Updated: Thursday June 12, 2014/AlKhamis Sha'ban 14, 1435/Bruhaspathivara Jyaistha 22, 1936, at 07:58:55 AM

The North-West Frontier Province Mining Concession Rules, 2005

 

EXTRAORDINARY REGISTERED NO. P.III

GOVERNMENT G A Z E T T E

North – West Frontier Province Published by Authority

PESHAWAR, THURSDAY, 7TH APRIL, 2005 GOVERNMENT OF N.-W.F.P., INDUSTRIES, COMMERCE, MINERAL DEVELOPMENT, LABOUR

AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

NOTIFICATION

Peshawar, dated the 7th April, 2005

No.  SOIV/M/3-143/03(Rules)/1807.  -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), and  in supersession of the North- West Frontier Province (Minor Minerals) Mining Concession Rules, 1971, and the  North-West Frontier Province Mining Concession Rules, 1976, the Government of the North-West Frontier Province is pleased to make the following rules, namely:---

THE NORTH-WEST FRONTIER PROVINCE MINING CONCESSION RULES, 2005

PART-I

PRELIMINARY

(1). Short title and commencement.---(1) These rules may be called the North-West Frontier Province Mining Concession Rules, 2005.

(2) They shall come into force at once.

2. Definitions.---In these rules unless the context otherwise requires,---

(i)  “Appellate Authority” means Secretary to Government of the North-West Frontier Province, Industries, Commerce, Mineral Development, Labour and Technical Education Department;

(ii)  “assignee” means a person, a firm or a Company to whom a mining lease is assigned, transferred or mortgaged or to  whom an exploration license is transferred subject to  evaluation and proving of a mineral resources/deposits, but  no transfer of an exploration license shall be permissible  before completion of two years of the issuance of the license;

(iii)  “authorized  officer” means  an  officer  designated  by  the  Licensing Authority to be an authorized officer; provided that if more than one officers are designated as such, the  jurisdiction of each such officer shall also be defined;

(iv)  “Collector” means a Collector appointed under the West Pakistan Land Revenue Act, 1967 (W.P. Act No. XVII of 1967), or any other law for the time being in force;

(v)  “Company” means a Company as defined in the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (Ordinance No. XLVII of 1984), or a body incorporated in Pakistan under any law for the time being in force;

(vi)  “dead  rent” means  the  rent  of  the  leased  area  to  be  charged  under these rules at the recovered rates specified by Government from time to time;

(vii)  “Department” means the Industries, Commerce, Mineral        Development, Labour & Technical Education Department, Government of the North-West Frontier Province.

(viii)  “Directorate” means the Directorate General of Mines and Minerals, North-West Frontier Province;

(ix)  “Director General” means the Director General, Mines and Minerals, North-West Frontier Province;

(x)  “Director Licensing” means the Director Licensing, Directorate General Mines and Minerals NWFP;

(xi)  “drilling” means  the perforation of  the earths surface for collection of core samples otherwise than by pitting,  trenching or sinking a shaft, whether the hole is vertical,  inclined or horizontal, and includes all operations for preventing the collapse of the sides of the hole or for preventing the hole from becoming filled with extraneous matter, including water;

(xii) “exploration” means search for minerals, and includes the determination of its extent and economic value and evaluation;

(xiii)  “exploration area” means the area of land, including its lateral limits,

to which an exploration license relates;

(xiv)  “exploration  license” means  a  license  for  exploration  issued  under these rules;

(xv)  “exploration operation” means any operation carried out in connection with exploration including access to the licensed  areas, geological mapping and the collection of surface/subsurface mineral sample for the purpose of mineralogical examination, assaying, and the test work but such work shall  not include commercial mineral extraction or marketing;

(xvi)  “financing institution” means an institution recognized as  such by the State Bank of Pakistan for the purpose of advancing credit/loan facilities.

(xvii)  “Government” means the Government of the North-West Frontier Province;

(xviii) “Governor” means the Governor of the North-West Frontier Province;

(xix)  “group of minerals” means group of minerals described in Schedule-3.

(xx)  “land” includes surface bearing any mineral, land beneath water and the subsoil of land;

(xxi)  “large scale mining undertaking” means a project of mining involving an investment/capital of more than three hundred million rupees;

(xxii)  “lateral  limits”  in  relation  to an area of  land pertaining to a mining lease or a prospecting license means the vertical lines  towards the earth passing through the sides by which that area is bounded;

(xxiii) “lease” means a mining lease granted under these rules;

(xxiv) “lessee” means  a  person,  a firm or a Company to whom a mining lease is granted under these rules and includes its  successors-in-interest;

(xxv)  “license” means a prospecting  license, a  reconnaissance  license, an exploration license or, as the case may be, a  mineral deposit retention license granted under these rules;

(xxvi) “Licensee” means a person, a firm or a company to whom a license under these rules is granted;

(xxvii)  “Licensing Authority” means,---

(a)   in relation to major minerals, the Director General, Mines and Minerals, North-West Frontier Province;

(b)   in relation to minor minerals, the Director Licensing, Directorate General Mines and Minerals NWFP;

(xxviii)“MIFA” means Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority as  laid down in the National Mineral Policy, 1995, and as  notified by Government vide Notification No. AEA/IND/4-30/2001, dated 29.08.2004 and modified from time to time;

(xxix) “mineral” means all surface and sub-surface natural deposits of ores and metals and other metallic and non-metallic substances including naturally occurring aqueous solutions containing more than one per cent mineral salt but does not include,---

(i) nuclear substances;

(ii) mineral oil; and

(iii) natural gas;

(xxx)  “mine” means any surface or underground excavation where  any  operation for the purpose of searching for or obtaining a mineral has been or is being carried on, and includes all  works, machinery, tramway, ropeway and siding, whether above or below ground, on or adjacent or belonging to or  appurtenant to a mine but does not include the manufacturing or processing plant;

(xxxi) “mineral deposit retention license” means a mineral deposit retention license granted under these rules;

(xxxii)  “mineral operation” means geological  and geochemical  exploration operations or mining operations or both;

(xxxiii)“mines committee” means a committee constituted by Government under these rules to perform such functions as may be assigned to it;

(xxxiv)“mining area” means an area of land, including its lateral extractions with in the mining lease limits;

(xxxv)  “mining  operation” means  any  operation  carried  out  in  connection with the development of a mine, or the production of minerals from the mine, or both; (xxxvi)“minor minerals” means ordinary sand, gravel, bajri and may include any other minor mineral as may be declared as such  by Government;

(xxxvii) pit’s mouth” means a place above or adjacent to a mine where the mineral is collected, stored or taken charge of  immediately after it has been mined;

(xxxviii) “prospecting license” means a license granted under rule 117;

(xxxix)“Province” means the Province of the North-West Frontier Province;

(xl)  “reconnaissance operation” means any operation carried on  for a general search of any mineral by means of aerial  photographs and remote sensing techniques through satellite  imageries and air borne geophysical surveys, for geological  mapping and other reconnaissance stage exploration techniques;

(xli)  “retention area” means the area of land, including its lateral limits, to which a mineral deposit retention license relates;

(xlii) “Schedule” means a Schedule appended to these rules; and

(xliii)  “small scale mining undertaking” means a project of mining involving a capital of less than three hundred million rupees.

3. Delegation of Powers.---The licensing authority may by instrument in writing delegate all or any of its powers, to any officer in the Directorate.

4. Confidentiality.---Any information under these rules shall not be disclosed by an official employed by the Department/Directorate to any other person, who is not an employee of the Department, without the prior approval of the competent authority, except to the extent that the,---

(a) disclosure is authorized or required by law;

(b) disclosure is required by order of a competent court, or for  the purpose of any arbitration or litigation involving Government;

(c) disclosure is necessary to compile and publish official  statistical information concerning geology and mineral resources of the province;

(d) disclosure is for the purpose of the implementation of these  rules or a mineral agreement, the formation of mineral policy or of giving advice to other departments or agencies of  Government or for the purpose of any discussion or dealing with Federal Government;

(e) disclosure is affected with the prior permission in writing of Government granted in respect of any matter which, in the opinion of Government, is of a general nature and may be disclosed in the public interest; or

(f)  disclosure is in accordance with a relevant mineral agreement or a mineral title.

(2)   An officer employed in or by the Department, who uses, for the purpose of personal gain, any information falling within the purview of these rules that comes to him in the course of, or by reason of, that employee, shall be guilty of an offence and be punishable under the law for the time being in force.

(3)  The holder of a mineral title shall not disclose information acquired by him as such, except as provided under these rules or in his mineral title.

PART-II

LARGE SCALE MINING

GENERAL

5. Types of mineral titles.---The following mineral titles may, subject to these rules, be issued, for the purposes of large-scale mining, namely:---

(a) reconnaissance license;

(b) exploration license;

(c) mineral deposit retention license; or

(d) mining lease.

6. Mineral agreements.---(1) Government may, at the request of a person proposing to carry on mineral operations, enter into an agreement, relating to a mineral title, not inconsistent with these rules or any other law, which that person, if  Government is satisfied that substantial investment is likely to be made in mineral operations and that the carrying on the undertaking in question is desirable in the interest of the development of the mineral resources.

(2)  A mineral agreement may, in particular, make provisions with respect to all or any of the following matters:---

(a)  the grant, renewal, cancellation or transfer of a mineral title;

(b)  minimum exploration operation to be carried on and related expenditures to be incurred for the purposes of those operations;

(c)  the formation of joint venture;

(d)  the basis on which the fair market value of any mineral or  group of minerals may, from time to time, be determined on an arms-length basis;

(e)  the payment of enhanced royalty in specified circumstances;

(f)  the payment of additional profits/ tax in specified circumstances;

(g)  the establishment of secondary and tertiary processing facilities;

(h)  the circumstances in which, and the conditions on which, rights  of pre-emption of minerals may be exercised by Government;

(i)  guarantees to ensure the due and proper performance of the obligation of the holder of the mineral title;

(j)  financial and insurance arrangements;

(k)  settlement of any dispute which may arise in the interpretation  or application of any provision of a mineral agreement by a sole expert;

(l)  co-ordination of exploration or mining operation to be carried  on by the person concerned under an exploration license or a mining lease with any such operation carried on by the holder  of an exploration license or a mining lease in any neighboring exploration area or mining area; and

(m) other matters relating to mineral operations as Government may determine or as the parties to the agreement may consider necessary.

(3)  Nothing contained in a mineral agreement shall be construed as absolving any party thereto from complying with any requirement laid down by law for applying and obtaining any mineral title, license, approval, permission or other document required by any law for the time being in force.

(4)  For the purpose of determining whether substantial foreign investment is likely to be made in any particular case Government shall have regard to,---

(a)  the likely scale of the capital investment to be made;

(b)  the expenditure and work programme proposed by the applicant;

(c)  the likely scale of operation and required infrastructure in the  event of a commercial discovery;

(d)  the mineral or group of minerals to which the mining title, if granted, would relate and the potential export of that mineral or group of minerals;

(e)  the techniques to be used for the recovery of that mineral or  group of minerals; (f)  the technical and financial capabilities of the applicant for a mineral title; and

(g)  any other relevant factor.

7. Applications.---(1) An application under these rules shall, except otherwise provided,----

(a)  be made to the Licensing Authority;

(b)  be in a form approved by the Licensing Authority; and

(c)  be accompanied by the fee prescribed by Government from  time to time and for the time being specified in column-3 of  Schedule-I in respect of application in question.

(2)  An application may be withdrawn by the applicant by a written request addressed to the Licensing Authority.

(3)  Where more than one application are made in respect of the same area of land, the applications shall be dealt with in the order in which they are received by the Licensing Authority.

(4)  Subject to these rules, the Licensing Authority may accede to, on such conditions as may be determined in writing by it, or refuse to accede to any such application. In case of refusal, the reason therefore shall be communicated to the applicant.

8. Power of Licensing Authority in respect of applications.---(1) The Licensing Authority shall within sixty days after the receipt of an application under  these rules, require the applicant by notice in writing,---

(a)  to furnish the Licensing Authority within such reasonable period as may be specified in the notice such information as may be described in the notice;

provided that if the applicant is  a Company, the information shall be furnished by the person who has controlling interest in the affairs of the Company; or

(b)  to provide particulars of the application in relation to,---

(i)  the full names of the applicant; and

(ii)  the area, the kind of mineral title, and the mineral or group of minerals to which the application relates, in  such manner as may be specified in the notice;

(c)  to give such particulars of the application to the person or  persons identified, in such manner as may be specified in the notice.

(2)  In order to enable the Licensing Authority to consider any application the Licensing Authority may,---

(a)  cause such investigations or negotiations to be made or  undertaken as it may, in its discretion, deem necessary; or

(b)  require the applicant, by notice in writing, to furnish to the  Licensing Authority, within such period as may be specified in  the notice, with such proposals, by way of alternative or in addition to the proposals set out in the application.

(3)  In considering any application and the conditions under these rules subject to which the application may be granted, the Licensing Authority shall take into account the need to conserve and protect the natural resources in, on or under the land to which the application relates including adjoining or neighboring land. (4)  Where the Licensing Authority is prepared to grant an application subject to certain conditions, the Licensing Authority shall give notice to the applicant accordingly, stating in the notice those conditions and the conditions referred to in rule 10.

(5)  The applicant may, within the period of one month after notice is given to him pursuant to sub-rule (4) or within such further period as the Licensing Authority may, on good cause shown, accept in writing the conditions stated in the notice and such other conditions as may be agreed to between the Licensing Authority and the applicant.

9. Discrepancies in relation to applications.---If an applicant fails,---

(a)  to comply with the requirements of a notice  referred to in subrule  (1) or clause (b) of sub-rule (2) of rule 8; or

(b)  to agree as contemplated in sub-rule (5) of rule 8, within the  period specified in the notice, or such further period as may be  allowed by the Licensing Authority, the application in question shall lapse on the expiry of the given period.

10. General conditions of mineral titles.---(1) In addition to any condition contained in the title or a mineral agreement, it shall be a condition of a mineral title that the holder thereof shall,---

(a) exercise any right granted to the holder by or under these rules reasonably and in such manner that the rights and interests of the occupier of the land to which the title relates are not  adversely affected except to the extent that the occupier is compensated;

(b) give preference to citizens of Pakistan for employment of persons, who possess appropriate qualifications, expertise and  experience for the purposes of the operations to be carried on under the mineral title;

(c) carry out training programmes in order to encourage and  promote the   development of citizens of Pakistan employed by the holder of the mineral title;

(d) ensure technical and economic efficiency and make use of the  products or equipments locally manufactured or produced, and the services locally available;

(e) co-operate with the persons involved in the mining industry to enable citizens of Pakistan to develop skills and technology and to render services in the interest of that industry;

(f) take measures to prevent damage to the environment, and where some adverse impact on the environment is unavoidable,  take measures to minimize such impact;

(g) make good any damage caused to the environment, as far as possible, during the course of exploration or mining operations  and on  the cessation of such operations due to expiry or cancellation of the mineral title or otherwise;

(h) give to the Licensing Authority, if the holder is a Company,  notice of any change in its name, registered address, directors or share capital, within thirty days as from the date of the change; or

(i) give to the Licensing Authority any change of his address, if it  is a case of an  individual, within thirty days of the change. (2) It shall be a condition of every mineral title that before the commencement of exploration operations within a reserved or protected forest, thirty days notice in writing shall be given to the Forest Officer concerned of the intention to commence the operations, and that the operations shall be conducted subject to any condition regarding the use of land which may, for the time being, be provided by a notification in the official Gazette.

(3) A mineral title may provide for the pre-emption of minerals by Government in such circumstances as are specified in the title, subject to the payment of the fair market price determined on the basis so specified.

(4) It shall be a condition of a mineral title that the holder of the title shall make such contributions to Government as may be provided for in the title or the mineral agreement. The contributions so made shall be utilized for the benefits of the local population in such manner as may be prescribed.

(5) A mineral title may make provision with respect to any of the matters referred to in sub-rule (2) of rule 6, other than clause (f) thereof.

11. Restriction on exercise of rights by holder of mineral title.---(1) The holder of a mineral title shall not carry on exploration or mining operations at or upon any point within a distance of fifty meters from the boundary of the  exploration area or, as the case may be, the mining area, except with the previous permission in writing of the Licensing Authority and in accordance with the  conditions, if any, that it may impose.

(2) The holder of a mineral title shall not carry on exploration or mining operations at or upon any point within a distance of one hundred meters from any railway line, reservoir, canal or other public works, or buildings, except with the previous permission in writing of the Licensing Authority.

(3) The holder of a mineral title shall not erect any building or carry on any surface operations upon any public play ground, cremation or graveyard, or place held sacred by any class of persons, or any house or village site, or public road or on any other place, which the Licensing Authority may exclude from such operations.

(4) The holder of a mineral title shall not, without the written permission of the competent authority,---

(a)  cut or injure any tree on occupied land;

(b)  disturb the surface of any road;

(c)  enter upon  any public play ground, cremation or graveyard, or place held sacred by any class of persons; or

(d)  interfere with any right of way, well, tank or cultivated agricultural land.

(5)  All surface operations conducted under these rules within a reserved or protected forest shall be subject to such conditions as may, for the time being, be imposed by the Environment Department by a general or special order. In the event of any disagreement between the Environment Department and the holder of a mineral title the matter shall be referred to the MIFA (Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority) whose decision shall be final.

(6) Before occupying any land for surface operations or clearing any land, the holder of a mineral title shall give to the Licensing Authority one months prior notice in writing specifying by name or other sufficient designation and quantity the land proposed to be occupied and the purpose for which the same is required. (7) The holder of a mineral title shall make and pay such reasonable compensation as may be assessed by a lawful authority in accordance with the law in force on the subject applying to the lands over which the title has been granted, for all damage, injury or disturbance which may be done by the holder in exercise of the powers granted by the title, and the holder shall indemnify the Licensing Authority against all claims which may be made by third party in respect of any such damage, injury or disturbance.

(8) Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of this rule shall be guilty of an offence and be liable to pay compensation as determined by the Licensing Authority, in addition to fine as determined by Government which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees or more than one hundred thousand rupees.

