activities under the licence; or

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.

a licence holder has given it to the Designated Authority; and

it is in a record, return, report or document; and

it relates to activities authorised by the licence; and

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.

a person is required to give the Designated Authority a report in relation to particular blocks; and

the person gives the Designated Authority a report that relates not only to those blocks but also to other blocks; and

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.

explore for minerals in the licence area; and

take samples of minerals in the licence area.

suspends rights conferred by an exploration licence; or

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.

the holder has been given notice of the suspension under subsection (5); and

the suspension has been registered under section 337.

the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 48; and

the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and

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.

the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 48; and

the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and

the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on an amount of compensation for the acquisition; and

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.

the block is vacant; and

the block is not excluded.

the group forms a discrete area; and

there are not more than 500 blocks in the group.

an exploration licence over the block has been surrendered or cancelled; and

a period of 30 days after the day on which the licence was surrendered or cancelled has not ended.

the applicant previously applied for an exploration licence over the block; and

the application was refused; and

a period of 6 months after the day on which the previous application was refused has not ended.

the applicant was previously the holder of an exploration, retention or mining licence over the block; and

the previous licence was surrendered or cancelled; and

a period of 6 months after the day on which the previous licence was surrendered or cancelled has not ended.

the applicant was previously the holder of an exploration, retention or mining licence over the block; and

the holder was:

required by the licence conditions; or

given a compliance direction;

to provide the Designated Authority with information; and

the holder provided the information; and

the holder surrendered the licence; and

a period of 6 months from the day on which the holder provided the information has not ended.

(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

an exploration licence is then granted to the first applicant; and

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.

be made in accordance with the approved form; and

be made in the approved manner; and

specify the blocks for which the application is made; and

include details of:

the activities that the applicant intends to carry out on the block or blocks covered by the application; and

the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend on those activities; and

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

the technical advice available to the applicant; and

the financial resources available to the applicant; and

if the licence is to be held by more than one person—the share of the licence that each prospective holder will hold; and

be accompanied by maps that:

relate to the blocks; and

comply with guidelines issued by the Designated Authority under subsection 41(2); and

specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.

the applicant’s name and address; and

a map and description of the blocks applied for that are sufficient for the blocks to be identified; and

the address of the Designated Authority; and

a statement:

that the applicant has applied for an exploration licence over the blocks described in the notice; and

that invites comment from the public on the application; and

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.

the applicant applies to the Designated Authority within the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) for an extension of the period; and

the Designated Authority extends the period;

the advertisement must be published within the period as extended by the Designated Authority.

the applications are lodged within a particular time of each other; and

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.

made in writing; and

given to the applicant.

the Joint Authority may make a written determination specifying the blocks to be covered by the application; and

the applicant is taken to have applied for an exploration licence over the blocks specified in the determination.

the application has been revised under section 59; and

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.

the applicant’s name and address; and

a map and description of the blocks covered by the revised application that are sufficient for the blocks to be identified; and

the address of the Designated Authority; and

a statement:

that the applicant has applied for an exploration licence over the blocks described in the notice; and

that invites comment from the public on the application; and

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.

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

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).

the applicant applies to the Designated Authority within the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) for an extension of the period; and

the Designated Authority extends the period;

the advertisement must be published within the period as extended by the Designated Authority.

be in writing; and

be given to the applicant; and

specify the time within which the information must be provided.

in writing; and

within the time specified in the request.

must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and

must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.

provisionally grant an exploration licence to the applicant; or

refuse the application.

the Designated Authority must give the licence to the provisional holder; and

the notice under subsection (1) must contain the following information:

notification of any determination under section 399 that the provisional holder must lodge a security;

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.

be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given the licence under section 66; and

be lodged with the Designated Authority.

is notified of a security requirement; and

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.

be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 66; and

be lodged with the Designated Authority.

determine the period of the extension; and

give the provisional holder a written notice informing the applicant of the period of the extension.

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.

has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 69; and

before the end of the secondary payment period:

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.

specify the blocks to be covered by the licence; and

specify the period within which applications may be made; and

specify the procedure and criteria that the Joint Authority will adopt to allocate the licence; and

specify the amount of security that the successful applicant will be required to lodge; and

include a statement to the effect that information about:

the security that the successful applicant will be required to lodge; and

the licence conditions;

may be obtained from the Designated Authority.

be made in accordance with the approved form; and

be made in the approved manner; and

be made before the end of the period specified in the tender block licence notice; and

include details of:

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

the technical advice available to the applicant; and

the financial resources available to the applicant; and

if the licence is to be held by more than one person—the share of the licence that each prospective holder will hold; and

specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.

be in writing; and

be given to the applicant; and

specify the time within which the information must be provided.

in writing; and

within the time specified in the request.

must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and

must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.

