Mineral Resources Development Act 1995

An application for a lease is pending from the marking out of the land until whichever of the following happens first:the application is granted; the application is refused; the application lapses; the application is withdrawn.

An application for a lease lapses 12 months after the marking out unless the Director extends that period.

The Director may only extend the period of 12 months if satisfied that – the failure to determine the application is not caused by default of the applicant; or there is sufficient reason to do so.