12. Directions to holder of mineral title.---(1) The Licensing Authority may, with due regard to good reconnaissance, exploration or mining practices, by notice in writing given to the holder of a mineral title, give directions to the holder in relation to,---

(a)  the carrying out of reconnaissance operations, exploration  operations and mining operations, including any works connected therewith;

(b)  the conservation of any natural resources, including mineral resources, and the prevention of the waste of such resources;

(c)  the protection and preservation of the surface of mines or works and of buildings, road, railways and other structures and enclosures on or above the surface of land, and the conditions under which such building, road, railway, structure and enclosures on or above the surface of land, and the conditions under which such building, road, railway, structure and enclosure may be undermined;

(d)  the construction, erection, maintenance operation, use or  removal of structures, equipment and other goods used in  connection with the exploration for, or the mining or conveyance of minerals;

(e)  the protection of the environment including the prevention and combating of pollution of the air or land which arises or may arise in the course of the operations involved in exploration or mining of any mineral or after such operations;

(f)  the making safe of undermined ground and of dangerous  slimes, tailings, dams, waste dumps, ash dumps, shafts, holes,  trenches or excavation of whatever nature made in the course of exploration or mining operations;

(g)  the safety, welfare and health of persons employed in or in connection with reconnaissance operations, exploration  operations and mining operations and the conveyance of mineral;

(h)  the taking, preservation and furnishing to the Licensing Authority of cores, cutting or samples of minerals from mines or excavations;

(i)  the submission to the Licensing Authority of reports, returns  and other information;

(j)  the taking of logs or directional surveys or the making of other investigations; and

(k)  the creation of safety zones in relation to structures erected on  land to which the mineral title relates.

(2)  The Licensing Authority may, if the holder of a mineral title fails to comply, within such period as may be specified in a notice given under sub-rule (1), or such further period as the Licensing Authority may, on good cause shown, allow in writing, with any direction given under sub-rule (1), cause such steps to be taken as may be necessary to comply with the direction, and may recover from the holder the costs incurred in connection with the taking of any such steps, as a debt due to Government.

(3)  Any holder of a mineral title who contravenes or fails to comply with a notice given to him under sub-rule (1) shall be guilty of an offence and be punishable with a fine which shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees or more than two hundred thousand rupees, in addition to rectification of the default within period given by the Licensing Authority, failing which the mineral title may be withdrawn.

PART-III

RECONNAISSANCE LICENSE

13. Application for reconnaissance license.---(1) An application for the grant of a reconnaissance license shall:---

(a)  give in respect of the person or, if there be more than one person, of each person making the application,---

(i)  in case of individual application, the full names and nationality, date of birth and postal and residential address of such person or all such  persons, as the case may be; or

(ii)  in an application made by a Company, its name and particulars of its incorporation and registration, the full  names, address and nationalities of the directors and offices and, if the Company has a share capital, the full names, address and nationalities of any person who  is  the beneficial owner of more than five per centum of the issued share capital;

(b)  be made in respect of an area of land which is upto five  thousand square kilometer, except where special exemption is  granted by Government for the mega project;

(c)  identify the mineral or group of minerals in respect of which a  license is sought;

(d)  be accompanied by a detailed topographical and geological description of the boundaries of the area of land to which the  application relates, and a plan drawn to,---

(i)  its location with reference to the coordinates of the bench mark on topographic sheets; and

(ii)  the extent of the area and the boundaries by reference to identifiable physical features and co-ordinate reference points;

(e)  contain particulars of,---

(i)  the programme of reconnaissance operations proposed  to be carried on, the estimated expenditure in respect  thereof and the period within which the operations shall be carried on; and

(ii)  in the case of an application for an exclusive right such as is referred to in sub-rule (3) of rule 15, the reason for the application;

(f)  furnish such particulars as may be necessary to determine the  applicants technical and financial resources or, where applicable, those of any person contractually engaged to  provide such  resources, and copies of relevant contractual agreements;

(g)  furnish,---

(i)  particulars of all other mineral titles held or mines  operated in the Province by the applicant, whether alone  or jointly, currently or during ten years immediately preceding the date of the application; or

(ii)  where no such titles or mines are or were held or  operated, particulars of any current involvement by the  applicant in reconnaissance, exploration or mining operations in and outside the Province; (h)  state the period, not  exceeding twelve months, for which the  license is required; and

(i)  be accompanied by such documents as the Licensing Authority may require in relation to any matter referred to in this rule.

(2)  An application for the grant of a reconnaissance license may contain any other matter which in the opinion of the applicant is relevant to the application.

14. Duration of reconnaissance license.---(1) Subject to these rules, a reconnaissance license shall be valid for such period, not exceeding twelve months, as may be specified in the license.

(2)  Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (1), but subject to the other provisions of these rules, where an application is made by the holder of a reconnaissance license for the grant of an exploration license,---

(a)  in relation to an area of land which constitutes the  reconnaissance area; and

(b)  in respect of a mineral or group of minerals in relation to which the holder of the license has the exclusive right under sub-rule (3)  of rule 15 to carry on reconnaissance operations, the reconnaissance license shall not expire in relation to that area of land and mineral or group of minerals while the application is considered until the license applied for is issued, or the application is refused or withdrawn, whichever first occurs.

15. Rights of holder of reconnaissance license.---(1) Subject to these rules and the conditions of the license, a reconnaissance license shall confer on the holder of the license,---

(a)  non-exclusive right, or where sub-rule (3) applies, the  exclusive right, to carry on reconnaissance operation in relation  to the reconnaissance area in question in respect of any mineral or group of minerals to which the license relates; and

(b)  the right subject to sub-rule (2), to carry on such other  operations, including the erection or construction of ancillary  works, in the reconnaissance area as may be reasonably  necessary for, or in connection with, any reconnaissance  operation of the kind referred to in clause (a).

(2)  The holder of a reconnaissance license shall not erect or construct any of the ancillary works such as are referred to in clause (b) of sub-rule (1) without the prior consent in writing of the Licensing Authority. For this purpose the holder of the said license shall make an application to the Licensing Authority, who may accede to it either conditionally or subject to such conditions as may be imposed.

(3)  Subject to sub-rule (4), the Licensing Authority may, on application by,---

(a)  a person applying for a reconnaissance license, grant to the applicant a reconnaissance license; or

(b)  the holder of a reconnaissance license, make an endorsement on the reconnaissance license,  by virtue of which an exclusive right is conferred on the applicant or the holder to  exercise the rights referred to in clause (a) of sub-rule (1), if the Licensing Authority is, on reasonable grounds, satisfied that the extent of the reconnaissance operations to be carried out and the expenditure to be incurred in relation to the reconnaissance area justify the grant of such exclusive right.

(4)  An exclusive right such as is referred to in sub-rule (3) shall not be granted in respect of any area of land,---

(a)  to which any other mineral title giving an exclusive right to carry on reconnaissance, exploration or mining operations relates; or

(b)  to which a prospecting license relates,  to carry on reconnaissance, exploration or, as the case may be, mining operations  for the same mineral or group of minerals as those to which the exclusive right would, if granted, relate.

16. Restrictions on grant of application for reconnaissance license.---The Licensing Authority shall not grant an application for a reconnaissance license,---

(a)  unless the Licensing Authority is satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold the license subject to these rules;

(b)  if the applicant is, at the time of the application, in default, unless the Licensing Authority is of opinion that special  circumstances exist which justify the grant of the application  notwithstanding the default.

(c)  unless the Licensing Authority, on reasonable grounds, is satisfied,---

(i)  with the programme of reconnaissance operations to be  carried on and the expenditure to be incurred on reconnaissance operations; and

(ii)  that the applicant has the technical and financial  resources to carry on those reconnaissance operations and to make that expenditure; or

(d)  in respect of an area of land in relation to a mineral or group of minerals in respect of which an exclusive right has, under sub-rule (3) of rule 15, been conferred on any other holder of a  reconnaissance license.

17. Issue of reconnaissance license.---(1) Subject to these rules where the Licensing Authority has no objection to the grant of reconnaissance license, it  shall issue to the applicant reconnaissance license on such conditions as mentioned in the license.

(2)  A reconnaissance license shall,---

(a)  state the full names and address of the holder of the license;

(b)  state the date on which and the period for which the license is issued;

(c)  state the extent of the area granted subject to clause (b) of subrule (1) of rule 13;

(d)  contain a description and plan, prepared by a qualified  surveyor of the reconnaissance area, as provided in clause (d) of sub-rule (1) of rule 13 containing geometrical or numerical  depictions, or any combination thereof, in words or symbols of the area;

(e)  state the conditions, other than those referred to in rule 10, subject to which the license is issued;

(f)  state the mineral or group of minerals in respect of which the  license is issued;

(g)  set out the approved programme of reconnaissance operations  and related expenditures; and

(h)  contain such other particulars as the Licensing Authority, either generally or in any particular case, may determine.

18. Work programme of reconnaissance operations.---(1) Where the holder of a reconnaissance license is, by virtue of the conditions of the license, required to carry out or to make within a particular period, in accordance with a work programme, certain minimum reconnaissance operations and expenditure, he shall furnish the Licensing Authority, on such date or dates as may be specified in the license, or as may be determined by the Licensing Authority and made known by notice in writing given to the holder, with particulars of such reconnaissance operations carried out and the expenditure made.

(2)  The Licensing Authority may, on application made to it by the holder of a reconnaissance license by notice in writing to the holder, amend any work programme or expenditure referred to in sub-rule (1) in accordance with the proposals contained in the application or to such extent as the Licensing Authority may deem expedient.

(3)  The holder of a reconnaissance license who fails to comply with the requirements of a work programme referred to in sub-rule (1) shall, subject to the provisions of rule 73, be liable to pay under the Provincial Mineral Head of Account such fine which shall not be less than five thousand rupees and not more than fifty thousand rupees.

19. Records, etc. to be kept by the holder of reconnaissance license.---(1) The holder of a reconnaissance license shall,---

(a)  keep at an address in the Province a proper record in such form as may be determined in writing by the Licensing Authority in relation to,---

(i)  the location and nature of all geological, geochemical, photo-geological studies, imaging and geophysical and  other surveys carried on by the holder in the course of  the reconnaissance operations in the reconnaissance area to which the reconnaissance license relates, and the  results, compilation, interpretations and assessments of  such studies and surveys;

(ii)  the persons employed by holder for purposes of the reconnaissance operations including the names,  addresses, nationalities and ages of such persons;

(iii)  the expenditures incurred by the holder in the course of  the reconnaissance operations; and

(iv)  such other information as may be determined by the Licensing Authority and specified by notice in writing given to the holder, and shall retain such records for a period of not less than three years from the date of expiry of the license;

(b)  prepare or cause to be prepared and maintained at all times,  plans and maps in respect of the reconnaissance area;

(c)  prepare in respect of the period of the currency of the reconnaissance license a statement of income and expenditure derived or incurred in connection with the reconnaissance operations in the reconnaissance area and such other financial  statements in such form as the Licensing Authority may require or determine; and

(d)  submit, within sixty days after the end of the currency of the reconnaissance license in respect of the whole of the reconnaissance area, or together with an application for an  exploration license in respect of the whole or any portion of the reconnaissance area, to the Licensing Authority,---

(i)  in such form as may be provided for in the condition of reconnaissance license, a report in duplicate or, in the  case where an application is made for an exploration  license in respect of a portion of the reconnaissance  area, separate reports in duplicate in respect of such  portion and the remainder of the reconnaissance area setting out in relation to such period;

(ii)  an evaluation of the prospects of the discovery of any mineral or group of minerals in the reconnaissance area;

(iii)  all information, including photographs, tabulations, tapes and discs, in the records referred to in clause (a) and the plans and maps referred to in clause (b); and

(iv)  the statement of income and  expenditure and financial statements referred to in clause (c);

(2)  In the event of the cancellation or surrender of a reconnaissance license under rule 56 or rule 57 respectively, or expiry of the license, the person who was the holder of such license immediately before the cancellation, surrender or expiry shall, on a date not later than thirty days after the date of the cancellation, surrender or expiry, deliver to the Licensing Authority,---

(a)  all records kept in terms of the provisions of clause (a) of subrule (1);

(b)  all maps and plans referred to in clause (b) of sub-rule (1);

(c)  all reports, photographs, tabulations, tapes and discs prepared  by or on behalf of such person in the course of the reconnaissance operations; and (d)  such other books, documents, records and reports as the  Licensing Authority may require by notice in writing given to such person, or copies of such records, maps, plans reports, photographs, tabulations, tapes, discs, books and documents, unless an exploration license is issued to such person in  relation to the area to which such reconnaissance license relates with effect from the date following the date of the cancellation,  surrender or expiry or such later date as the Licensing Authority may, on good cause shown, allow.

 (3)  Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of sub-rule (1) and (2) shall be guilty of an offence and be punishable with a fine which shall not be less than five thousand rupees and not more than fifty thousand rupees, in addition to the rectification of the default within the time given by the Licensing Authority, failing which the mineral title may be withdrawn.

PART-IV

EXPLORATION LICENSE

20. Rights of holder of exploration license.---(1) Subject to these rules and the conditions of the license, an exploration license shall confer upon the holder,---

(a)  an exclusive right to carry on exploration operation in the area in question in respect of any mineral or group of minerals to which the license relates;

(b)  the right to enter and occupy the land which comprises the exploration area for the purpose of carrying out exploration operations, subject to the rights of surface holder;

(c)  the right to take and divert water on or flowing through such land and use it for any purpose  necessary for exploration  operations subject to and in accordance with the provisions of law for the time being in force;

(2) With the permission in writing of the Licensing Authority previously obtained generally or in every particular case, the holder of an exploration license shall also have the right,---

(a)  to remove from the exploration area a mineral or group of  minerals or sample thereof, for the purpose of testing, assaying or pilot plant studies, from any place where it was found or incidentally won in the course of such exploration operations to  any other place whether within or outside the Province or subject to such other permission as may be required under any law, outside Pakistan; and

(b)  to sell or otherwise dispose of limited amounts of  any such  mineral or group of minerals or of material excavated during  exploration operations, subject to sub-rule (3), to do all other  things, including the erection or construction of ancillary  works, in the exploration area, as may be reasonably necessary for, or in connection with, any exploration operations of the kind referred to in clause (a) of sub-rule (1).

(3) The provisions of sub-rule (2) of rule 11 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to the holder of an exploration license wishing to erect or construct accessory works under sub-rule (1) as they apply in relation to the holder of a reconnaissance license.

21. Duration of exploration license.---(1) Subject to these rules, an exploration license shall be valid for such period, not exceeding three years, as may be specified  in the license and subject to clause (b) of sub-rule (2) of rule 26, be renewable for  such further period, not exceeding two terms of three years each, from the date of  expiry as may be determined by the Licensing Authority  in relation to any renewal of the license as from the date on which the license would have expired if an application for its renewal had not been made, or, on the date on which the application for the renewal is granted, whichever is later.

(2)  Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (1) but subject to the other provisions of these rules,---

(a)  an exploration license shall not expire during any period when  an application for renewal of the license is being considered  until the application is refused or  withdrawn, whichever first  occurs, or if the application is granted, until such time as the  license is renewed in consequence of the application; or

(b)  where the application is made by the holder of the exploration  license for the grant of mineral deposit retention license or a mining lease in relation to an area of land which constitutes the exploration area, and in respect of a mineral or group of mineral to which the exploration license relates, the exploration  license shall not expire in relation to that area of land and that  mineral or group of minerals until the application is refused or withdrawn, whichever is earlier, or if the application is granted,  until the mineral deposit retention license or, as the case may be the mining lease, applied for is issued.

22. Effect of issue of mining lease or mineral deposit retention license on exploration area.---(1) Where a mining lease is issued to the holder of an exploration license in respect of an area of land which constituted the exploration area and in respect of a mineral or group of minerals to which the exploration license related, the exploration license shall cease to have effect in relation to that area of land from the date on which the mining lease is issued.

(2) Where a mineral deposit retention license is issued to the holder of an exploration license in respect of an area of land which constituted the exploration area in respect of a mineral or group of minerals to which the exploration license relates, the exploration license shall cease to have effect in relation to that area of land on the date on which the mineral deposit retention license is issued.

23. Application for exploration license.-- (1) An application for an exploration license shall,---

(a)  in the case of an individual, give such information as is referred to in sub-clause (i) of clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of rule 13;

(b)  in the case of a Company, give such information as is referred  to in sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of rule 13;

(c)  be accompanied by a plan such as is referred to in clause (d) of sub-rule (1) of rule 13;

(d)  furnish a comprehensive geological description of the area of  land over which the license is sought, identify the potential for,  or the nature of, mineralization contained therein and identify  any mineral or group of minerals in respect of which the license is sought, (e)  contain particulars of,---

(i)  the programme of exploration operations proposed to be carried on, the estimated expenditure in respect thereof  and the period within which the operations shall be carried on;

(ii)  the anticipated effect which the proposed exploration operations may have on environment and measures to  be taken to prevent or minimize any adverse effects thereon;

(f)  furnish particulars such as are referred to in clause (f) of subrule (1) of rule 13;

(g)  state the period, not exceeding three years, for which the license is required;

(h)  be accompanied by such documents as the Licensing Authority may require in relation to any matter referred to in this rule; and

(i)  be made in respect of an area of land not exceeding five  hundred square kilometers.

(2) The application may contain any other matter which, in the opinion of the applicant, is relevant to the application.

24. Exercise of power to grant or refuse application for exploration license:---

(1)  Subject to these rules, where an application for an exploration license,---

(a)  is made by the holder of a reconnaissance license and the application relates to an area of land which constitutes the reconnaissance area or is in respect of any mineral or group of minerals in relation to which the holder of the reconnaissance license has, under sub-rule (3) of rule 15, the exclusive right to carry on reconnaissance operations in that area of land, the Licencing Authority shall grant the exploration license; or

(b)  is made by any other persons, the Licensing Authority, subject  to rule 23, may grant or refuse to grant the exploration license;

(2)  The Licensing Authority shall not grant an exploration license 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 constitutes a mining area for large scale mining;

(b)  any mineral deposit retention license is held by any person in relation to the area of land, unless the Licensing Authority deems it desirable in the interests of the development of the mineral resources to grant any area to the applicant and, if the mineral deposit retention license is in respect of the mineral or group of minerals to which the application relates, the holder of mineral deposit retention license has no objection to such grant; or

(c) any reconnaissance license or exploration license conferring an exclusive right to carry on reconnaissance operations or exploration operations, in the area of land in respect of the mineral or group of minerals to which the application relates, is held by any other person unless the holder thereof has no objection to such grant.

(3) The Licencing Authority shall not grant an exploration license to any person in relation to a mineral within an area which already stood granted, under a small scale mining undertaking.

(4) An application for an exploration license shall not be granted to an applicant,---

(a) if the applicant is, at the time of the application, in default, unless the Licensing Authority is of the opinion that the default is not substantial and that special circumstances exist  which justify the grant of the application notwithstanding the default; and

(b) unless the Licensing Authority is, on reasonable grounds, satisfied,---

(i) with the proposed programme of exploration operations to be carried on and the proposed expenditure to be  incurred on exploration operations; and

(ii) that the person concerned has the technical and financial resources to carry on the exploration operations. (5) An application for an exploration license shall not be granted in respect of an area of land exceeding five hundred square kilometers.

25. Issue of exploration license.---The provisions of rule 17 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to the issue of an exploration license as they apply in relation to the issue of a reconnaissance license.

26. Application for renewal of exploration license.-- (1) Subject to this rule, the provisions of rules 23 and 24 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to an application for the renewal of an exploration license as they apply in relation to an application for the grant of an exploration license.

