1[7. Periods for which prospecting licences may be granted or renewed
(1) The period for which2[a reconnaissance permit or prospecting licence] may be granted shall not exceed three years.
(2) A prospecting licence shall, if the State Government is satisfied that a longer period is required to enable the licensee to complete prospecting operations be renewed for such period or periods as that Government may specify:
Provided that the total period for which a prospecting licence is granted does not exceed five years:
Provided further that no prospecting licence granted in respect of3[a mineral included in Part A and Part B to] the First Schedule shall be renewed except with the previous approval of the Central Government.]
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1. Substituted by Act 25 of 1994, section. 4, for section 7 w.e.f. 25-1-1994.
2. Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, section. 9, for "a prospecting licence" w.e.f. 18-12-1999.
3. Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, section. 9, for "a mineral included in" w.e.f. 18-12-1999.