must refuse an application if the applicant does not do what is required by sections 77 to 79; and

may provisionally grant an exploration licence to an applicant whose application has not been refused under paragraph (a).

the licence; and

written notice that the provisional grant will lapse unless the provisional holder, before the end of the primary payment period:

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Exploration Licence Fees Act; and

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).

the blocks covered by the licence; and

the term of the licence; and

the licence conditions.

the day on which the grant of the licence is registered; or

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.

the day on which the licence is provisionally granted; or

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.

the day on which the renewal is registered; or

the day on which the previous term of the licence expires;

whichever is the later.

must not be for a period that is longer than the period for which the licence rights were suspended; and

must be in writing.

that the licence has been extended; and

of the period of the extension.

an exploration licence authorises the licence holder to carry out an activity; and

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.

within 30 days after the day on which the holder first became aware of the circumstances; and

before the licence expires.

must grant an extension of the licence if the Joint Authority is satisfied that:

the holder is unable to carry out the activities authorised by the licence; and

the holder is unable to do so because of circumstances beyond the holder’s control; and

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

must refuse the application for extension if the Joint Authority is not satisfied of the matters referred to in paragraph (a).

suspends a licence condition; or

exempts the holder from complying with a licence condition.

must be made not later than 30 days before the licence expires; and

must be lodged with the Designated Authority.

may grant an extension of the licence; or

may refuse to grant an extension of the licence.

the grant of extension; and

the period of the extension; and

if the extension is subject to conditions—the conditions.

the refusal; and

the reasons for the refusal.

be made in writing; and

identify the blocks surrendered; and

be given to the Designated Authority.

an exploration licence holder wants to surrender some of the blocks covered by the licence; and

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.

must be in writing; and

must include a surrender proposal that identifies the blocks in the licence area that the holder proposes to surrender; and

may include any other information that the holder thinks is relevant; and

must be lodged with the Designated Authority.

the application is made before the day on which the licence expires; and

the Designated Authority believes that there are reasonable grounds for accepting the application.

be made in accordance with the approved form; and

be made in the approved manner; and

include details of:

the activities carried out by the applicant under the licence during its current term; and

the amount of money spent by the applicant in relation to the blocks covered by the licence during its current term; and

the activities that the applicant intends to carry out under the licence during the term applied for; and

the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend on those activities during the term applied for; and

specify the blocks that the applicant nominates for surrender in accordance with section 104.

50% of the number of blocks in the licence area; or

if 50% of that number is a whole number and a fraction—the next higher whole number.

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

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.

be in writing; and

be given to the applicant; and

specify the time within which the information must be provided.

in writing; and

within the time specified in the request.

must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and

must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.

the Designated Authority refers the renewal application to the Joint Authority under section 107; and

the applicant has complied with:

this Act; and

the regulations; and

the licence conditions.

provisionally renew the licence; or

refuse to renew the licence.

the applicant does what is required by sections 101 to 106; and

the applicant has complied with:

this Act; and

the regulations; and

the licence conditions;

the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as the Joint Authority for that offshore area) must provisionally renew the exploration licence.

subsection (2) does not require the responsible Commonwealth Minister to refuse to renew the licence; and

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:

provisionally renew the licence; or

refuse to renew the licence.

notification of the conditions of the renewed licence;

notification of any determination under section 399 that the applicant must lodge a security or a further security;

notification that the provisional renewal will lapse unless the applicant, before the end of the primary payment period:

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.

has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 108 or 109; and

is notified of the licence conditions; and

is dissatisfied with a condition;

the holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.

be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 110; and

be lodged with the Designated Authority.

has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 108 or 109; and

is notified of a security requirement; and

is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;

the holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.

be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 110; and

be lodged with the Designated Authority.

determine the period of the extension in writing; and

give the holder a written notice informing the holder of the period of the extension.

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.

has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 113; and

before the end of the secondary payment period:

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid under the Exploration Licence Fees Act.

the licence conditions; and

obligations arising from compliance directions given by the Designated Authority; and

obligations imposed by this Act and the regulations.

a condition requiring the licence holder to take out insurance as required by the Designated Authority;

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;

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;

a condition requiring the holder to lodge a security with the Designated Authority;

a condition requiring the holder to keep specified information;

a condition requiring the holder to give the Designated Authority, on request, specified information;

a condition requiring the holder to take steps to protect the environment of the licence area, including conditions relating to:

protecting wildlife; or

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;

a condition requiring the holder to repair any damage to the environment caused by activities in the licence area;

a condition requiring the holder to pay a specified penalty to the Commonwealth if the holder does not comply with a licence condition.

the amount of the security required; and

the kind of security required; and

the manner and form in which the security is to be lodged.

the kind of person who is to give the guarantee; and

the terms of the guarantee.

