Section 24
Duration and renewal of prospecting licence
—
(1)
Subject to this section, a prospecting licence shall be issued for a term not exceeding two years.
(2)
An application for renewal of a prospecting licence shall be made to the Director in the prescribed form at least six months prior to the expiry thereof.
(3)
The Director or any officer authorized in writing by him shall, as soon as practicable upon receipt of the application for renewal of a prospecting licence, forward the application to the
Minister for consideration.
(4)
Where an application for renewal of prospecting licence is made at least six months prior to the expiry of the licence, the
Minister may direct the renewal of the licence for a further period not exceeding two years if—
(a)
the holder of the licence has complied with the terms and conditions specified in the licence;
(b)
the holder of the licence has complied with the provisions of this Ordinance;
(c)
the holder of the licence can show to the satisfaction of the Minister that further prospecting is justified; and
(d)
the total duration of the prospecting licence including any renewal does not exceed four years.
(5)
The decision of the Minister under this section shall be final.