(2)  An application for the renewal of an exploration license shall,---

(a)  be made not later than ninety days before the expiry date of the license or such later date, but not later than such expiry date, as  the Licensing Authority may allow;

(b)  not be made,---

(i)  in the case of an application for a first renewal of the license, in respect of an area of land greater in extent  than fifty per cent of the exploration area on the date of  the issue of the exploration license; or

(ii)  in the case of an application for a second renewal, in respect of an area of land greater in extent than fifty per cent of the exploration area immediately prior to the date of the application for the second renewal, or such other proportion of the exploration as the Licensing Authority may, for good technical or other reason, grant; or 

(iii) in the case of a second renewal unless it is shown by the holder of the exploration license that a further renewal is necessary for the completion of a full feasibility study of  the discovered deposits and that the proposed activities were not reasonably completed during the first renewal;

(c) be accompanied by a report in duplicate containing the  particulars contemplated in clause (d) of sub-rule (1) of rule 30  prepared in respect of the period immediately preceding the  period of the currency of the exploration license;

(d) describe and identify the part of the exploration area to be  retained and the part to be relinquished;

(e) be accompanied by the proposed work programme and expenditures for the period of the renewal; and

(f) give the reason, supported by documentary proof, for requesting the renewal in case of a second renewal.

(3)  The application shall not be made for more than two occasions.

(4)  Subject to the provisions of sub-rules (5) and (6), the Licensing Authority shall not grant an application for the renewal of an exploration license,---

(a)  if the minimum exploration operations and expenditures proposed to be carried out or expended in the renewal period in  respect of the area of land to which the application relates, is not satisfactory; or

(b)  if the applicant is, at the time of the application, in default, unless the Licensing Authority is of the opinion that the default is not substantial and that special circumstances exist which  justify the grant of the application notwithstanding the default.

(5)  The Licensing Authority shall not refuse under clause (a) of sub-rule (4) to grant the application in question if the proposals in respect of exploration operations and expenditures are in accordance with the terms and conditions of a mineral title or mineral agreement relating to proposals of that kind in respect of the exploration license in question.

(6)  The Licensing Authority shall not refuse under clause (b) of sub-rule (4) to grant the application in question, unless the Licensing Authority has informed the holder of the license in writing about the details of the default made by him and has required him to rectify that default on or before a date specified in the notice and the holder has failed to rectify that  default or has failed to make representations which, in the opinion of the Licensing Authority, removes the ground for the intended refusal.

(7)  The Licensing Authority shall not grant an application for a second renewal of an exploration license unless the application has shown that the renewal sought is necessary for the completion of feasibility studies which could not have been reasonably completed during the first renewal.

27. Application for amendment of exploration license.---(1) Subject to subrule (2), the holder of an exploration license may apply for the amendment of the license,---

(a)  by extension or reduction, or both, of the exploration area to which the license relates; or

(b)  by the addition of any mineral or group of minerals, discovered  in the exploration area, to which the license does not relate, subject to the condition that the Licensing Authority may grant or refuse such applications for reasons to be recorded in writing.

(2)  The provisions of rules 23 and 24 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to an application referred to in sub-rule (1) as these apply in relation to an application for the grant of an exploration license.

(3)  If an application under sub-rule (1) is granted by the Licensing Authority, it shall amend the exploration license concerned accordingly.

28. Obligations of holder of exploration license.-- (1) It shall be a condition of an exploration license that the holder of the license shall,---

(a) commence operations within three months of the issue of the license, and carry on exploration operations in the exploration  area in accordance with good exploration practices;

(b) take all reasonable steps necessary to secure the safety, welfare and health of persons employed for purposes of those operations in the exploration area and to protect the environment;

(c) maintain in good condition and repair all structures, equipments and other goods in the exploration area and used in connection with the exploration operations;

(d) remove from the exploration area all structures, equipments and other goods not used or not intended to be used in connection with the exploration operations;

(e)  take reasonable steps to warn persons who may, from time to  time, be in the vicinity of any such structures, equipments or other goods of the possible hazards resulting therefrom;

(f)  give to the Licensing Authority notice of the discovery of a deposit of any mineral or group of minerals to which the  holder’s  license relates within ten days after the holder determines that the deposit is of potential commercial interest;

(g)  give to the Licensing Authority notice of the discovery of a deposit of any mineral or group of minerals including  radioactive minerals necessary for the generation of nuclear  energy, mineral oil and natural gas, other than a mineral or group of minerals to which his license relates, within ten days after making the discovery.

(2)  Any holder of an exploration license who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of sub-rule (1) shall be guilty of an offence and be punishable with a fine which shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees or more than two hundred thousand rupees, in addition to the rectification of the default within the time given by the Licensing Authority failing which the mineral title may be withdrawn.

29. Work programme of exploration operations.---The provisions of rule 18 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to the holder of an exploration license, as they apply in relation to the holder of a reconnaissance license, and for that purpose  any reference in that rule to reconnaissance license or reconnaissance operations shall be deemed to be a reference to exploration license or, as the case may be, exploration operations.---------------------------------------

30. Records, etc. to be kept by holder of exploration license.---The holder of an

exploration license shall-

 

(a)  keep at an address in the Province a proper record in such form as

may be determined in writing by the Licensing Authority in relation

to-

(i)  the location and results of all photo geological studies,

imaging, geological mapping, geochemical sampling,

geophysical surveying, drilling, pitting and trenching,

sampling and bulk sampling and other activities  undertaken

by the holder in the course of the exploration  operations

carried on by the holder, in or in connection  with the

exploration area to which the exploration license relates;

 

(ii)  the results of all analytical, metallurgical and mineralogical

work incidental to such exploration operations;

 

(iii)  the interpretation and assessment of the studies, surveys  and

work referred to in sub-clauses (i) and (ii);

 

(iv)  the persons employed by the holder for the purpose of  such exploration operations, including the names,  address,

nationality and ages of such persons;

 

(v)  the nature, mass or volume and value of any mineral or group

of minerals sold or otherwise disposed of and the  full name

and address of any person to whom such mineral or group of

minerals was sold or otherwise disposed of;

 

(vi)  the expenditures incurred by the holder in the course of such

exploration operations; and

 

(vii)  such other information as may be determined in writing  by

the Licensing Authority and specified by notice in  writing

given to such holder; 

 

(b)  prepare or cause to be prepared and maintained at all times plans and

maps in respect of the exploration area;

 

(c)  prepare in respect of the period of the currency of the  exploration

license a statement of income and expenditure derived or incurred in

connection with the explorations in the  exploration area and such

other financial statement in such  form as the Licensing Authority

may require or determine;

 

(d)  submit within thirty days after the end of each quarter during  the

currency of such exploration license to the Licensing Authority in

such form as may be determined in writing by it a return or returns

containing in relation to such quarter-

  

(i)  a summary of the particulars and information contained in the

records referred to in clauses (a) and (c) as may be required,

and in such form as may be indicated by the  Licensing

Authority by notice in writing given to the holder; and

 

(ii)  such other particulars as the Licensing Authority may require

in relation to the exploration operations carried  on by the

holder; and

 

(e)  submit, within sixty days after the end of the currency of such

exploration license and of each period during which such exploration

license has been renewed in respect of the whole of  the exploration

area, or together with an application for the  renewal of such

exploration licenses or an application for a mineral deposit retention

license or mining lease in respect of the whole or any portion of the

exploration area, to the Licensing Authority, in such form as may be

determined in  writing by the Licensing Authority, a report in

duplicate or, in  the case where an application is made for a mineral

deposit  retention license or mining lease in respect of a portion of

the exploration area, separate reports in duplicate in respect of such

area and the remainder of such exploration area in relation  to such

period,-

 

(i)  an estimate of the mineral reserved in the exploration  area

properly illustrated by way of plans and maps according to an

appropriate scale;

 

(ii)  the nature, mass or volume and value of any mineral or group of minerals sold or otherwise disposed of and the  full name

and address of any person to whom such mineral or group of

minerals has been sold or otherwise disposed of;

 

(iii)  an evaluation of the prospects of the discovery of any mineral

or group of minerals in the exploration area; and

 

(iv)  such other particulars as the Licensing Authority may require

in relation to the exploration operations carried  on by such

holder.

 

(2)  In the event of the cancellation or surrender of an exploration license under

rule 56 or rule 57 or the expiration of an exploration license, the person who was

the holder of such license immediately before such cancellation or surrender or

expiration shall, on a date not later than one month after the date of such

cancellation, surrender or expiration, deliver to the Licensing Authority- 

 

(a)  all records kept in terms of the provisions of clause (a) of subrule

(1);

 

(b)  all maps and plans referred to in clause (b) of sub-rule (1);

 

(c)  all reports, photographs, tabulations, tapes and discs prepared by or

on behalf of such person in the course of such exploration operation;

and

 

(d)  such other books, documents, records and reports as the Licensing

Authority may require by notice in writing or copies of such records,

maps, plans, reports, photographs, tabulations,  tapes, discs, books

and documents, unless a mineral deposit  retention license or a

mining lease is issued to such person in   relation to the area to

which such exploration license related,  with effect from the date

following the date of such  cancellation, surrender or expiration or

such later date as the  Licensing Authority may, on good cause

shown, allow.

 

(3) Any person referred to in sub-rule (1) or sub-rule (2) who contravenes or fails

to comply with the provisions of that sub-rule shall be guilty of an offence and be

punishable with a fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees or more

than one hundred and fifty thousand rupees, in addition to the rectification of  the

default within the time given by the Licensing Authority failing which the mineral

title may be withdrawn. PART-V

MINERAL DEPOSIT RETENTION LICENSE

 

31. Application for mineral deposit retention license.---(1) An application for a

mineral deposit retention license shall,-

 

(a) in case of an individual, give such information as is referred to in sub-clause (i)

of clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of rule 13;

 

(b) in case of a company, give such information as is referred to in sub-clause (ii)

of clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of rule 13;

 

(c) be accompanied by a description and plan such as is referred to in clause (d) of

sub-rule (1) of rule 13 of the area of land, not  greater than the exploration area

concerned, over which the license is sought;

 

(d) identify the mineral or group of minerals to which the application relates and

furnish full details of the proven, estimated or inferred mineral reserves contained

therein, and of the mining conditions pertaining thereto;

 

(e) contain particulars of-

(i) the proposals for the carrying out of work in the  exploration area and

expenditures during the period of  the retention license in respect of which

the application  is made and if no further work in or in relation to the

exploration area could be usefully carried out the reasons therefor;

 

(ii) the state of the environment in the area to which the application relates,

the likely adverse impact of the operations to be carried on may have on the

environment and the measures to be taken to prevent or  mitigate such

impact;

 

(f) furnish particulars such as are referred to in clause (f) of subrule (1) of rule 13;

 

(g) furnish particulars of the exploration license held by the applicant;

 

(h) give reasons in support of the claim that the mineral deposit discovered in the

area of land to which the application relates  could not then be mined on a

profitable basis; and a forecast of the circumstances in which, and the earliest date

on which, the mineral or group of minerals discovered might be so mined;

 

(i) state the period for which the license is required; and (j) be accompanied

by relevant data, studies, analysis, documents  and such other information as the

Licensing Authority may require in relation to the application.

 

(2) An application for a mineral deposit retention license may contain any other

matter which in the opinion of the applicant is relevant.

 

(3) An application for a mineral deposit retention license shall be made not later

than one hundred and eighty days before the expiry of the exploration  license or

any renewal thereof, or such later date but not later than such expiry date, as the

Licensing Authority may allow.

 

32.  Pre-requisite for grant of mineral deposit retention license.---No person

shall apply for the grant of a mineral deposit retention license, unless-

 

(a) he is the holder of an exploration license in relation to the area of land and the

mineral or group of minerals to which the application relates; (b) a potentially economic discovery of mineral deposit has been  made in the

exploration area;

 

(c) the applicant has completed a full feasibility study to determine whether the

mineral discovered can be developed and produced on a profitable basis;

 

(d) the applicant wishes to retain the exploration area or a part  thereof for future

development of the mineral deposit discovered as development could not then be

reasonably  undertaken on a profitable basis for good  economic or  technical

reasons; and

 

(e) exploration operations and relevant studies have been  undertaken to the

maximum extent feasible in the circumstances.

 

33. Duration of mineral deposit retention license.---(1) Subject to these rules, a

mineral deposit retention license shall be valid-

 

(a) for such period, not exceeding two years, as may be specified  in the license;

and

 

(b) for such further period, not exceeding one year, as may be determined by the

Licensing Authority at the time of the granting of any application for the renewal

of the license.

 

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (1), but subject to the other

provisions of these rules,-

 

(a) a mineral deposit retention license shall not expire during the  period an

application for renewal  of the license is being  considered, until the renewal is

refused or the application is withdrawn, whichever is earlier, or if the application

is granted,  until such time as the license is renewed in consequence of the

application; or

 

(b) where an application is made by the holder of a mineral deposit  retention

license for the grant of a mining lease in relation to an  area of land which

constitutes the retention area, and in respect of any mineral or group of minerals to

which the license relates, the license shall not expire in relation to that area of land

and that mineral or groups of minerals until the  application is not acceded to or

withdrawn, whichever first occurs, or if the application is granted, until such time

as the mining lease applied for is issued.

 

(3) Where a mining lease is issued to the holder of a mineral deposit  retention

license in respect of an area of land which forms part of the retention area and in

respect of any mineral or group of minerals to which the mineral deposit retention

license relates,-

 

(a) the mineral deposit retention license shall cease to have effect in relation to the

area of land as from the date of the issue of the mining lease; and

 

(b) any other mineral deposit retention license for the same mineral shall cease to

have effect, unless the Licensing Authority has, with the concurrence of the holder

to whom the mining lease is issued, determined otherwise on such conditions as

may be specified in writing by the Licensing Authority.

 

34. Rights of holder of mineral deposit retention license.---(1) Subject to these

rules and the conditions of the license, a mineral deposit retention license shall

authorize the holder of the license- (a) to retain the retention area in question for further mining operations subject to

the provisions of rule 33;

 

(b) to carry out a programme of operations such as is referred to in rule 41;

 

(c) to remove, with the permission of the Licensing Authority previously obtained

whether generally or in every particular case, from the retention area any mineral

or group of minerals  or sample thereof, for the purposes of testing, assaying or

pilot plant studies, from any place where it was found or incidentally won in the

course of carrying out such programme of operations to any other place whether

within or outside the Province or, subject to any law for the time being in force,

outside Pakistan; 

 

(d) to sell or otherwise dispose of, with the permission of the Licensing Authority

previously obtained whether generally or in every particular case, limited amounts

of any mineral or group of minerals or material excavated during operations so

carried out; and

 

(e) to do, subject to sub-rule (2), all other things, including the  carrying out of

investigations and operations and the erection or construction of ancillary works,

in the retention area, as may be reasonably necessary for, or in connection with,

any operation as contemplated in clause (b).

 

(2) The provisions of sub-rule (2) of rule 15 shall apply mutatis mutandis  in

relation to the holder of  a mineral deposit retention license wishing to erect or

construct accessory works under sub-rule (1) as they apply in relation to the holder

of a reconnaissance license wishing to do so under rule 15.

 

35. Exercise of power to grant or refuse application for mineral deposit

retention license.---(1) The Licensing Authority shall not grant an application for

a mineral deposit retention license to a person who, under rule 32, is not entitled to

apply for such license,-

 

(a) in respect of an area, other than the area located outside the boundaries of the

area granted under the exploration license, or  falls otherwise in the area reserved

for mineral deposits retention license;

 

(b) in relation to any mineral or group of minerals, unless the Licensing Authority,

on reasonable grounds, is satisfied-

 

(i) that the deposit of the mineral or group of minerals in  the area to which the

application relates cannot, for the reasons set out in the application, be mined on a

profitable basis at the time and can probably be mined  on the expiration of the

period contemplated in rule 33;

 

(ii) that no further work can be usefully carried on in the exploration area which

may have the effect of negating the reasons so given;

 

(iii) that it is desirable, having regard to the future  utilization  of the mineral

resources of the Province, to grant such license; and

 

(c) in relation to the area of land to which such application relates in respect of any

mineral or group of minerals, if at the time of such application,-

 

(i) such area of land forms part of any exploration area in relation to any mineral

or group of minerals, other than  the mineral or group of minerals to which the

application relates, unless the applicant has given a notice in writing, not later than the date on which such application is made, to the holder of the exploration license

in respect of that exploration area, of his application or intended application, as the

case may be, for such mineral deposit retention license;

 

(ii) the Licensing Authority has afforded the holder referred  to in clause (i) a

reasonable opportunity to make representation in relation to such application;

 

(iii) the Licensing Authority, with due regard to any representation made in terms

of clause (ii), deems it desirable to grant such license having regard to the  future

utilization of the mineral resources of the Province; or

 

(iv) such area of land forms part of any retention area in relation to any mineral or

group of minerals, other than  the mineral or group of minerals to which the

application  relates, unless the Licensing Authority  deems it desirable, having

regard to the future utilization  of the mineral resources of the Province to grant

such license;

 

(v) the Licensing Authority, on reasonable grounds, is  satisfied that the

programme of operations referred to in  clause (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 31 and

any other investigations and operations referred to in clause (d) of sub-rule (1) of

that rule to be carried on by virtue of such license, if issued, will not detrimentally

affect the rights of any holder of the mineral deposit retention license in respect of

any such area; and

 

(vi) the holder of the mineral deposit retention license has  consented to the

application for the grant of the mineral deposit retention license.

 

(2) The Licensing Authority shall not refuse to grant an application for a mineral

deposit retention license on any ground contemplated in clause (b) of subrule (1), 

unless the Licensing Authority-

 

(a) has by notice in writing informed such holder of its intention to  refuse  such

application,-

 

(i) setting out particulars of the grounds for that intention; and

(ii) requiring such holder to make representation to the  Licensing Authority in

relation to such grounds or to rectify any matter relating to such grounds specified

in  such notice, and such holder has failed to rectify such  matter or to make

representations; and

 

(b) has taken into consideration any representation made by such person.

 

36. Issue of mineral deposit retention license.---The provisions of rule 17 shall

apply mutatis mutandis in relation to the issue of a mineral deposit retention

license as they apply in relation to the issue of a reconnaissance license.

 

37. Conditions.---It shall be a condition of every mineral deposit retention license

that the Director General may disclose information with respect to the  retention

area to a person if the Director General is satisfied that such a disclosure  of

information would be in the interest of development of that mineral deposit.

 

38. Application for renewal of mineral deposit retention license.---(1) Subject

to sub-rule (2), the provisions of rules 34 and 35 shall apply mutatis mutandis in

relation to an application for the renewal of a mineral deposit retention license as

they apply in relation to an application for the grant of a mineral deposit retention

license.

 (2) An application for the renewal of a mineral deposit retention license shall be

made not later than ninety days before the date on which the license expires  or

such later date, but not later than such  expiry date, as the Licensing Authority

may, on good cause shown, allow.