an exploration licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to vary a licence condition; or

an exploration licence continues in force because of section 93; or

an extension of an exploration licence is granted under section 95; or

part of the licence area of an exploration licence is surrendered under section 99 or 100;

the Joint Authority may vary a licence condition.

a direction under section 387; or

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.

informs the holder of the variation; and

specifies the conditions which have been varied; and

specifies any conditions to which the variation is subject.

an exploration licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to:

suspend a licence condition; or

exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition; or

an exploration licence continues in force because of section 93; or

an extension of an exploration licence is granted under section 95; or

part of the licence area of an exploration licence is surrendered under section 99 or 100;

the Joint Authority may:

suspend a licence condition; or

exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition.

a direction under section 387; or

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.

suspend a licence condition; or

exempt the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;

subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.

suspends a licence condition; or

exempts the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;

the Designated Authority must give the holder a written notice that:

informs the holder of the exemption or suspension; and

specifies the conditions which have been suspended or affected by the exemption; and

specifies any conditions to which the suspension or exemption is subject.

breaches a licence condition; or

contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations; or

breaches a condition attached to an approval under subsection 365(2); or

fails to pay user charge that is payable for the licence under the Exploration Licence User Charge Act.

specify the reason for the proposed cancellation; and

invite the holder to make submissions in relation to the proposed cancellation; and

specify the day by which submissions should be given to the Joint Authority; and

specify an address where submissions are to be lodged.

the holder has been given a notice under subsection (2); and

the Joint Authority has considered:

any submission made by the holder; and

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

the Joint Authority is satisfied that no special circumstances exist that justify the licence not being cancelled.

a person was:

an exploration licence holder; or

an associate of an exploration licence holder; and

the licence:

expires; or

is cancelled; or

is surrendered; and

an obligation associated with the licence arising out of:

a licence condition; or

a direction given under section 387; or

this Act or the regulations;

has not been discharged; and

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.

a particular obligation under this section; or

all the person’s remaining obligations under this section.

explore for minerals in the licence area; and

recover minerals in the licence area.

suspends rights conferred by a retention licence; or

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.

the holder has been given notice of the suspension under subsection (5); and

the suspension has been registered under section 337.

the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 135; and

the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and

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.

the Joint Authority suspends licence rights under section 135; and

the suspension results in the acquisition of property from a person; and

the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on an amount of compensation for the acquisition; and

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.

the group forms a discrete area; and

there are not more than 20 blocks in the group.

be made in accordance with the approved form; and

be made in the approved manner; and

specify the blocks for which the application is made; and

include details of:

the reasons why the applicant is applying for a retention licence rather than a mining licence; and

the mineral deposit that the applicant has identified and evaluated and that the applicant believes is commercially viable in the longer term; and

the applicant’s assessment of the present and potential commercial viability of the mineral deposit; and

the overall work program that the applicant has already carried out under the exploration licence on the blocks covered by the application; and

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

the activities that the applicant intends to carry out on the blocks covered by the application; and

the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend on and in connection with those activities; and

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

the technical advice available to the applicant; and

the financial resources available to the applicant; and

be accompanied by maps that:

relate to the blocks; and

comply with guidelines issued by the Designated Authority under subsection 41(2); and

specify an address for service of notices under this Act and the regulations.

a full description of the mineral deposit; and

both factual information about the deposit and the applicant’s interpretation of the factual information.

the applicant’s name and address; and

a map and description of the blocks applied for that are sufficient for the blocks to be identified; and

the address of the Designated Authority; and

a statement:

that the applicant has applied for a retention licence for the blocks described in the notice; and

that invites comment from the public on the application; and

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.

the applicant applies to the Designated Authority within the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) for an extension of the period; and

the Designated Authority extends the period;

the advertisement must be published within the period as extended by the Designated Authority.

be in writing; and

be given to the applicant; and

specify the time within which the information must be provided.

in writing; and

within the time specified in the request.

must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and

must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.

subject to section 145, provisionally grant a retention licence to the applicant; or

refuse the application.

the exploration licence holder has identified and evaluated a significant mineral deposit in the exploration licence area; and

there are reasonable grounds for the holder not applying immediately for a mining licence.

the need to obtain government approvals (for example, relating to environmental protection) before mining activities can commence;

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;

the need to develop technologies before mining activities can commence;

the need to arrange finance, or to secure additional capital reserves, before mining activities can commence;

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;

the existence of political considerations that effectively preclude mining activities in the immediate future.

the blocks covered by the licence; and

the term of the licence; and

the licence conditions.

the Designated Authority must give the licence to the provisional holder; and

the notice under subsection (1) must contain the following information:

notification of any determination under section 399 that the provisional holder must lodge a security;

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.

be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given the licence under section 147; and

be lodged with the Designated Authority.

is notified of a security requirement; and

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.

be made within 30 days after the day on which the provisional holder is given notice under section 147; and

be lodged with the Designated Authority.

determine the period of the extension; and

give the provisional holder a written notice informing the applicant of the period of the extension.

