Queensland Consolidated Acts

OFFSHORE MINERALS ACT 1998 - SECT 39

This Act provides for the grant of—

(a) exploration permits; and

(b) mineral development licences; and

(c) mining leases; and

(d) works licences; and

(e) special purpose consents.

Note 1—

An exploration permit is designed to cover the exploration phase of a project and authorises—

exploration; and

the recovery of mineral samples.

Note 2—

A mineral development 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—

exploration; and

the recovery of minerals but not as part of a commercial mining operation.

Note 3—

A mining lease is designed to cover the commercial mining phase of a project and authorises—

exploration; and

full commercial recovery.

Note 4—

A project might make use of any of the following 3 tenure arrangements—

an exploration permit leading to a mining lease;

an exploration permit leading to a mineral development licence and then a mining lease;

a mining lease (without progressing through an exploration permit/mineral development licence stage).

Note 5—

A tenure is granted over a particular area (constituted by sub-blocks). The tenure holder may need to carry out engineering or other activities outside the tenure area. If so, the tenure 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 coastal waters, 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 tenure 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).