 

(3) Subject to the provision of sub-rule (4), the Licencing Authority shall

ordinarily exceed the request of the applicant for the renewal of the mineral

deposit retention license, unless the applicant has, by notice, been informed that he

is a defaulter; provided that if the Licensing Authority is of the opinion that the

default  is not substantial and that special circumstances exists which justify the

grant, it may renew the license.

 

(4) The Licensing Authority shall not refuse, under sub-rule (3), to grant  the

application in question, unless the authority has, by notice in writing, informed the

holder of the license of its intention to refuse the application,-

 

(a) setting out particulars of the alleged default; and

(b) requiring the holder to make representation to the Licensing  Authority in

relation to the alleged default or to rectify that default on or before a date specified

in the notice,  and the holder has failed to rectify that default or make

representation, which, in the opinion of the Licensing Authority, is a ground for

the intended refusal.

 

39. Application for amendment of mineral deposit retention license.---(1)

Subject to sub-rule (2), the holder of a mineral deposit retention license may apply

for the amendment of the license,- 

 

(a) by reduction of the retention area to which the license relates; or

 

(b) by addition of any mineral or group of minerals discovered in  the retention

area, to which the license does not relate.

 

(2) The provisions of rules 36 and 37 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to an

application under sub-rule (1) as they apply in relation to an  application for the

grant of a mineral deposit retention license.

 

(3) If an application under sub-rule (1) is granted by the Licensing Authority, it

shall amend the mineral deposit retention license accordingly.

 

40. Obligations of holder of mineral deposit retention license.---The provisions

of sub-rule (1) of rule 28 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to a mineral

deposit retention license as they apply in relation to an exploration license, and for

that purpose, the reference to the holder of an exploration license shall be deemed

to be a reference to the holder of a mineral deposit retention license.

 

41. Work programme under mineral deposit retention license.---The holder of

a mineral deposit retention license shall carry out any programme of operations,

including evaluation, from time to time, of the mineral deposit concerned, as may

be specified in the license or directed to be performed by the Licensing Authority,

as a condition of any renewal of the license.

 

42. Direction to apply for mining lease.---(1) The Licensing Authority, if it

wishes to proceed with the development of the mineral deposit, shall, before doing

so, afford the holder of the mineral deposit retention license an opportunity to

apply for a mining lease.

 

(2) The Licensing Authority shall, by notice in writing given to the holder of the mineral deposit retention license, direct the holder to apply, within such

reasonable period as is specified in the notice, for a mining lease over the land

which constitutes the retention area, in respect of the mineral or group of minerals

to which the mineral deposits retention license is applied.

 

(3) Where, in a case referred to in sub-rule (2), the holder of a mineral  deposit

retention license, before the expiration of the period so specified under subrule (2),

fails to apply for the mining lease as directed, the Licensing Authority may cancel

the mineral deposit retention license on the expiration of that period. 

 

(4) Where a mineral deposit retention license is deemed to have been  cancelled,

the Licensing Authority may by a notice in writing invite other person to  apply

under these rules, within the period specified in the notice, for a mining lease

subject to his giving sound proposals for the development of mining area

acceptable to the Licensing Authority.

 

43. Records, etc, to be kept by holder of mineral deposit retention license.---

(1) The holder of mineral deposit retention license shall,-

 

(a) keep at an address in the Province a proper record in such form  as may be

determined in writing by the Licensing Authority in relation to,-

 

(i) the investigations and operations, including  the erection  or construction of

ancillary works, in such retention area as may be reasonably necessary, carried on

by the holder for, or in connection with future mining operations contemplated in

rule 31;

 

(ii) the location and results of all photo geological studies,  imaging, geological

mapping, geochemical sampling,  geophysical surveying, drilling, pitting and

trenching,  sampling and bulk sampling and all other activities undertaken by the

holder in the course of the exploration operations carried on by  the holder, or in

connection with the retention area to which the mineral deposit  retention license

relates;

 

(iii) the results of all analytical, metallurgical and mineralogical work incidental to

such exploration operations;

 

(iv) the interpretation of land assessment of the studies,  surveys and works

referred to in sub-clauses (ii) and (iii);

 

(v) the persons employed by the holder for purposes of such  investigations and

operations, including the name, address, nationality and age of each such persons; 

 

(vi) the expenditures incurred by the holder in the course of  such exploration

operations; and

 

(vii) such other information as may be determined by the Licensing Authority and

specified by notice in writing addressed and delivered to such holder;

 

(b) prepare or cause to be prepared and maintained at all times plans and maps in

respect of the retention area;

 

(c) submit within sixty days after the end of the currency of such mineral deposit

retention license in respect of the whole of the retention area, or together with an

application for the renewal  of such mineral deposit retention license or an

application for a  mining lease in respect of the whole or any portion of the

retention area, to the Licensing Authority in such form as may be determined in writing by the Licensing Authority, a report  in duplicate or, in the case where an

application is made for a mining lease in respect of a portion of the retention area,

separate reports in duplicate in respect of such portion and the remainder of such

retention area, setting out in relation to such period,-

 

(i) an evaluation of the prospects of future mining  operations in such retention

area,

 

(ii) all information, including photographs, tabulations,  tapes and discs, in the

record referred to in  clause (a) and the plans and maps referred to in clause  (b);

and 

 

(iii) such other particulars as the Licensing Authority may require in relation to the

operation carried on by such holder; and

 

(d) submit to the Licensing Authority such other reports, records  and other

information as the Licensing Authority may, from  time to time, require in

connection with the carrying on of  investigations and operations in the retention

area in question.

 

(2) In the event of the cancellation of a mineral deposit retention license under rule

56 or the surrender or expiry of a mineral deposit retention license the person who

was the holder of such license immediately before the cancellation,  surrender or

expiration shall, on a date not later than one hundred and eighty days after the date

of the cancellation or surrender or expiry, deliver to the Licensing Authority-

 

(a) all records kept in terms of the provisions of clause (a) of subrule (1); and

(b) such other books, documents, records and reports as the Licensing Authority

may require by notice in writing, or copies of such records, books, documents and

reports, unless a mining license is  issued to such person in relation to the area to

which such mineral deposits retention  license relates with effect from the date

following the date of such cancellation,  surrender or expiry or such later date as

the Licensing Authority may, on good cause shown, allow.

 

(3) Any person referred to in sub-rules (1) and (2) who contravenes or  fails to

comply with the provisions of that sub-rule shall be guilty of an offence and be

punishable with a fine which shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees or more

than two hundred thousand rupees, in addition to the rectification of the  default

within the time given by the Licensing Authority failing which  the mineral  title

may be with-drawn. PART-VI

MINING LEASE

 

44. Application for mining lease.---(1) An application for the grant of a mining

lease may be made only by a body corporate formed by or under a law for the time

being in force in Pakistan.

 

(2) An application for the grant of a mining lease shall-

 

(a) give such information as is required by these rules or as the  Licensing

Authority may require;

 

(b) be accompanied by a description and plan such as is required by these rules or

as the Licensing Authority may require;

 

(c) be made in respect of an area of land not exceeding two  hundred and fifty

square kilometers;

 

(d) furnish particulars such as are required by these rules or as the  Licensing

Authority may require;

 

(e) be accompanied by a technological report on mining and treatment possibilities

and the intention of the applicant in relation thereto;

 

(f) be accompanied by the relevant feasibility studies, detailed  plans for

development and operation of the mine and the  programme of proposed mining

operations, including a forecast of-

 

(i) the date by which the applicant intends to work for profit,

(ii) the capacity of production and scale of operations,

(iii) the anticipated overall recovery of ore and mineral products; and

(iv) the nature of the products;

 

(g) be accompanied by an environmental impact assessment in  terms of the

Environmental Protection Act, 1997, and shall  identify the extent of any adverse

effect which the plan for development and operation of the mine and the carrying

out of  the programme of proposed mining operations would be likely  to have on

the environment and on any monument or relic in the area over which the lease is

required, and proposals for eliminating or controlling that effect;

 

(h) present proposals for the prevention of pollution, the treatment and disposal of

wastes, the safeguarding, reclamation and  rehabilitation of land disturbed by

mining operations, the protection of rivers and other sources of water and for

monitoring and managing of any adverse effect of mining  operations on the

environment;

 

(i) identify any particular risks (whether to health or otherwise) involved in mining

the mineral or group of minerals which it is proposed to mine, and proposals for

their control or elimination;

 

(j) give or be accompanied by a statement giving a detailed  forecast of capital

investment, operating costs and revenues and the anticipated type and source and

extent of financing;

 

(k) be accompanied by a statement giving particulars of expected  infrastructure

requirements;

 (l) state the period for which the lease is required; and  (m) be accompanied by

such other documents and information as  the Licensing Authority may require in

relation to the application.

 

(3) An application for the grant of a mining lease may contain any  other matter

which in the opinion of the applicant is relevant to the application.

 

45. Duration of mining lease.---(1) Subject to these rules, a mining lease shall be

valid-

 

(a) for such period, not exceeding thirty years or the period representing the life of

the mine based on exploration  /  evaluation of a mineral deposit and the

development work plan, as determined by the Licensing Authority, whichever is

lesser, as may be specified in the lease; and

 

(b) for such period, subject to sub-rule (2), as may be determined by the Licensing

authority in relation to any renewal of the  lease, as from the date on which the

lease would have expired if an application for its renewal had not been made or on

the date on which the application for renewal is granted, whichever is later.

 

(2) A mining lease may be renewed for a period not exceeding ten years, or for the

period representing the estimated life of the mine by the Licensing Authority, as

determined on the basis of available data, whichever is the lesser period as from

the date on which the application for renewal is received by the  Licensing

authority.

 

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (1), but subject to the other

provisions of these rules, where an application is made for the renewal of a mining

lease, the lease shall not expire during the period the application is being

considered, unless the application is refused or withdrawn, whichever is the lesser

period as from the date on which the application for renewal is received by the

Licensing Authority.

 

46. Exercise of power to grant or refuse application for mining lease:-  (1)

Subject to these rules, where an application for the grant of a mining lease is made

by the holder of an exploration license or a mineral deposit retention license, and

the application-

 

(a) relates to an area of land which constitutes the exploration area or, as the case

may be, the retention area; and 

 

(b) is in respect of any mineral or group of minerals to which such  exploration

license or mineral deposit retention license relates,  the Licensing Authority shall

grant the application.

 

(2) Subject to these rules, where an application is made for the grant of a mining

lease by any person other than a person such as is referred to in sub-rule (1),  the

Licensing Authority may grant or refuse to grant the application. 

 

(3) The Licensing Authority shall not grant an application for a mining  lease 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) any exploration license conferring an exclusive right to carry  on exploration

operations in that area of land in respect of that mineral or group of minerals; or

 

(b) any mining concession for small scale mining in relation to that area of land in respect of that mineral or group of minerals; or

 

(c) any mineral deposit retention license in relation to that area of  land and in

respect of that mineral or group of minerals,  is held by any person other than the

applicant or the mining lease, unless,-

 

(i) that other person agrees to the application being granted; and

(ii) the Licensing Authority, deems desirable in the interest of the development of

the mineral resource to grant the  application, by getting a consensus from the

holder.

 

(4) The Licensing Authority shall not grant an application for a mining  lease in

relation to any area of land in respect of any mineral or group of minerals if at the

time the application is made, the period specified in an invitation, given under sub-

rule (4) of rule 42 to a person, other than the applicant, to apply for such a mining

lease, has not expired.

 

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (1), but subject to the provisions of

this sub-rule, an application for the grant of a mining lease shall not be granted,-

(a) unless-

 

(i) the feasibility study shows that the mine can be  profitably developed and

operated;

 

(ii) the proposed plans for development and operation of the  mine and the

programme of the mining operations of the  applicant in question ensure the

efficient, beneficial and timely use of the mineral resources in question;

 

(iii) the applicant in question has the technical and financial ability and experience

to carry out effective mining operations; and

 

(iv) the Director General is satisfied in respect of  environmental effect of the

project and any condition or limitation prescribed by the Pakistan Environmental

Protection Act, 1997, and rules and Regulations, if any, made thereunder; or

 

(b) if the applicant in question is, at the time of the application, in default, unless

the Licensing Authority is of the opinion that the default is not substantial and that

special circumstances exist which justify the grant of the application; or (c) in the

case of an application made in relation to any area of  land and in respect of any

mineral or group of minerals, to a person who does not hold an exploration license

or a mineral deposit retention license in relation to that area of land, or in respect

of that mineral or group of minerals, unless the  Licensing Authority is of  the

opinion that the mineral or the group of minerals is present in the area of land in

potentially commercial quantities.

 

(6) The Licensing Authority shall not, in the case of an application for a mining

lease by the holder of a mineral title referred to in sub-rule (1), refuse to grant the

application;

 

(a) in terms of clause (a) of sub-rule (5), unless the Licensing Authority has, by

notice in writing given to the applicant, communicated its intention to so refuse the

application and has,-

 

(i) informed the applicant of the reasons for its intention;

 

(ii) afforded the applicant an opportunity to make, within such reasonable period

as may be specified in the notice, representations in relation to all matters relating to its intention and, if the applicant so desires, to make proposals in relation to any

such matters; and

 

(iii) taken into consideration any such representation; and

 

(b) in terms of clause (b) of sub-rule (5), unless the Licensing Authority has, by

notice in writing given to the applicant, communicated its intention to so refuse the

application,-

 

(i) setting out particulars of the alleged default; and

 

(ii) requiring the applicant to make representation to the Licensing Authority in

relation to the alleged default or to rectify the default on or before a date specified

in the  notice;  and the applicant has failed to rectify the default or has failed to

make such  representation as in the opinion of the authority is the ground for the

intended refusal.

 

(7) The Licensing Authority shall not refuse an application for a mining  lease on

the ground that any proposal in the application is inadequate or  unsatisfactory,

unless the Licensing Authority has, by notice in writing, informed  the applicant

accordingly and afforded the applicant a reasonable opportunity to  modify the

proposals concerned.

38

47. Rights of holder of mining lease.---(1) Subject to these rules and the

conditions of the lease, a mining lease shall confer on the holder of the lease,-

 

(a) the exclusive right to carry on mining operations in the mining area in question

in respect of any mineral or group of minerals to which the lease relates;

 

(b) the right to enter and occupy the land which comprises the mining area for the

purpose of carrying on mining operations and exploration operations referred to in

clause (a);

 

(c) the right to carry on exploration operation in the mining area in  conjunction

with mining operations such as are referred to in clause (a) above in relation to any

such mineral or group of minerals;

 

(d) the right to  remove from the mining area any mineral or group  of minerals,

from any place where it was found or mined in the  course of mining operations

such as are referred in clause (a) or  found or incidentally won in the course of

exploration operations referred in clause (b), to any other place within or outside

the Province or, subject to such other permission as may be required under any

relevant law, to any place outside Pakistan;

 

(e) the right to take and divert water on or flowing through such land and use it for

any purpose necessary for mining operations subject to and in accordance with the

provisions of the relevant laws;

 

(f) the right to sell or otherwise dispose of any such mineral or group of minerals

subject to any condition of the mining lease or mineral agreement relating to the

satisfaction of the internal requirements of Pakistan; and

 

(g) the right, subject to sub-rule (2), to do all other things and carry on such other

operations, including the erection or construction  of ancillary works, as may be

reasonably necessary for, or in  connection with, the mining or exploration

operations, removal, selling or disposal contemplated in clauses (a), (b), (c), or (e).

 (2) The provision of sub-rule (2) of rule 15 shall apply mutatis mutandis  to the

holder of mining lease who wishes to erect or construct ancillary works under sub-

rule (1) as they apply in relation to the holder of a reconnaissance license wishing

to do so under rule 15.

 

48. Issue of mining lease.---The provisions of rule 17 shall apply mutatis

mutandis in relation to the issue of mining leases as they apply in relation to the

issue of a reconnaissance license.

 

49. Application for renewal of mining lease.---(1) Subject to sub-rule (2), the

provisions of rules 46 and 47 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to an

application for the renewal of a mining lease as they apply in relation to an

application for the grant of a mining lease.

 

(2) An application for the renewal of mining lease shall be made not later than six

months before the date on which the lease expires, if not renewed or such  later

date but not later than such expiry date, as the Licensing Authority may, on good

cause shown, allow.

 

(3) Subject to sub-rule (4), upon an application duly made for the renewal  of a

mining lease, the lease may be renewed as provided in sub-rule (2) of rule 46 with

or without a variation of the conditions of the lease. 

 

(4) The Licensing authority shall not grant an application for the renewal  of a

mining lease if mineral resource has depleted.

 

50. Application for amendment of mining lease.---(1) Subject to sub-rule (2),

the holder of a mining lease may apply for the amendment of the lease,-

 

(a) by the extension or reduction, or both, of the mining area to which the lease,

relates; or

 

(b) by the addition of any mineral or group of minerals, discovered  in the mining

area, to which the lease does not relate.

 

(2) The provisions of rule 46 and 47 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to an

application, under sub-rule (1) as they apply in relation to an  application for the

grant of a mining lease.

 

(3) If an application under sub-rule (1) is granted by the Licensing Authority, it

shall amend the mining lease accordingly.

 

51. Obligations of holder of mining lease.---(1) Subject to sub-rule (2), the

provisions of sub-rule (1) of rule 28 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to a

mining lease as they apply in relation to an exploration license, and for that

purpose, the reference to the holder of an exploration license shall be deemed to be

a reference to the holder of a mining lease.

 

(2) It shall be a condition of the mining lease that the holder shall

commence mining operations within six months of the grant of the lease and shall

carry on those operations in accordance with the approved plan for development

and operation of the mine.

 

52. Notice of cessation of mining operations.---(1) The holder of a mining lease

shall, where he intends to temporarily cease mining operations, or to reduce  the

normal rate of production, give notice in writing of that intention to the Licensing

Authority on a date not later than- (i) thirty days in the case of such intended cessation of mining operations; or

(ii) seven days in the case of such intended reduction of production; or such other

period as the Licensing Authority may, on good cause shown, allow  for such

intended cessation or intended reduction.

 

(2) If, for any reason beyond the control at any time, the holder of a mining lease

temporarily ceases mining operations, or reduces the normal rate of production, he

shall notify the Licensing Authority of such temporary cessation or  reduction

along with reasons therefor as soon as possible after such cessation or reduction.

 

53. Action by Licensing Authority.---On receipt of a notice referred to in rule 52,

or if the Licensing Authority has otherwise reason to believe that the holder of any

mining lease has ceased mining operation, whether permanently or temporarily, or

reduced mining operations, the Licensing Authority may cause the matter to be

investigated and-

 

(a)  give its approval on such conditions, as the Licensing  Authority may

determine, to the cessation or reduction; or  (b) refuse its approval on reasonable

grounds and give such directions to the holder as the authority deems appropriate.