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and

lodges any security for the licence required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Retention Licence Fees Act.

has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 150; and

before the end of the secondary payment period:

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the grant; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid for the licence under the Retention Licence Fees Act.

the day on which the grant of the licence is registered; or

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.

the day on which the licence is provisionally granted; or

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.

the day on which the renewal is registered; or

the day on which the previous term of the licence expires;

whichever is the later.

must be made in a written notice; and

must identify the blocks surrendered; and

must be given to the Designated Authority.

the application is made before the day on which the licence expires; and

the Designated Authority believes that there are reasonable grounds for accepting the application.

be made in accordance with the approved form; and

be made in the approved manner; and

include details of:

the reasons why the applicant is applying to renew the retention licence rather than applying for a mining licence; and

the activities carried out by the applicant under the licence during its current term; and

the amount of money spent by the applicant in relation to the blocks covered by the licence during its current term; and

the results obtained by the applicant from carrying out the activities referred to in subparagraph (ii); and

the activities that the applicant intends to carry out under the licence during the term applied for; and

the amount of money that the applicant intends to spend in relation to activities authorised by the licence during the term applied for.

be in writing; and

be given to the applicant; and

specify the time within which the information must be provided.

in writing; and

within the time specified in the request.

must not refer the application to the Joint Authority; and

must give the applicant written notice that the application has been refused.

provisionally renew the licence; or

subject to section 168, refuse to renew the licence.

be in writing; and

give details of the Joint Authority’s reasons for its proposal not to renew the licence; and

invite the applicant to make written submissions on the proposed non-renewal to the Designated Authority; and

specify the day by which submissions should be made to the Designated Authority.

notification of the term of the renewal;

notification of the conditions of the renewed licence;

notification of any determination under section 399 that the applicant must lodge a security or a further security;

notification that the provisional renewal will lapse unless the applicant, before the end of the primary payment period:

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid under the Retention Licence Fees Act.

has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 165 or 166; and

is notified of the licence conditions; and

is dissatisfied with a condition;

the holder may ask the Joint Authority to amend the condition.

be made within 30 days after the day on which the applicant is given notice under section 169; and

be lodged with the Designated Authority.

has been provisionally granted a renewal of the licence under section 165 or 166; and

is notified of a security requirement; and

is dissatisfied with the amount of the security required;

the holder may ask the Joint Authority to make a new determination under section 399.

be made within 30 days after the day on which the holder is given notice under section 169; and

be lodged with the Designated Authority.

determine the period of the extension in writing; and

give the holder a written notice informing the holder of the period of the extension.

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be under the Retention Licence Fees Act.

has been granted an extension of the primary payment period under section 172; and

before the end of the secondary payment period:

gives the Designated Authority a written acceptance of the renewal; and

lodges any security required by the Joint Authority under section 399; and

pays the fees that must be paid under the Retention Licence Fees Act.

the licence conditions; and

obligations arising from compliance directions given by the Designated Authority; and

obligations imposed by this Act and the regulations.

a condition requiring the licence holder to take out insurance as required by the Designated Authority;

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;

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;

a condition requiring the holder to lodge a security with the Designated Authority;

a condition requiring the holder to keep specified information;

a condition requiring the holder to give the Designated Authority, on request, specified information;

a condition requiring the holder to take steps to protect the environment of the licence area, including conditions relating to:

protecting wildlife; or

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;

a condition requiring the holder to repair any damage to the environment caused by activities in the licence area;

a condition requiring the holder to pay a specified penalty to the Commonwealth if the holder does not comply with a licence condition.

the amount of the security required; and

the kind of security required; and

the manner and form in which the security is to be lodged.

the kind of person who is to give the guarantee; and

the terms of the guarantee.

a retention licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to vary a licence condition; or

part of the licence area of a retention licence is surrendered under section 158;

the Joint Authority may vary a licence condition.

a direction under section 387; or

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.

informs the holder of the variation; and

specifies the conditions which have been varied; and

specifies any conditions to which the variation is subject.

a retention licence holder requests the Designated Authority in writing to:

suspend a licence condition; or

exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition; or

part of the licence area of a retention licence is surrendered under section 158;

the Joint Authority may:

suspend a licence condition; or

exempt the holder from complying with a licence condition.

a direction under section 387; or

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.

suspend a licence condition; or

exempt the licence holder from compliance with a licence condition;

subject to whatever conditions the Joint Authority thinks appropriate.

suspends a licence condition; or

exempts the licence holder from complying with a licence condition;

the Designated Authority must give the holder a written notice that:

informs the holder of the exemption or suspension; and

specifies the conditions which have been suspended or affected by the exemption; and

specifies any conditions to which the suspension or exemption is subject.