The definition of 'oil shale' in s 318AD of the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld) applies throughout the entire Act, not just Chapter 8. However, while s 318AD incorporates the meaning of 'gasification or retorting product' from the PGPSA, this does not import the definition of 'petroleum' into the MRA. Mineral (f) can only be a 'mineral' under the MRA if the conditions in s 6(3)(c) are met. A decision-maker assessing work programs for exploration permits under s 137(3) is entitled to seek satisfaction that the applicant is targeting a mineral within the meaning of the MRA, including by considering geological evidence about the existence of the target mineral. Whether hydraulic fracturing constitutes a 'chemical process' under s 10 of the PGPSA was left open.
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