 

54. Unit development.---(1) The Licensing Authority may,-  (a) in the interest of

the effective recovery of minerals from neighbouring or contiguous mining areas;

or  (b) to secure the rational development and ultimate recovery of  any mineral

from neighbouring or contiguous mining areas,  allow the holders of the mining

leases in respect of those areas to coordinate their  operations or develop their

deposit as one unit based on the feasibility report.

 

(2) The Licensing Authority shall after the receipt of an application from  the

holders of mining leases in this behalf, direct in writing the holders of the mining

leases to enter into an agreement within a period specified in the direction for or in

relation to the coordination of their operation or the development of their deposit

as a unit.

 

(3) The provisions of rule 46, 47, 50, 51 and 52 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the

unit area as they apply to a mining lease.

 

(4) The liability of the coordinated or joint development as a unit shall be joint and

several as provided in rule 74.

 

55. Records etc. to be kept by the holder of mining lease.---(1) The holder of a

mining lease shall-

 

(a) keep at an address in the Province a proper record in such form  as may be

determined in writing by the Licensing Authority in relation to-

(i)  any mining operations referred to in clause (a) of subrule  (1) of rule 47,

regarding-

 

(a) the nature, appraisal and results of all mining  operations carried on, or in

connection with, the mining area to which such mining lease relates;

 

(b) the nature and mass or volume of any mineral or  group of minerals won or

mined in such mining area and treated or stockpiled in such mining area

or elsewhere;

 

(c) the nature, mass or volume and value of any mineral or group of minerals so

won or mined, sold or otherwise disposed of and the full names and addresses of

persons to whom such mineral or group of minerals was sold or otherwise

disposed of; (d) the nature and mass or volume of any waste  removed from such mining area

and the manner in which it was disposed of;

 

(e) the persons employed by the holder for purposes  of such mining operations,

including the names, addresses, nationalities and ages of such persons;

 

(f) expenditures incurred by the holder in the course  of such mining operations;

and

 

(g) such other information as may be determined by  the Licensing Authority and

specified by notice in writing, addressed and delivered to such holder;

 

(ii) any exploration operation referred to in clause (b) of  sub-rule (1) of rule 47,

regarding-

 

(a) the nature, location  and results of all photo  geological studies, imaging,

geological mapping,  geochemical sampling, geophysical surveying,  drilling, 

pitting and trenching, sampling and bulk  sampling, and all other activities

undertaken by such holder in the course of such exploration operations;

 

(b) the results of all analytical, metallurgical and mineralogical work incidental to

such exploration operations;

 

(c) the interpretation and assessment of the studies, surveys and works referred to

in sub-clauses (ii)(a) and (ii)(b);

 

(d) the nature and mass or volume of any mineral or group of minerals found or

incidentally won in the course of such exploration operations;

 

(e) the persons employed by the holder for purposes  of such exploration

operations, including the names, addresses, nationalities and ages of such persons;

 

(f) the expenditures incurred by such holder  in the course of such exploration

operations;

 

(g) such other information as may be determined by  the Licensing Authority and

specified by notice in writing given to the holder; and

 

(b) prepare or cause to be prepared and maintained at all times plans and maps in

respect of the mining area;

 

(c) prepare in respect of each quarter of the mining lease, a statement of income

and expenditure derived or incurred in  connection with mining operations in the

mining lease area and  such other financial statements as the Licensing Authority

may require in such form as it may determine; 

 

(d) submit within fifteen days after the end of each month and thirty days after the

end of each quarter to the Licensing Authority, returns in relation to such month or

quarter containing,-

 

(i) summary of the particulars and information contained in the records referred to

in clause (a) and sub-clause (ii)(b) as may be required by the Licensing Authority

and indicated in such form or required by the Licensing Authority by notice in

writing given to the holder; and 

 

(ii) such other particulars as the Licensing Authority may require in relation to the

mining operations and  exploration operations carried on by the holder in such mining area;

 

(e) submit, within sixty days after 31st December of each year, to  the Licensing

Authority, in such form as may be determined in  writing by the Licensing

Authority, returns or reports in duplicate containing in relation to such year,-

 

(i) a summary of the particulars and information contained in the records referred

to in sub-clause (i) of clause (a)  as may be required by the Licensing Authority

and  indicated in such form or required by the Licensing Authority by notice in

writing given to the holder; 

 

(ii) all information, including photographs, tabulations,  tapes and discs, in the

records referred to in sub-clause  (ii)(a) and the plans and maps referred to in

clause (b);

 

(iii) the statement of income and expenditure and financial statements referred to

in clause (c);

 

(iv) an estimate of the remaining mineral reserves in such mining area properly

illustrated by way of plans and maps according to an appropriate scale;

 

(v) particulars of any proposed mining operation and exploration operation during

the succeeding year, together with a forecast of delineated mineral reserves; and

 

(vi) such other reports, records and information as the Licensing Authority may

require in relation to the mining operations and exploration operations carried on

by the holder in such mining area.

 

(2) In the event of the cancellation or surrender of a mining lease under these rules

or the expiration of mining lease, the person who was the holder of such a lease

immediately before  such cancellation, or surrender or expiration shall, on a date

not later than one hundred and eighty days after the date of such cancellation or

surrender or expiration, deliver to the Licensing Authority-

 

(a) all records kept in terms of the provisions of clause (b) of subrule (1);

(b) all maps and plans referred to in clause (b)of sub-rule (1);

(c) all reports, photographs, tabulations, tapes and discs prepared by or on

behalf of such person in the course of such exploration operations; and

(d) such other books, documents, records and reports as the  Licensing

Authority may require by notice in writing given to such person, or copies

of such records, maps, plans, reports, photographs, tabulations, tapes, discs,

books and documents.

 

(3) Any person referred to in sub-rule (1) or (2), who contravenes or fails  to

comply with the provisions of any such sub-rule, shall be guilty of an offence and

be punishable with a fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees or more

than one hundred and fifty thousand rupees, in addition to the rectification of the

default within the time given by the Licensing Authority failing which the mineral

title may be withdrawn.

 PART-VII

CANCELLATION AND SURRENDER

OF MINERAL TITLES

 

56. Cancellation of mineral titles.---(1) Subject to this rule and rule 64, where the

holder of a mineral title,-

 

(a) fails to use in good faith the land subject to the title for the purpose for which

the title was granted;

 

(b) uses that land for any purposes other than the purpose for which the title was

granted;

 

(c) fails to comply with any requirement of these rules with which  the holder is

bound to comply;

 

(d) fails to comply with a condition of the title;

 

(e) fails to comply with a direction lawfully given under these  rules or with a

condition on which any certificate of surrender  is issued or on which any

exemption or consent is given under these rules; or

 

(g) fails to pay any amount payable by him under these rules within one month

after the amount becomes due,  the Licensing Authority may, on that ground, by

notice in writing, cancel the title.

 

(2) The Licensing Authority shall not, under sub-rule (1), cancel a title on  a

ground referred to in that sub-rule unless,-

 

(a) it has, by notice in writing served on the holder of the title, given not less than

thirty days notice of its intention to so cancel the title on that ground;

 

(b) it has, in the notice, specified a date before which holder of the  title may, in

writing, submit any matter which he wishes the Licensing Authority to consider;

and

 

(c) the Licensing Authority has taken into account,-

 

(i) any action taken by the holder of the title to remove  that ground or to

prevent the recurrence of similar grounds; and

 

(ii) any matter submitted to the Licensing Authority by the  holder of  the

title pursuant to clause (b).

 

(3) The Licensing Authority shall not, under sub-rule (1), cancel a title on  the

ground referred to in clause (f), if, before the date specified in the notice referred

to in sub-rule (2), the holder of the title pays the  amount of money  concerned

together with any mark-up arising pursuant to sub-rule (2) of rule 67.

 

(4) The Licensing Authority may, by notice in writing served on the holder of a

mineral deposit retention license, cancel the license if the holder fails to make

application for a mining lease in accordance with a notice given to him under sub-

rule (1) of rule 42.

 

(5) The Licensing Authority may, by notice in writing, cancel the title,-

 

(a) if the holder (being an individual),- (i) is adjudged bankrupt; or

(ii) enters into any agreement or scheme of composition with creditors or takes

advantage of any law for the benefit of debtors; and

 

(b) if the holder is a Company, an order is made or a resolution is  passed for

winding up the affairs of the Company, unless the winding up is for the purpose of

amalgamation or reconstruction and the Licensing Authority has been given

notice thereof.

 

(6) Where an application has been made under rule 60 for the  transmission of a

mineral title or of rights or interests to or in a mineral title  consequent upon the

death of an individual who is the holder of the title, the Licensing Authority shall

not cancel the title.

 

(7) Where two or more persons are holding a mineral title, the Licensing Authority

shall not, under sub-rule (5), cancel the title on the occurrence of an event entitling

the Licensing Authority to so cancel the mineral title, unless it is satisfied that any

other person or persons holding the mineral title are unwilling, or would be

unable, to carry out the duties and obligations of the holder of the mineral title.

 

(8) On the cancellation of a mineral title the rights of the holder of the  title

thereunder shall cease, and the cancellation shall not affect any liability  incurred

before the cancellation and any legal proceeding that might have  commenced

against the former holder of the title shall continue against him.

 

57. Surrender of mineral titles.---(1) The holder of a mineral title who wishes to

surrender all or a part of the land subject to the mineral title  shall apply to the

Licensing Authority for a certificate of surrender in respect of the land not less

than three months before the date on which he wishes the surrender to have effect.

 

(2) An application under sub-rule (1) shall-

 

(a) state the date on which the applicant wishes the surrender to have effect;

 

(b) identify the land to be surrendered by a description and the inclusion of a map

identifying that part, if only a part of the  land subject to the title is to be

surrendered;

 

(c) give particulars of reconnaissance, or mining operations, as the  case may be,

carried on in respect of the land to be surrendered; and

 

(d) be supported by such records and reports in relation to  operations as the

Licensing Authority may reasonably require. 

 

(3) Subject to  sub-rule (4), on an application made under sub-rule (1), the

Licensing Authority shall issue a certificate of surrender, either unconditionally or

subject to such conditions as are specified in the certificate, in respect of the land

to which the application relates.

 

(4) The Licensing Authority shall not issue a certificate of surrender-

 

(a) to an applicant who is in default;

(b) to an applicant who fails to comply with any reasonable  requirement of the

Licensing Authority for the purposes of clause (d) of sub-rule (2), or

(c) if it is not satisfied that the applicant will surrender the area on  which

reconnaissance, exploration or mining operations have  been conducted in a safe

and good condition. 58. Effect of certificate of surrender.---(1) Where, pursuant to sub-rule (3), a

certificate of surrender is issued, the Licensing Authority shall-

 

(a) cause the title to be amended accordingly, if only a part of the land subject to a

mineral title is surrendered; and

 

(b) cause the mining title to be cancelled, in any other case; and, in either case, the

Licensing Authority, shall give notice in writing to the applicant for the surrender

amendment, or as the case may be, the cancellation of the title.

 

(2) Land in respect of which a certificate of surrender is issued shall be treated as

having been surrendered with effect from the date on which notice of the surrender

is given.

 

(3) The surrender of any land shall not affect any liability incurred before the date

on which the surrender has taken effect in respect  of the land, and legal

proceedings that might have commenced against the holder shall continue against

him. PART-VIII

REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF MINERAL TITLES

 

59. Titles Register.---(1) The Licensing Authority shall cause a record to be made

in a Titles Register, kept for the purpose, of every mineral title issued and of any

dealings with, or affecting, a mineral title.

 

(2) When a mineral title is issued, the Licensing Authority shall cause the name of

the person to whom the mineral title is issued to be recorded in the Title Register

as the holder of the mineral title.

 

60. Approval of transfer etc. of mineral title: (1) The Licensing Authority may

approve a transfer of, or a cession or assignment of rights of interest to or in, a

mineral title, or the joining of a person as a joint holder of a mineral title or of

rights  or interests to or in a mineral title, and, unless it is so approved by the

Licensing Authority, it shall have no effect.

 

(2) Where an application is made to the Licensing Authority for any approval, the

Licensing Authority may, subject to sub-rules (3) and (4), give its  approval,

subject to such conditions as it deems necessary in the circumstances to  impose

but the Licensing Authority shall not unreasonably withhold its consent.

 

(3) The Licensing Authority shall not give its approval to any of the dealings such

as are referred to in sub-rule (4) with a reconnaissance license, or, subject to sub-

rule (4), to any dealing with an exploration license during the first two years of its

term.

 

(4) An application under this rule shall give, in respect of the person to whom the

license is to be transferred, ceded or assigned or who is to be joined, the

information required in clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of rule 13 in respect of an

applicant and all other relevant information.

 

(5) The Licensing Authority may require any person making an application for any

approval such as is referred to in sub-rule (4) to furnish to it such information as it

may reasonably require enabling it to dispose of the application and the applicant

shall comply with the requirement.

 

61. Inspection of Titles Register.---(1) On an application made, a copy of any

entry in the Titles Register may be obtained on payment of appropriate fee as

notified by Government.

 

(2) On an application made, the Title Register shall be open for inspection by the

applicant and the applicant may take copies of any license or entry in the Register.

 

62. Titles Register may be rectified.---Where the Licensing Authority is satisfied

that a mistake has been made in, or that some matter has been incorrectly entered

in, or omitted from, the Titles Register, it shall rectify the Register by  recording

reasons thereof.

 

63. Offences in relation to registration in Titles Register.---A person who

willfully-

 

(a) makes, or causes to be made or concurs in making, a false entry in the Titles

Register; or

 

(b) produces or tenders in evidence a document falsely purporting to be a copy of

an extract from an entry in the Title Register, shall be guilty of an offence and be punishable with a fine which shall not be less  than five thousand rupees or more

than one hundred thousand rupees, in addition to  the rectification of the default

within the time given by the Licensing Authority  failing which the mineral title

shall be with-drawn. PART-IX

FINANCIAL

 

64. Royalties payable on minerals.---(1) Subject to these rules, the holder of– (a)

a mining lease who has won or mined any mineral or group of minerals in the

course of any exploration or mining operations carried on by the holder; or

 

(b) an exploration license or a mineral deposit retention license, who has found or

incidentally won any mineral or group of minerals in the course of any exploration

operations carried on  by the holder,  shall be liable to pay to Government, in

respect of any such mineral or group of minerals disposed of by the holder, royalty

as determined under rule 65.

 

(2) For the purposes of sub-rule (1), any mineral or group of minerals  shall be

deemed to have been disposed of if it is-

 

(a) sold, donated or bartered;

 

(b) appropriated to treatment or other processing without having been dealt with as

provided in clause (a) prior to appropriation; or

 

(c) exported from the Province without having been dealt with as  provided in

clause (a) or (b) prior to export.

 

65. Rate of royalties.---(1) Subject to these rules, royalty shall be charged, in

respect of any mineral referred to in clause (a) or (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 64,

which is disposed of , on the following basis;

 

(a) in the case of coal,  and the construction and industrial minerals  group as

specified in Schedule 3, at such rates as may be notified by Government from time

to time; and

 

(b) in case of-

(i) precious stones group as so specified; or

(ii) precious metals group and semi-precious stones group as so specified; or

(iii) base metals group as so specified; or

(iv) rare metals as so specified; and

(v) any other mineral, on the fair market value of the mineral or group of minerals

as provided in this rule.

 

(2) For the purposes of sub-rule (I), the fair market value of a mineral or group of

minerals is-

 

(a) where the mineral or group of minerals is disposed of in a sale at arms length,

the sale price;

 

(b) where the mineral or group of minerals is not so disposed of,  the value

established, in relation to the kind of disposal concerned, by reference to criteria

for the determination of that  value, in the mineral agreement or mineral title or

under which or pursuant to which the mineral or group of minerals was won or

mined; or

 

(c) where the mineral or group of minerals is not disposed of as provided in clause

(a) and there is no such criteria as provided  in clause (b), the amount determined

by the Licensing  Authority, at the date of the disposal, which would, in the

opinion of the Licensing Authority, be paid on international markets or, as the case

may be, domestic markets for such minerals in a sale at arms length by a willing seller to a willing buyer.

 

(3) For the purposes of sub-rule (2), a sale is a sale at arms length if the following

conditions are satisfied with respect to the contract of sale, that is to say-

 

(a) the contract price is the sole consideration for the sale; and

 

(b) the terms of the sale are not affected by any commercial relationship other than

that created by the contract of sale  between the seller or any other person

associated with the seller and the buyer or any person associated with the buyer.

 

(4) For the purposes of this rule, the fair market value, in respect of any mineral or

group of minerals, which has been disposed of, shall be determined by reference to

the first point at which it was disposed of, without allowing for any  deductions

from the gross amount so determined.

 

66. Enhanced royalty.---Where pursuant to rule 6, a mineral agreement makes

provision for the payment of royalty, by the holder of mineral title, at an enhanced

rate or rates in respect of any mineral or group of minerals won, mined or found as

provided in rule 64, the enhanced rate of royalty shall be determined and payable 

in  accordance with the terms of the agreement; provided that the rate of royalty

payable at any time shall not be less than the rate notified pursuant to rule 65.

 

67. Payment of royalty.---(1) Royalty in respect of any mineral or group of

minerals won, mined or found as provided in rule 64 and disposed of shall be

payable not later than thirty days after the end of the calendar month in which the

mineral or group of minerals is disposed of.

 

(2) Where any person has failed to pay any amount of royalty as required by sub-

rule (1), mark-up calculated at the rate of one per centum per day on the amount or

any part thereof from time to time remaining unpaid, shall be payable from the due

date of payment until all outstanding amount is paid.

 

(3) The holder of a mineral title shall submit, in respect of each month and in such

form and detail as the Licensing Authority may determine, a return  showing the

amount of royalty to be paid in respect of any mineral or group of  minerals

disposed of in the month.

 

68. Deferment of  royalty.---The Licensing Authority, on the advice of the

Department, on application made in writing by the holder of a mining lease, may 

by notice in writing to the holder, defer payment of such royalty or mark-up for

such  period and on such conditions as may be determined by Government and

specified in the notice, or may refuse to so defer the royalty or mark-up payable.

 

69. Powers of Government in case of failure to pay royalty.---If the holder of

mineral title referred to in rule 5 fails to pay any royalty payable by him in

accordance with rule 67 or, if applicable, on or before such date to which the

payment of the royalty has been deferred under rule 68, the Licensing Authority

may, by notice in writing given to the holder, prohibit- 

 

(a) the removal  of any mineral or group of minerals from the  exploration area,

mining area, retention area, the land subject to the mining lease or, in the case of

the holder of prospecting  license, from the place where the mineral or group of

minerals is found, won or mined; or

 

(b) any dealing in connection with any mineral or group of minerals found, won or

mined from any such area, land or place, until such time as the royalty has been paid, or the payment has been deferred under rule 68.

 

70. Contravention of rule 69.---Any person who contravenes or fails to comply

with a notice given to him under rule 69 shall be guilty of an offence and be

punishable with a fine which shall not be less than three hundred thousand rupees

or more than six hundred thousand rupees, besides rectification of default. If there

is no rectification the case may be treated for cancellation.

