Mineral Resources Development Act 1995

A person may apply to the Minister for a petroleum production licence or a geothermal production licence.

A person may only apply under subsection (1) for a petroleum production licence if – the licence is to relate to both – the minerals specified in an exploration licence, or a special exploration licence, for Category 4 minerals; and any area of land comprised in that licence; and the person is the holder of the exploration licence or special exploration licence or is a person to whom a consent under section 67B in relation to that licence has been given by the holder of the licence.

A person may only apply under subsection (1) for a geothermal production licence if – the licence is to relate to both – the minerals specified in an exploration licence, or a special exploration licence, for Category 6 minerals; and any area of land comprised in the exploration licence or special exploration licence; and the person is the holder of the exploration licence or special exploration licence or is a person to whom a consent under section 67B in relation to that licence has been given by the holder of the licence.

An application under subsection (1) is to – be in an approved form; and specify the minerals, or category of minerals, in respect of which it is made; and be accompanied by a statement specifying – the production activities to be carried out under the licence; and a description of the area of land in respect of which the licence is sought; and the financial and technical resources available to the applicant; and an estimate of the proposed expenditure on activities under the licence; and the likely impact on the environment of activities under the licence; and be accompanied by a fee determined by the Minister; and be accompanied by a plan of development or a plan of field development; and contain any other details the Director requires; and be lodged with the Registrar.

The Registrar or the Director or both may require an applicant to provide further information.