Mineral Resources Act 1989

This section applies if a variation of the conditions of an exploration permit (the existing permit) is necessary because of—

an exceptional event affecting the existing permit; or

circumstances arising from the existing permit forming part of an exploration project.

The holder of the existing permit may apply to the Minister for a variation of the conditions of the permit.

The provisions of this chapter apply, with necessary changes, to an application under subsection (1) as if it were an application under section 133.

The Minister may decide to vary, or refuse to vary, the conditions of the existing permit.

The Minister may decide to vary the conditions of the existing permit only if the Minister is satisfied the variation is necessary under subsection (1).

However, without limiting subsection (3), in deciding the application, the Minister may—

vary the conditions of the existing permit by imposing conditions under section 141(1)(j) in addition to any conditions that apply under the existing permit; and

fix an amount of security to be deposited under section 144 in addition to any security for the existing permit.

Subsections (3) and (6) apply in relation to an exploration permit for coal despite section 130A.

The chief executive must record in the register the details of any varied conditions applying to the existing permit, including any conditions imposed as mentioned in subsection (6)(a).