 

71. Proof of amounts payable under these rules.---In any proceedings to recover

in a competent court any amount payable under these rules, a certificate purporting

to be a certificate under the hand of the Licencing Authority certifying  that the

amount of money specified in such certificate is payable under these rules by any

holder such as is referred to in rule 64 named in such certificate shall be received

in evidence as prima facie proof of the facts stated in the certificate. 

 

72. Rent and renewals.---(1) Annual rent in respect of a mineral title shall be paid

in respect of the category of mineral title in accordance with the provisions

contained in sub-rule (2), read with Schedule 2.

 

(2) Payment of the annual rental pursuant to sub-rule (1) in respect of a mineral

title shall be made within thirty days after the date of the issue of the mineral title

and thereafter shall be made on the same date of each year.

 

(3) Where, any person has failed to pay any amount of annual rent, markup

calculated at the rate of one per centum per day on the amount or any part thereof,

from time to time remaining unpaid, shall be payable from the due date of

payment until all outstanding amount is paid.

 

(4) A renewal fee in respect of the mineral title shall be paid in accordance with

column 3 of Schedule 1. PART-X

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

73. Force majeure.---(1) Any failure on the part of the holder of a mineral title to

fulfil any of the conditions of the license, or to meet any requirement of these

rules, shall not be  treated as a breach of  the holders mineral  title  in so far as  the

failure arises from an act of war, hostility, insurrection, or an act of God, or from

any other cause specified in the conditions of the mineral title as constituting force

majeure.

 

(2) Where the holder of a mineral title fails to fulfil any of the conditions of the

mineral title as a result of the occurrences of any circumstances of a kind referred

to in sub-rule (1), the holder shall forthwith give notice to the Licensing Authority,

giving particulars of the failure and its cause.

 

(3) The Licensing Authority may, on application made to it by the holder  of a

mineral title referred to in  sub-rule (2), who has been prevented from exercising

any right under the mineral title conditions as determined by the Licensing

Authority, the period for which the minerals title in question has been issued, may

be extended by such reasonable period as may be determined by the Licensing

Authority.

 

(4) The Licensing Authority may refuse any application referred to in sub-rule (3)

if the holder of the mineral title could, by taking reasonable steps which were

available to the holder, have exercised the rights concerned during that period.

 

(5) The provisions of this rule shall not be construed as absolving any holder of a

mineral title from complying with any obligation under the mineral title or these

rules to pay royalties, annual charges, rent or fees.

 

74. Joint liability.---Where a mineral title is held by more than one holder, the

liability of any holder in respect of any breach thereof, shall be joint and several,

but without prejudice to any right of contribution which a particular holder may

have against any other holder in respect of any liability incurred by the particular

holder in respect of breach.

 

75. Competitive bids.---The Licensing Authority may invite competitive bids for 

the issue of an exploration license or a mining lease in respect of any area of land

which is not subject to:

 

(a) a reconnaissance license which gives the holder an exclusive  right such as is

referred to in sub-rule (3) of rule 13;

 

(b) an exploration license, a mining lease or a mineral deposit retention license or

a prospecting license or a mining lease for mineral under small scale mining,

and may, in accordance with these rules, issue the appropriate mineral title to the

successful bidder.

 

76. Performance guarantees.---A person shall, at the time of the grant of a

mineral title, other than a reconnaissance license, deposit with the Licensing

Authority security for compliance with the holders obligations under theses rules

and the title.

 

77. Arbitration.---(1) Subject to sub-rules (2) and (3), any dispute arising between

the holder of a mineral title and Licensing Authority or Government out of or in

connection with a mineral title shall, if it cannot be settled amicably within a

reasonable period, be submitted to the Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority or  such other body or tribunal as the parties may agree, for arbitration or

settlement.

 

(2) Sub-rule (1) shall not apply where the holder of a mineral title is a citizen of

Pakistan, or a Company formed by or under a law for the time being in  force in

Pakistan whose entire share capital is beneficially owned by the citizens of

Pakistan.

 

(3) Sub-rule (1) shall not apply in relation to a dispute concerning any matter-

 

(a) where any such dispute is, under the mineral title or a relevant  mineral

agreement, to be resolved by a sole expert; or 

 

(b) where the dispute concerns the commission, by the holder of the mineral title,

of a criminal offence.

 

78. Rights over data.---(1) Government shall have the exclusive right to all data

including geological, geophysical, geochemical, petrochemical, engineering,  pit

logs, maps, magnetic tapes, cores and production data, as well as all interpretative

and derivative data including reports, studies, analyses,  interpretations, bulk

sampling results, assaying results, evaluations and other  information in respect of

exploration or mining operations, subject to sub-rule (2).

 

(2) The holder of a mineral title shall have the right to make use of the  data

referred to in sub-rule (1) free of cost, for the purpose of exploration or mining

operations and to retain copies or samples of material or information constituting

the data subject to sub-rule (3).

 

(3) Data permitted to be used or retained as provided in sub-rule (2), which is not

in the public domain, shall not be disclosed to any person without the  prior

consent of the Licensing Authority, except as may be necessary for the purpose of,

or in connection with, exploration and mining operations, or as required by law, or

for the purpose of arbitration or litigation.

 

79. Compliance with other laws.---Nothing in these rules shall be construed as

authorizing the holder of a mineral title or a prospecting license to do any thing – 

 

(a) which the holder is prohibited from doing under any law for the time being in

force; or

 

(b) otherwise than in accordance with any such law regulating the doing of that

thing, and for that purpose obtaining any  prospecting license, mineral title,

approval, permission or other document required under any such law.

 

80. Retention of fees.---Where any application under these rules is refused, the

application fee, which was paid at the time of the application, shall not be 

refunded and shall be retained to meet administrative costs.

 

81. Notice of applications made and titles issued, etc.---(1) The Licensing

Authority shall, not later than seven days after the date on which an application for

mineral title is received by it, by posting a notice, make it known for general

information that the application has been made which shall also contain the

following information:-

 

(i) the name of the applicant;

 

(ii) the nature of the title and the area of land and the mineral or group of minerals to which the application relates;

 

(iii) the data on which the application was received; and

(iv) such other particulars as the Licensing Authority may  determine;  and shall

keep the notice so posted until such date as the application has been  finally

disposed of.

 

(2) Where a mineral title is issued, the Licensing Authority shall cause notice of

that fact to be published in the Official Gazette stating in the notice-

 

(a) the name of the holder of the title;

 

(b) the nature of the title and the area of land and the mineral or group of minerals

to which the title relates; and

 

(c) such other particulars as the Licensing Authority may determine.

 

(3) Where a mineral title is renewed, transferred, surrendered or cancelled, or any

land subject to a title or prospecting license is surrendered, the  Licensing

Authority shall cause notice of that fact to be published in the Official Gazette

stating in the notice such particulars as the Licensing Authority deems necessary

to identify the title and, where applicable, the land surrendered.

 

82. Order in which applications to be considered.---(1) All applications made

under these rules and received by the Licensing Authority shall be considered by

the Licensing Authority in the order in which they are received.

 

(2) For the purposes of sub-rule (1), applications so received on the same date and

time shall be deemed to have been received and priority shall be determined by the

Licensing Authority on the basis of earlier receipts.

 

83. Removal and sale of property, etc concerning mining title.---(1) Where a

mineral title has been cancelled or surrendered, or has expired, or if any area of 

and has ceased for any reason to be part of the area of the land pertaining to title,

the Licensing Authority may, by notice in writing given to the person who is or

was holder of the title, direct him to do all or any of the following, namely:

 

(a) to demolish any building, structure or other things created or constructed by the

person in that area and to remove all debris and any other object brought into that

area, except that the owner of the lands wants to retain any such buildings,

structures or other things on such conditions as may be  mutually agreed upon

between such owner and person; 

 

(b) to take all steps as may be necessary to rectify to the  satisfaction of the

Licensing Authority any damage caused by any exploration or mining operations

carried on by such person  to the surface of, and the environment in, that area of

land; or

 

(c) to take such other steps as may be specified in the notice as the  Licensing

Authority deems necessary or expedient to give effect to any direction such as is

referred to in clause (a).

 

(2) Where a direction under sub-rule (1) has not been complied with, the Licensing

Authority may-

 

(a) do or cause to be done all or any of the things required by the direction to be

done; (b) remove or cause to be removed, in such manner as it thinks fit, all or any of the

property from the area that was, but is no longer, subject, to the title;

 

(c) dispose of, in such manner as it thinks fit, all or any of the property referred to

in clause (b); and

 

(d) if it has served a copy of the notice by which the direction was  given on a

person whom the Licensing Authority believed to be an owner of the property or

part of the property, sell or cause to be sold by public auction, or otherwise as the

authority  thinks fit, all or any of the property referred  to in clause (b)  which

belongs, or which it believes to belong, to that person.

 

(3) Government may deduct from the proceeds of a sale of property under sub-rule

(2) that belongs, or that the Licensing Authority believes to belong, to a particular

person, concerning recovery of any dues of a mining title. 

 

(a) all or any part of any costs and expenses incurred by the Licensing Authority

under sub-rule (2) in relation to that property;

 

(b) all or any part of costs and expenses incurred by the Licensing Authority under

sub-rule (2) in relation to the doing of anything required by a direction under sub-

rule (2) to be done by the person;

 

(c) all or any part of any fees or amounts due and payable under these rules by the

person.

 

(4) The costs and expenses incurred by the Licensing Authority under this rule,-

(a) if incurred in relation to the removal, disposal or sale of property, are a debt

due by the owner of the property to Government; and

 

(b) if incurred in relation to the doing of anything required by a direction under

sub-rule (1) to be done by a person who is or was a holder of a mineral title are a

debt due by that person to Government,  and to the extent to which they are not

recovered under sub-rule (3) are recoverable in a court of competent jurisdiction as

a debt due to Government.

 

84. Weighing of minerals.---The holder of an exploration license or a mineral

deposit retention license, or a mining lease shall provide in the exploration area,

retention area or lease area a properly constructed and correct weighing machine 

or  other suitable means for determining the weight of any mineral or group of

minerals won or mined in the exercise of the rights such as are referred to in rule

20.

 

85. Power of Licensing Authority to obtain information.---(1) Where the

Licensing Authority has reason to believe that a person is capable of furnishing

information or data relating to reconnaissance, exploration or mining operations,

or  to minerals won, mined, found or sold or otherwise disposed of, or the value

thereof, it may, by notice in writing served on that person, require that person-

 

(a) to furnish the Licensing Authority in writing with that  information or data,

giving particulars, within the period and in the manner specified in the notice;

 

(b) to appear before a person identified in the notice at such time and place as is

specified in the notice and to answer questions  relating to those operations, the

minerals won, mined, sold or otherwise disposed of, or the information or data as

the case may be; or

 (c)  to furnish a person identified in the notice, at such time and  place as is

specified, with such data as may be in his custody or  power relating to those

operations, or to minerals won, mined  or sold or otherwise disposed of, or the

value thereof.

 

(2) A person shall not be excused from furnishing information or data, or

answering a question when required to do so under this rule, on the ground that the

information or data so furnished, or the answer to the question, might tend to

incriminate him or make him  liable to a penalty, but the information or data so

furnished or his answer to the question shall not be admissible in evidence against

him in any proceedings other than proceeding for an offence against this rule. 

 

(3) Where data are furnished, pursuant to the requirement under clause (c) of sub-

rule (1), the person to whom the data are furnished may make copies of or  take

extracts from the data.

 

(4) Any person who-

 

(a) refuses or fails to comply with the requirement in a notice under sub-rule (1) to

the extent to which he is capable of doing so;

 

(b) in compliance with a requirement referred to in clause (a) of  sub-rule (1),

knowingly or recklessly furnishes information that  is false or misleading in a

material particular; or

 

(c) when appearing before any person under a requirement referred to in clause (b)

of sub-rule (1) or furnishing any data to any person under a requirement referred to

in clause (c) of  sub-rule (1), knowingly or recklessly makes a statement or

furnishes any data which are false or misleading in a material particular, shall be

guilty of an offence and be punishable with a fine which shall not be less than five

thousand rupees and not more than fifty thousand rupees, in addition to

rectification of the default within the time given by the Licensing Authority failing

which the mineral title may be withdrawn.

 

(5) In this rule, “data” includes books, documents, interpretations, tapes, diagrams,

profiles and charts, photographs, lines or negatives and includes data  recorded or

stored by means of a tape recorder, computer or other device and any material

subsequently derived from data so recorded.

 

86. Liability for pollution.---(1) Where in the course of reconnaissance,

exploration or mining operations carried on under a mineral title, any mineral is

spilled on land, or in any water on or under the surface of any land, or any land or

any such water is otherwise polluted or damaged, or any plant or animal life,

whether in water or on, in or under land, is endangered or destroyed, or any

damage or loss is caused to any person, including Government, by such spilling,

pollution or  damage, the holder of the mineral title or prospecting license shall

forthwith-

 

(a) report such spilling, pollution, loss or damage to the Licensing Authority; and

(b) take at his own cost all such steps as may be necessary in  accordance with

good reconnaissance, exploration or mining  practices or otherwise as may be

necessary to rectify the spilling, pollution, loss or damage.

 

(2) If the holder of mineral title or prospecting license referred to in subrule  (1)

fails to comply with the provisions of clause (b) of that sub-rule within such period

as the Licensing Authority may deem in the circumstances to be reasonable,  the

Licensing Authority may order the holder, by  notice in writing given to him, to take, within such period as may be specified in such notice, such steps as may be

specified in order to rectify the spilling, pollution, damage or loss and the

Licensing  Authority may, if the holder fails to comply with the order to the

satisfaction of  Licensing Authority within the period specified in the notice or

such further period as the Licensing Authority may, on good cause shown, allow

in writing, cause such steps to be taken as may be necessary to rectify the spilling,

pollution, damage or loss and recover the costs incurred thereby from such holder.

 

87. Service of documents.---(1) Any document, notice or other communication

required or authorized under these rules to be given to or served on any person by

the Licensing Authority or any other person shall be deemed to have been given or

served-

 

(a) if given to or served on such person personally;

 

(b) if dispatched by registered or any other kind of post addressed to such person,

at his last known address which may be any such place or office as is referred to in

clause (c) or the  persons last known post office box number or private bag

number or that of the persons employer;

 

(c) if left with some adult person apparently residing at or occupying or employed

at the persons last known abode or office or place of business; or

 

(d) in the case of a Company-

 

(i) if delivered to the public office of the Company;

 

(ii) if left with some adult person apparently residing at or occupying or employed

at its registered address;

 

(iii) if dispatched by registered post addressed to the company or its public office

at its or the officers last known address; or

 

(iv) if transmitted by means of a facsimile transmission to the person concerned at

the registered office of the Company.

 

(2) Any document, notice or other communication referred to in sub-rule  (1)

which has been given or served in the manner contemplated in clause (b) or

subclause (iii) of clause (d) of that sub-rule, shall, unless the contrary is proved, be

deemed to have been received by the person to whom it was addressed at the time

when it would, in the ordinary course of post, have arrived at the place to which it

was addressed.

 

88. Powers of authorized officer.---(1) For the purpose of these rules, an

authorized officer, at all reasonable times,-

 

(a) may enter any area, structure, vehicle, vessel, aircraft or building that, in his

opinion, has been, is being or is to be used  in connection with reconnaissance,

prospecting or mining operations;

 

(b) may inspect and test any machinery or equipment that, in his  opinion, has

been, is being or is to be used in connection with any of the operations referred to

in clause (a);

 

(c) may take or remove for the purpose of analysis or testing, or  for use in

evidence in connection with an offence against these rules, samples of minerals or

other substances from a mine or any area where any of the operations referred to in clause (a) is being carried on;

 

(d) may inspect, take extracts from, and make copies of, any data,  as defined in

sub-rule (5) of rule 85, relating to any of the operations referred to in clause (a);

 

(e) may, with respect to the health and safety of persons employed by a holder of a

mineral title or prospecting license in  connection with any of the operations

referred to in clause (a), issue in writing directions to, and impose restrictions on,

the holder or any person so employed;

 

(f) may, for reason to be recorded in writing, order- 

 

(i) the cessation of operations on or in, and the withdrawal of all persons from, any

structure or building that is being used in connection with any of the operations

referred to in clause (a); or 

 

(ii) the discontinuance of the use of any machinery or  equipment, which he

considers unsafe, unless and until  such action as is necessary for safety and

specified in the order is taken and completed; or

 

(g) may make such examinations and inquiries as are necessary to ensure that the

provisions of these rules, and any directions  issued, conditions imposed or orders

made under these rules, are being complied with.

 

(2) Before exercising any of his powers under sub-rule (1), if there is any person

who is or appears to be in-charge of the area, structure, vehicle, vessel  aircraft,

building, machinery, equipment or matter or any other thing in respect of which

the power is about to be exercised, an authorized officer shall show identification

to that person and to any person to whom he is about to give an order  or a

direction.

 

(3) Any person who is aggrieved by a decision, direction or order of an authorized

officer made under this rule may appeal in writing to the Licensing  Authority

which shall, as soon as practicable, hear and dispose of the appeal.  (4) On an

appeal under sub-rule (3), the Licensing Authority may rescind  or affirm the

decision, direction or order appealed against or may make a fresh  decision,

direction or order and that decision, direction or order shall be final. 

 

(4) On an appeal under sub-rule (3), the Licensing Authority may rescind or affirm

the decision, direction or order appealed against or may make a fresh decision,

direction or order and that decision, direction or order shall be final. 

 

(5) In exercising his powers under sub-rule (1), an authorized officer may  be

accompanied by any person whom the authorized  officer believes has special

knowledge of any matter being inspected, tested or examined.

 

(6) A person who is a titleholder in relation to any matter referred in subrule (1),

shall provide an authorized officer all reasonable facilities and assistance including

the provision of necessary means of transport, for the effective exercise of  the

authorized officers powers under this rule.

 

(7) Any person who-

 

(a) without reasonable excuse obstructs, molests or hinders an authorized officer in

carrying out his functions under this rule; or

 

(b) knowingly or recklessly makes a statement or produces document that is false or misleading in a material particular to  an authorized officer carrying out his

functions under this rule, shall be guilty of an offence and punishable with a fine

which shall not be less than  five thousand rupees or more than fifty thousand

rupees, in addition to the  rectification of the default within the time given by the

Licensing Authority failing which the mineral title may be withdrawn.

 

89. Further powers of authorized officers.---If a person who was the holder of a

mineral title, such as referred to in sub-rule (2) of rule 19, fails to comply with the

requirement of that sub-rule, an authorized officer may-

 

(a) at all reasonable times, enter upon any premises whatsoever and search for the

records, maps and plans, reports, photographs, tabulations, tapes, discs, books and

documents referred to in clauses (a) to (d) of that sub-rule; and

 

(b) seize any such records, maps and plans, reports, photographs,  tabulations,

tapes, discs, books and documents which were not  delivered to the Licensing

Authority as required by the aforesaid sub-rules.

