RULE-27

BALOCHISTAN MINERAL RULES, 2002 BALOCHISTAN MINERAL RULES, 2002 [Gazette of Balochistan, Extraordinary, 9th March, 2002] No. S.O.(MR)4-6/2002, dated 8-1-2002.--In exercise of the powers conferred by section 2, of the Regulation of Mines and Oil-Fields and Mineral Development (Government Control) Act, 1948, (XXIV of 1948) the Government of Balochistan is pleased to make the flowing Rules:-- PART III MINERAL TITLES AND MINERAL CONCESSIONS Division-3 Exploration Licence 27. Grant or refusal of exploration licence.- (1) Subject to these Rules, where an application for an exploration licence-- (a) is made by the holder of a reconnaissance licence in respect of- (i) an area of land in or which constitutes the reconnaissance area; (ii) any mineral or group of minerals in relation to which the holder of the reconnaissance licence has under Rule 16 (3), the exclusive right to carry on reconnaissance operations in that area of land, the licensing authority shall grant the exploration licence; or (b) is made by any other person, the licensing authority may grant or refuse to grant the exploration licence. (2) The licensing authority shall not grant an exploration licence to any person in relation to any area of land in respect of any mineral or group of minerals if, at the time the application is made - (a) the area of land is in or constitutes a mining area or an area of land subject to a mining concession; (b) any mineral deposit retention licence is held by and other person in relation to the area of land - (3) An exploration licence shall not be granted to an applicant (a) Who is in default at the time of the application. (b) unless the licensing authority is satisfied on reasonable grounds - (i) with the proposed programme of exploration operations to be carried on and the estimated related expenditure; (ii) that the applicant has the technical and financial resources to carry on the exploration operations; and (iii) that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold the licence; (c) in respect of an area of land exceeding 1000 square kilometres; (d) for a period exceeding three years.