 

90. Offences.---(1) Any person who carries on reconnaissance, exploration or

mining operations in the Province, except under and in accordance with a mineral

title or prospecting license shall be guilty of an offence and will be punishable

with  a penalty as notified by Government from time to time, in addition to the

rectification of the default within the time given by the Licensing Authority,

failing which the mineral title shall be withdrawn.

 

(2) Any person who-

 

(a) makes or causes to be made in connection with any application  under these

rules any statement knowing it to be false or misleading;

 

(b) submits or causes to be submitted in connection with any such application or

any notice, report, return or statement issued or given under any provision of these

rules or the conditions of  any title, or prospecting license, any document,

information or particulars which are false or misleading knowing them to be false

or misleading;

 

(c) fraudulently and with the intent to mislead any other person to believe that a

mineral or group of minerals exists at any place, places or deposits or causes to be

so placed or deposited any mineral or group of minerals in or at any such place; or

 

(d) fraudulently and with intent to deceive mingles or causes to be mingled with

any sample of ore any substance which may increase the value or nature of the ore,

shall be guilty of an offence and will be punishable with a fine which shall not be

less than fifty thousand rupees and more than three hundred thousand rupees, and

shall rectify the default within the time given by Licensing Authority failing which

the mineral title shall be withdrawn.

 

91. Evidence.---(1) The production in any criminal or civil proceedings in any

court of law of any certificate purporting to have been signed by an authorized

officer certifying whether or not on a date specified in the certificate that- 

 

(a) mineral title or prospecting license was issued, renewed or  transferred to a

person so specified;

 

(b) any interest in such title or license has been granted, ceded or  assigned to a

person so specified; 

 (c) any person has been joined as a joint holder of a title or license so specified;

(d) any condition so specified is or was a condition of title or license; or

 

(e) a person mentioned in the certificate is or was the holder of a title;

(f) title or license has been issued in respect of an area of  land so specified, shall,

unless the contrary is proved, be received in evidence as conclusive proof of  the

fact so certified.

 

(2) The production in any civil or criminal proceedings in any court of an extract

of an entry in the Title Register kept pursuant to rule 60, certified by an authorized

officer to be a true and correct extract of such an entry shall, unless the contrary is

proved, be taken as conclusive proof of the entry.

 

92. Forfeiture order.---Where a person is convicted of an offence under these

rules, the court before which he is convicted may, in addition to any penalty

imposed or other forfeiture ordered, order that any mineral or group of minerals

won or mined in the course of the commission of the offence, be forfeited to

Government or, in the event of any such mineral or group of minerals having been

sold or otherwise disposed of, that an amount equal to the proceeds of the sale or

the market value of the mineral or group of minerals, as determined by the court, 

be paid by such person to Government.

 

93. Appeal.---(1) If a person is aggrieved by an order of the Licensing Authority

passed under these rules, he may, within thirty days of the communication of the

impugned order and payment of such fee as may, from time to time, be specified, 

by Government, prefer an appeal to Government.

 

(2) The decision of Government on such appeal shall be final.

 

(3) Government, while hearing the appeal under sub-rule (1) may, if it so

considers necessary in the interest of justice, grant a stay order; provided that no

such order shall be passed in respect of Government dues unless the appellant

deposits twenty-five per cent of the disputed amount with the Licensing Authority.

 

(4) If the appeal in which a stay order has been granted is finally rejected and the

Appellate Authority is of the view that the appeal was preferred on frivolous

grounds or the stay order was obtained by deceit or fraud on the part of the

appellant, it may while deciding the appeal, impose a penalty upto five per cent of

the disputed amount.

 

(5) The amount deposited under sub-rule (3) shall first be adjusted  towards the

penalty imposed under sub-rule (4). The remaining amount, if any, may  be

adjusted towards the recovery of Government dues.

 PART-XI

SMALL SCALE MINING

GENERAL

 

94.  Manner in which application may be made.---(1) An application for a

license or a lease for a small scale mining shall be in the form set out by the

Licensing Authority.

 

(2)  The application shall be handed over alongwith the requisite

documents to the officer authorised in this behalf, by the Licensing

Authority. 

 

(3)  The application, if complete in all respects, shall forthwith be

allotted a registration number.

 

(4)  The incomplete application shall be returned alongwith the

objections duly signed by the authorized officer.

 

 

95. Documents to be annexed.---(1) An application for a license or a lease

made under rule 94 shall be accompanied by:-

 

(a)  the original copy of the Treasury Challan pertaining to the deposit of 

such application fee as is notified by Government from time to time;

 

(b)   in the case of a partnership firm, an authenticated copy of the

partnership deed duly registered with the Registrar of Firms

concerned;

 

(c)  in the case of a limited company, a verified copy of each of the

Memorandum  and Articles of Association and Certificate of

Incorporation;

 

(d)  fifteen copies of the map duly signed by the applicant, showing  the

boundaries of the area in respect of which the license or  lease is

applied for. The map shall be prepared from the Survey of Pakistan

Maps of Scale 1: 50,000 or nearest scale available.  It will be

sufficient compliance of this sub-rule if only one copy of the map or

sketch plan showing area and grid lines is  attached with the

application and such fee for preparing fifteen copies of the plan, as is

notified by Government from time to time, is paid in advance; and

 

(e)   evidence of financial status of the applicant in the manner as may be

prescribed by the Licensing Authority from time to time 

 

 

(2)   An applicant shall also furnish such other information as may be  required

by the Licensing Authority. If the requisite information is not furnished within two

months, the application shall be liable to be rejected.

 

(3)  The information contained in the application or furnished to the Licensing

Authority in pursuance of an application made in accordance with these  rules,

other than that incorporated in the register referred to in rule 99 shall be treated as

confidential by the Licensing Authority.

 

96.  Acknowledgement of application.---The officer receiving the application

under these rules shall record thereon the date and time of its receipt and shall deliver to the applicant an acknowledgement stating the date and time of receipt. 

 

97. Reciprocity.---A license or a lease shall not  be granted to, or held by, any

person who is or becomes controlled directly or indirectly by a national of, or by a

Company incorporated in, any country the laws and customs of which do not

permit subjects of Pakistan or companies incorporated in Pakistan to acquire, hold

and  operate mining concessions on conditions which, in the opinion of

Government, are  reasonably comparable with conditions upon which such rights

are granted to nationals of that country in Pakistan.

 

98. Application by an alien or a company incorporated outside Pakistan:-

In the case of an application for a license or lease by an alien or a company

incorporated outside Pakistan or in the case of an application by a licensee or a

lessee for the Governments consent to the assignment of a license or a lease to an

alien or a company incorporated outside Pakistan, such license or lease shall only

be granted or assigned to a company incorporated in Pakistan for the purpose of

receiving and working any such license or lease.

 

99. Register of application.---(1) The Licensing Authority shall maintain a

register of applications for licenses and leases containing the following columns:-

(a) Serial No.

 

(b) Date and time of the receipt of application.

 

(c) Particulars of the applicant.

 

(d) Mineral for which a license or a lease is required.

 

(e) Period for which a license or a lease is required.

 

(f) Full particulars of the area applied for.

 

(g) Application fee paid.

 

(h) Final orders regarding disposal of the application.

 

(i) Remarks, if any.

 

(2)  The register maintained under sub-rule (1) and the Master Plan showing the

area in respect of which a lease or a license has been applied for or granted shall

be open to public for inspection on payment of such fee as is notified  by

Government form time to time.

 

Explanation.---Master Plan would mean such Survey of Pakistan Map on

which the areas applied for and the areas granted under licenses and leases are

marked by the Licensing Authority for record.

 

100.  Separate application to be made for each area  and each mineral.---A

separate application shall be made in respect of each area and for each mineral.

 

101. Grant of more than one license or lease to the same person.---More than

one license or lease may be granted to the same person.

 

102.  Availability  of area  and mineral.---  On receipt of the application, the

Licensing Authority  shall, before granting any mining concession, ascertain that

the area applied for does not overlap with an area already covered by a license or a

lease;  

103. Priority.--- more applications than one for the grant of  license or a lease in

respect of the same mineral or area, unless the Licensing  Authority decides

otherwise on valid grounds, 

 

104.  Refusal to grant license or lease.---If, in the opinion of the Licensing

Authority, it is not expedient to grant license  or a lease, it shall refuse the

application, recording reason of refusal. 

 

105. Lapse of right to license or lease.---If a Licensee or a lessee fails to submit

the accepted copy of the plan of the granted area, demarcation certificate and

prospecting/development scheme in the manner as prescribed under these rules,

within the time period fixed in the allotment letter, the Licensing Authority, after

providing an opportunity to explain the delay, may terminate the mining

concession if any granted:

 

Provided that the Licensing Authority may condone the delay in submission

of the said documents imposing a fine at the rate of one thousand rupees for each

month or a part thereof.

 

106. Terms and conditions of licenses and leases.---A license and a lease shall

stand granted on the issuance of Allotment Letter by the Licencing Authority and

may include such clauses relating to ancillary matters as the Licensing Authority

may deem fit to insert.

 

107. Assignment.--- A lessee shall not transfer any right or interest in the license

or the lease, nor part with the possession of the area or any part thereof, without

prior approval in writing of the Licensing Authority: 

 

Provided that a lessee shall not divide the leased area between the partner or

the partners, as the case may be, without prior approval of Licensing Authority.

 

108. Method of making application for assignment.---(1)  an application for

assignment under these rules shall be submitted at least year before the expiry of

the lease in the Form set out by the Licensing Authority and shall be accompanied

by such fee as is notified by Government from time to time.

 

(2)  The applicant shall furnish in the application all such particulars in

respect of the proposed assignee as are required in case of an application for a

lease under these rules and shall annex the requisite documents.

 

(3)  The application shall be presented in person and signed both by the

assignor and assignee in the presence of the Licensing Authority or the officer

authorised in this behalf.

 

109. Security deposit.---(1) Every applicant shall, before a license or a lease is

granted or assigned to him, deposit a security in respect of such license or lease at

the rate and in the form notified by Government.

 

(2)  Subject to the provision of these rules, if a license is converted into a

lease, the security deposited under sub-rule (1) shall be adjusted towards security

for the lease.

 

110. Right of surrender.---A licensee or a lessee desirous of surrendering the area

under license or lease, in whole or in part, shall give at least one months prior

notice in writing to the Licensing Authority:

 

Provided that where the lease has been mortgaged or charged in favour of a financing institution, the licensee or the lessee shall not be entitled to surrender the

lease in whole or in part, except with prior approval in writing of the Licensing

Authority:

 

Provided further that in the case of partial surrender, the area to be retained shall

not be less than the economic limit fixed by the Licensing Authority and the shape

of the area shall be subject to provisions of rule 113:

 

Provided further that on the partial surrender of the area, the licensee or the lessee,

as the case may be shall become entitled to proportionate reduction in annual fee

or dead rent but the annual fee or the dead rent that has already become due from

or paid by the licensee or the lessee shall not be refunded.

 

111.  Publication.---As soon as may be after the grant, renewal, assignment,

surrender, determination, or lapse of any license or lease under these rules, the

Licensing Authority shall publish notice of such grant, assignment, surrender,

determination, or lapse stating the name of the licensee, the lessee or the assignee

and a brief description of the area concerned.

 

112. Refund of security deposit.---If the Licensing Authority is satisfied that the

provisions of these rules have been duly complied with, on the expiry, surrender,

lapse or determination of a license or a lease, the amount of the security deposit

may be refunded to the licensee or the lessee, as the case may be after making

deduction towards rents, royalties, penalties or any other amount outstanding

against him under these rules. 

 

113. Shape of area.---Each area in respect of which a license or a lease is granted

shall, as far as practicable, be in a compact shape and shall be limited by

wellmarked/permanent physical boundaries to be bounded by straight lines: 

 

Provided that where a gap of one hundred meters or less exists between the

licensed or leased area it shall not be granted to the applicant.

 

114. Release of lands included by inadvertence.---In the event of the inclusion,

by inadvertence, of the area under a license or a lease in respect of which it may

subsequently transpire  that the rights for the same mineral have already been

granted to another individual, firm or Company or part of the area has been

included through typographical or clerical mistake, the licensee or the lessee shall

immediately release to the Licensing Authority any such land or area when

required to do so by the Licensing Authority without any claim or compensation:

 

Provided that the investment made on the development of the granted

mineral at that area, including infrastructure, if any, shall be fairly assessed by the

Licencing Authority and paid to the licensee or lessee by the person to whom the

area is subsequently granted

 

115. Grant of other minerals over the already granted area for a mineral.---

(1)  The Licensing Authority may grant one mineral over one area to a person. 

However, in case of discovery of another mineral over the same area, the right of

acceptance or refusal for the grant of second mineral would be offered to the

licensee within a specified period 

 

(2)  In case of no response or refusal of the licensee or lessee for the grant of

second mineral located apart separately, the Licensing Authority may delete any

viable portion of the area containing the other mineral for grant to the other

person, or grant a mineral title over the same area for the other mineral or mines in

favour in any other person. 

(3)  In case two different minerals are inter-bedded or closely located, the

Licensing Authority shall direct the licensee or lessee to get the grant of second

mineral for systematic mining operation and utilization of mineral resource, within

three (3) months failing which the main lease/license may be cancelled. 

 

(4)  The second applicant shall deposit application fee as prescribed by

Government, for grant of the applied mineral.

 

116.  Mode of payments.---(1) All amounts payable under these rules, unless

otherwise prescribed by the Licensing Authority, shall be deposited into

Government Treasury or into any bank authorized by Government for the purpose,

under the Head of Account specified by the Licensing Authority from time to

time.

 

(2)  The receipt or the challan shall, in original, be submitted to the

Licensing Authority. PART-XII

PROSPECTING LICENSES

 

117. Grant of prospecting license.---The Licensing Authority may in accordance

with these  rules grant a prospecting license for a mineral over the area  specified

therein provided the applicant is considered fit.

 

118.  Area.---Except as otherwise determined by Government, a prospecting

license shall not be granted in respect of any area of more than five square

kilometers.

 

119. Register of license.---The Licensing Authority shall maintain a register of

license granted by it, specifying--

 

(a) number of the prospecting license;

(b) mineral for which the license is granted;

(c) name and address of the licensee;

(d) particulars of the licensee whether individual, firm or company;

(e) date of grant of the license;

(f) total area 

(g) situation and boundaries of the area;

(h) amount of security deposit;

(i) particulars of disposal or refund of security deposit;

(j) dates of renewals;

(k) date of conversion of license into lease; and

(l) remarks, if any, 

 

120.  Period of license.---The license shall, in the first instance, be valid for a

period of two years.

 

121. Licensee’s right under a license.---A license shall, subject to these rules and

conditions contained in the license, confer on the licensee the rights given in the

allotment letter.

 

122. Renewal.---Subject to the licensee having carried out the working obligations

under rule 124, the Licensing Authority may grant renewal of the license for a

period of twelve months at any one time to enable the licensee to complete the

prospecting work as laid down in the approved prospecting scheme:

 

Provided that the total period of the license including the initial period shall

not exceed five years:

 

Provided further that the licensee shall apply in writing to the Licensing Authority

for renewal at least one month before the license expires. The Licensing Authority

may, however, condone the delay in the submission of the application, subject to

fine, as fixed by Government.

 

Explanation:- The period of a license shall be reckoned from the initial date of

grant of the license, irrespective of any assignment made during the currency of

the license.

 

123. Right of a licensee for renewal of his prospecting license, on applying for

mining lease.---The licensee having applied for the grant of a lease over the area

specified in the license before the expiry of the license shall  have  the  right to

renewal of the license

 

124. Working obligations.---(1) The licensee shall, in respect of the areas covered by each license, prepare and submit, within two months of the grant of the license,

a scheme of prospecting for the approval of the Licensing Authority and shall not

commence the operations unless the scheme has been approved. 

 

(2)  The scheme shall inter alia include (i) location of the area; (ii) nature

of a mineral prospect; (iii) methods of prospecting including machinery and

equipment to be used; (iv) phasing of prospecting operations; (v) technical

personnel to be employed; (vi) details of roads,  residential accommodation for

staff and labourers; and (vii) phase-wise estimated expenditure on the scheme.

 

(3)  The scheme shall be accompanied by necessary geological summary

reports and maps, plans.

 

(4)  The Licensing Authority shall communicate the approval of the

scheme to the licensee within two months of its receipt.

 

(5)  If, in the opinion of the Licensing Authority, the licensee fails to

fulfill the working obligations as required by the scheme, the licensee shall forfeit

the  right to renewal of the license or the grant of lease over any part of the area

covered by the license.

 

125. Annual fee.---(1) The licensee shall pay such annual fee as is notified by

Government from time to time for the area covered by the license. The fee shall be

enhanced by twenty-five per cent over the last fee paid each time the license is

renewed. The fee shall also be payable for the period of renewal granted under

rule 123, as a single renewal or term, as the case may be.

(2)  The fee shall be payable for each mineral separately even if the area

under license for different minerals is the same.

 

126. To plug boreholes, etc.---Save in the case of area over which the license has

been granted, the licensee on or before the determination of the license, shall,

within one month after the determination of the license or the date of abandonment

of the under-taking, whichever may occur earlier, securely plug all mines and fill

up or  fence any holes or excavations that he may have made in the area to such

extent as the Licensing Authority may require and shall, to the like extent restore

the surface of the land and all building thereon which he may have damaged in the

course of prospecting;

 

127. Right of the licensee to a mining lease.---Subject to the provisions of these

rules, the licensee shall have a right to a lease:

 

Provided that he has carried on geological prospecting  to the  satisfaction of the

Licensing Authority, proved mineral reserves and has been paying all Government

dues regularly and has paid such compensation, if any, as is  provided in these

rules:

 

Provided further that the licensee shall apply in the prescribed form along

with documents as laid down under rule 95, for the grant of a lease at least one

month before the expiry of the License. The Licensing Authority may, condone

the  delay upto a maximum period of two months in the submission of such an

application after imposing a fine at the rate of thousand rupees for each month or a

part thereof.

 

128. Disclosing the information acquired by the licensee during the course of

his operations.---If so required by the Licensing Authority, the licensee shall,

before the security is returned to him under rule 112, disclose to the Licensing

Authority all information acquired in the course of the operations carried on under

the license regarding the mineral(s) contained therein, and geological formation of the mineral resource not taken or granted under a mining lease.

 

PART-XIII

MINING LEASE

 

129. Grant of mining lease.---The Licensing Authority may grant a mining lease

in accordance with these rules, for a mineral over the  area specified therein

provided the applicant is considered fit.

 

130. Area.---Except where special exemption is granted by Government, no lease

shall be granted in respect of an area of more than five square kilo meters.

 

131.  Register of mining leases.---The Licensing Authority shall maintain a

register of leases granted by it, specifying-

(a) number of the mining lease;

(b) mineral for which lease is granted;

(c) name and address of the lessee;

(d) particulars of lessee, whether individual, firm or Company;

(e) date of grant of lease;

(f) period for which granted;

(g) total area 

(h) situation and boundaries of the land;

(i) amount of security deposit;

(j) particulars of development/ exploitation scheme.

(k) dates of renewals with periods.

(l) date of assignment of the lease;

(m) particulars of the assignee; and

(n) remarks, 

 

Provided that the Licensing Authority may renew the lease for the whole

area or only a part thereof.

 

132. Lessee’s  right under a  lease.---A lease shall subject to these rules and the

conditions contained in the lease, confer on the lessee the rights as envisaged in

these rules.

 

133.  Submission of  development and exploitation scheme.---(1) An applicant

for grant of a lease or its renewal shall also submit, alongwith the application, a

development/exploitation scheme for the approval of the Licensing Authority. The

scheme shall be prepared and authenticated by a qualified mining engineer and

exploration economic geologist.

 

(2) The development scheme shall, inter alia, include-

(i) a detailed account of the work done during the prospecting  period,

geological description and evaluation of the major  deposits alongwith a detailed

geological survey report and plan of the area on a scale preferably 1:50,000 or as

prescribed by  the Licensing Authority from time to time, in case the applicant

already holds a license for the area for which he makes an application for a lease;

(ii) a detailed plan of the area on a scale of 1:50,000 or as  prescribed by the

Licensing Authority from time to time showing its location, outcrop, topography,

existing / proposed  mines and other infrastructure/provisions.  (iii) location  and

geological description of the major deposits prepared and compiled by exploration

economic geologist. (iv) proved and probable reserves; (v) planned minimum rate

of production;  (vi) method of mining, including machinery and equipment to be

used;  (vii)  technical personnel to be employed at various stages of

development/exploitation;  (viii) details of the roads and other surface as well as

underground construction such as stores and lamps rooms, workshops, benefaction and mineral dressing plants, office and residential  accommodation and facilities

for staff and labour to be provided;  (ix) time schedule for all the work involved;

and  (x) estimated phased expenditure on the scheme with detailed  break up of

costs. 

 

(3) The applicant shall furnish plans or proposals to illustrate, justify and amplify

the development/exploitation scheme.

 

134. Approval of development/exploitation scheme.---(1) The Licensing

Authority may subject to such modifications as may be required approve the

development/exploitation scheme, within a period of three months from the date of

submission of the scheme. The development scheme shall be implemented through

a phase-wise programme of development/exploitation approved by the Licensing

Authority.

 

(2) If the development scheme is rejected, the Licensing Authority shall

communicate to the applicant the reasons for such rejection. The applicant shall

within months of the receipt of such communication, submit a revised scheme  to

the Licensing Authority, failing which the right of the applicant for the grant of the

lease shall lapse.

 

135. Keeping development/exploitation schemes at mines.---The lessee shall at

all times keep a copy of the approved development scheme and latest working

plans at the site.

 

136. Commencement of operations.---(1) Unless the Licensing Authority, for

sufficient reasons otherwise directs, the lessee shall commence operations from

the  date of the communication of the approval of the development/ exploitation

scheme to him.

 

(2) The lessee shall carry out operations in a skilful and workmanlike manner and

in accordance with approved development scheme.

 

Explanation:-It shall amount to non-fulfillment and breach of working

obligations, if the lessee, without sufficient cause, fails to produce enough

minerals so as to earn royalty at least equal to the dead rent within one year of the

commencement of the operations.

 

137. Period of lease.---(1) The initial term of a lease shall be upto thirty years. 

 

(2) If a lessee has carried out all the working obligations under these rules

and implemented the development/exploitation scheme to the satisfaction of the

Licensing Authority and if he has paid all the dues on account of rents, royalty,

penalties, damages and surface rent as required under these rules, the Licensing

Authority may grant further renewal of the lease for a period upto thirty years at a

time, on the terms and conditions as prescribed in these rules: 

 

Provided that the lessee shall apply to the Licensing Authority in writing, in

the prescribed form for renewal for not more than two years and not less than one

year before the expiry of the term already granted to him: 

 

Provided further that the Licensing Authority may condone the delay in

submission of the application in appropriate cases, upto a period of six months

after  imposing a fine at the rate of thousand rupees for each month or a part

thereof. 

 

Provided further that the lessee having applied for the grant of renewal of

the lease under these rules shall have a right to work in the area till the request has been refused.

 

Provided further that the Licensing Authority may renew the lease for the

whole area or only a part thereof, if so applied by the lessee. In case of renewal

over part of the area, the balance area may be leased out to any other person.

 

138. Failure to act according to the development/exploitation scheme.---If at

any time but not less than six months after the grant of the lease, or its renewal it is

found that the lessee is not working in accordance with the approved development

scheme,  the Licensing Authority may impose a fine of five thousand rupees and

shall direct the lessee in writing to rectify the violations within six months: 

 

Provided that if the lessee fails to rectify the violations without cogent

reasons within the time limit  fixed by the Licensing Authority, the lease may be

cancelled.

 

139. Half yearly dead rent.---The lessee shall pay a fixed half yearly dead rent in

advance on the first day of January and the first day of July each year and a

proportionate advance dead rent for the broken period, if any, at the

commencement  or termination of the lease, at such rate as is notified by

Government from time to time:

 

Provided that the lessee shall pay either royalty or the dead rent, whichever

is higher.

 

 

 PART-XIV

MISCELLANEOUS

 

140. Royalty.---(1) A licensee or a lessee shall, on the first day of the month of

January and July each year, pay royalty at such rate and in such manner as

prescribed by Government from time to time on all minerals produced and carried

away. 

 

(2) In case of non payment of rent and royalty dues within the grace period of two

months, a penalty at the rate of one per cent of the outstanding dues for the delay

of every month or part thereof shall be charged from the date the payment became

due. 

 

141. Compensation.---A licensee or a lessee shall pay such compensation as may

be assessed in accordance with the law for the time being in force for all damage,

injury or disturbance which may be done by him in exercise of the powers granted

by the license or the lease and shall indemnify the Licensing Authority against all

claims which may be made by third parties in respect of any such damage, injury 

or disturbance.

 

142. Land Compensation.---(1) A licensee or lessee shall pay, for all

Government land which it may use or occupy superficially for the purposes of the

operations conducted under the license or the lease, a land compensation and 

water rates at the rate assessable under the revenue or any other law or rules in the

district in which the land is situated:

 

Provided that if no such rent is assessable under the existing law, the rent

and the water charges shall be paid at the rate fixed by the Licensing Authority 

 

(2) If the land belongs to a private person, a lessee or a licensee shall pay

compensation to the owner of the land for the area actually used or occupied

superficially land and in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon between

the  lessee and the land owner and in case of disagreement between them, at such

rate and in such manner as may be determined by the Licensing Authority

 

(3) While determining the rates of land compensation, the  Licensing Authority

shall pay due regard to the nature of the area, location, and land value. 

 

(4) In case of violation of the decision of the  Licensing Authority  by  licensee,

Lessee or land owner(s), action shall be taken under rule, 173. 

 

(5) The private agreement for land compensation executed between the licensee or

lessee and the land owner(s) shall be registered in the concerned court of Law.

 

(6) Payment of land compensation to the land owner (s) shall be made  through

concerned revenue authority.

 

(7) Notwithstanding the provision of rule 174, the Licensing Authority may, in

case of persistent interference and creating obstruction/abstraction in the

exploration, prospecting, or mining operations of a licensee or lessee by the land

owner(s) in any manner after settlement or fixation of land compensation by the

Licensing Authority, under sub rule (2) the Licensing Authority may on the

request  of the licensee or lessee proceed to acquire the land under the Land

Acquisition Act, 1894 (Act No. 1 of 1894), required for the said operations or any

other ancillary matter:

 

(i) If in the opinion of the Licensing Authority, it is necessary to acquire land to provide  access to the licensed or leased area or  if such a request is made by a

licensee or lessee, the Licensing Authority may proceed to acquire the requisite

land under the  Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (Act No. 1 of 1894); provided that

before proceeding under this rule, the Licensing Authority shall  give the parties

reasonable opportunity of being heard. (ii) The cost of land acquired under clause

(i) shall be borne by the licensee or lessee.

 

143. Not to cut or injure any tree.---A licensee or a lessee shall not cut or injure

any tree on Government land or on reserved forests without the prior permission in

writing of the Licensing Authority or of such officer or officers as the Government

may authorize in this behalf.

 

144. Operation in the reserved and protected forests.---(1) Every application

for the grant of prospecting license or a mining lease in a reserved or protected

forest shall be referred to a Technical Committee constituted by Government,

having members one each from Directorate General of Mines & Minerals and

Environment Department. The decision of the Technical Committee on the

application shall be final. In case of any disagreement between the members of the

Technical Committee, the matter shall be referred to the Secretary to Government

of the North-West Frontier Province Industries, Commerce, Mineral Development,

Labour and Technical Education Department, for appropriate decision.

 

(2) All surface and sub-surface exploration prospecting and mining  operations

within a reserved or protected forest shall be subject to such terms and conditions

as may be prescribed by the Committee and approved by the Licencing Authority.

 

(3) All operations conducted under these rules within a reserved or protected forest

shall be subject to such conditions as Government may, from time  to time, by a

general or a special order, prescribe.

 

(4) It shall be a condition of every license or lease granted under these  rules that

before the commencement of prospecting or mining operations within a  reserved

or protected forest, thirty days notice shall be given to the Forest Officer

concerned of the intention to commence operations. 

 

(5) The operations shall be conducted subject to such precautions  regarding

prevention of fire and conservation of forest as the licensee or the lessee may from

time to time, be required by the Licensing Authority.

 

145. Limits of boundaries.---The boundaries of the area covered by a license or a

lease shall run vertically down-wards below the surface towards the centre of the

earth.

 

146. Demarcation of area.---(1) A licensee or a lessee shall, within sixty days of

the issue of the license or a lease, cause the granted area to be demarcated on

ground according to the survey data and submit a certificate on the prescribed

form signed by a Registered Surveyor of having carried out the said boundary

demarcation.

 

(2) On receipt of the certificate referred in sub-rule (1), the Licensing Authority

may cause boundary demarcation to be checked and corrected on payment of fee

to be notified by Government.

 

(3) A licensee or a lessee may get his area demarcated officially, after paying such

fee as may be notified by the Licensing Authority from time to time.

 

(4) A licensee or a lessee shall not commence prospecting or mining operations unless he has submitted the demarcation certificate to the Licensing Authority and

it has been approved.

 

(5) A boundary dispute in respect of the licensed or leased area, shall be referred

to the Licensing Authority whose decision shall be final.

 

147. Boundary marks.---The licensee or the lessee shall, at his own expense,

erect and at all times maintain boundary marks and pillars standing not less than

one  meter above the surface of the ground and being not less than one meter

square in  diameter at the base at every angle or corner of boundary lines to be

fixed according to the demarcation under rule 146.

 

148. Not to construct buildings upon any public place, etc.---A licensee or a

lessee shall not erect any building or carry on any surface operation upon any

public  recreation  grounds, grave-yards, or place held sacred by any class of

persons or any  house, village site, or public road or any other place which

Government or the Licensing Authority may specify in this behalf.

 

149. Not to work within one hundred meters from any railway line, etc.---A

licensee or a lessee shall not carry on or permit to be carried on any prospecting or

mining operations at or upto any point within a distance of one hundred meters

from  any railway line, reservoir, canal, power line, gas pipeline or  other public

works, or building or place of archaeological importance except with the previous

permission of the concerned authority and in accordance with such conditions as

may be  imposed. The same distance demarcation shall apply for underground

operations.

 

150. Distance from boundaries.---No prospecting or mining operations shall,

except with the prior consent in writing of the Licensing Authority, be carried on

by  the licensee or the lessee in or under the licensed or leased area at or to any

point within a distance of fifty meters from the boundaries of the area.

 

151. Weighing machine.---A licensee or a lessee shall provide at or near the mine

or quarry a properly constructed and correct weighing machine or other  suitable

means for determining the weight or quantity of the mineral produced.

 

152. Keeping of record.---(1) A licensee or a lessee shall, at all times, keep in the

form prescribed by the Licensing Authority, complete record at the mine premises

showing the quantity of the minerals obtained and dispatched from the mines on

the authenticated register issued by it or its authorized representative. The licensee

or the lessee shall also maintain the record showing the number of mines  and

person employed therein and complete plans of the mines. The minerals excavated

from any licensed or leased area shall be dispatched from the area on the

prescribed dispatch slips duly authenticated by the Licensing Authority or its

authorized representative: 

 

Provided that dispatch slips shall clearly indicate the date, license/lease

No., name of buyer, vehicle No., quantity of mineral and its destination: 

 

Provided further that any vehicle/carrier carrying mineral without

prescribed  dispatch slip duly authenticated by the Licensing Authority or its

authorized representative shall be considered as un authorizedly excavated mineral

and shall be dealt with accordingly.

 

(2) A licensee or a lessee shall allow the officer so authorized by the Licensing

Authority in that behalf to examine such record and plans, to take extract,  or if

necessary, collect record for scrutiny on giving a receipt therefore: 

(3) If a licensee or a lessee fails to produce the record at the mine premises at the

time of inspection, he shall render himself liable to a fine of five thousand rupees

to be imposed by the Licensing Authority:

 

Provided that the Licensing Authority, before imposing penalty, shall afford  the

licensee or the lessee an opportunity of being heard.

 

153. Submission of production returns.---  A licensee or a lessee shall send

monthly returns of production and dispatch of mineral to the Licensing Authority

in the prescribed form on or before the 15th day of each succeeding month. In case

there is no production of mineral in any month, a „NIL report shall be submitted

with reasons thereof.

 

154. Submission of periodical returns.---A licensee or a lessee shall be required

to abide by all instructions issued by the Licensing Authority from time to time

regarding the maintenance of record of production and system of dispatch of

mineral from the licensed or leased area, and- 

 

(i)  submit at the end of every year balance sheet account audited  by a

qualified and registered Auditor and such other  information and periodical

returns as may from time to time be required by the Licensing Authority;

 

(ii) submit statistical data, geological reports, including geological  and

geochemical interpretation, mineral analysis, photographs,  ore logs, tests

and such information as may be required by the Licensing Authority or a

statistical organization in such form as may be prescribed; and

 

(iii) meet any target of production fixed by the Licensing Authority based

on the off-take of mineral.

 

155. Inspection.---A licensee or a lessee shall provide the Licensing Authority, or

an officer authorized by the Licensing Authority in this behalf, all reasonable

facilities to enter upon the mine premises including underground workings for

purposes of inspection of mines and shall also make available all records at the

mines and else-where for carrying out survey, measurement, examination and

matters, ancillary or incidental to the matters set out in these rules.

 

156. Strengthening and supporting mines.---A licensee or a lessee shall

strengthen and support to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority, whole or any

part of the mine when, in its opinion such strengthening or support is needed for

the conservation of the mineral and safety of personnel or any railway, reservoir,

canal or any other public work or any building, affected by such operations.

 

 

157. Power to assess and claim compensation for damage to mineral

property.---(1) In the event of any damage caused to the mineral property due to

un-scientific working, lack of supervision, negligence or any other omission or

commission on the part of a licensee  or a lessee, the Licensing Authority shall

assess by reasonable means the extent of the damage and the compensation shall

be payable thereof by the licensee or the lessee:

 

Provided that before so doing, the Licensing Authority shall afford the

licensee or the lessee a fair opportunity of being heard and to explain his position.

 

(2) The decision of the Licensing Authority under this rule shall be final.

 (3) The licensee or the lessee shall be liable to pay the compensation so assessed

in the same manner as arrears of rents and royalties are payable.

 

158. Non-conservational mining activities.---(1) If, on inspection or otherwise,

the Licensing Authority has reasons to believe that a licensee or a lessee is

working  in a manner contrary to the conservation  of mineral property, the

Licensing Authority may require the licensee or the lessee in writing to remove the

defects or  amend the method of mining or prospecting after counseling with the

licensee or  lessee within a period to be determined by the Licensing Authority

subject to the condition that the period shall not exceed four months in any case.

 

(2) If the licensee or the lessee fails to comply with the instructions within the

specified period, the Licensing Authority shall suspend the work of the extraction

of mineral in whole or in any part of the area demised under license or  lease till

such time the defects are removed to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority.

 

(3) If the defects are not removed or the method of mining is not amended  as

agreed after counseling the Licensing Authority within four months from the date

of the stoppage of work, the license or the lease may be cancelled.

 

(4) If prior approval of the Licensing Authority is not obtained, a licensee  or a

lessee shall not depillar or abandon mines unless depillaring is the part of the

approved scheme.

 

159. Under-reporting of mineral production.---(1) If, as a result of inspection of

the mines or areas demised under the license or the lease or otherwise it is

discovered on available evidence that the licensee or the lessee has under-reported

mineral production, the Licensing Authority shall charge royalty upto ten times the

notified rate, on the quantity of mineral under reported by the licensee or the

lessee, forfeit the security deposit and may also cancel the license or lease on the

merits of the case:

 

Provided that no action under this rule shall be taken without giving the

licensee or the lessee an opportunity of being heard.

 

(2) An entry in the record of the licensee or lessee shall be made regarding under

reporting and shall be exhibited at the time of the renewal of the  license or the

lease.

 

160. Employment of technical personnel.---A licensee or a lessee shall employ

such technical personnel as is reasonably required by the Licensing Authority,

under the laws, rules, regulations regarding mines safety for the time being in

force. 

 

 

161. Training.---A licensee or a lessee shall, when asked to do so by the

Licensing Authority, arrange and provide facilities for training to students of any

Mining Engineering Institution or to any other person associated with profession 

of Engineering, Geology or other related sciences.

 

162. Access to other licensee or lessee both on surface and underground.---A

licensee or a lessee shall allow existing and future license or lease holders of any

area which is comprised in or adjoins or is reached by the land held by the licensee

or the lessee all reasonable facilities of surface or underground access thereto, on

the terms and conditions as may be determined by the Licensing Authority. 

 

163. Discovery of other minerals.---A licensee or a lessee shall, without delay, report to the Licensing Authority the discovery on or within any of the lands or

mines demised under the license or the lease of any mineral not specified in the

license or the lease, but he shall not, unless a fresh license or lease in respect of the

mineral so discovered is granted to him under these rules, have any right to that

mineral.

 

164. Pre-emption.---Government shall at all times have the right of pre-emption

of the minerals lying upon the land in respect of which a license or a lease has 

been granted, or elsewhere under the control of the licensee or the lessee:

 

Provided that a fair market price for all minerals taken in pre-emption shall

be paid to the licensee or the lessee.

 

165. Meeting the internal requirements of Pakistan.---Government shall have

the right to require a licensee or a lessee-

 

(a) to meet the internal requirements of Pakistan to the satisfaction of Government

before exporting any mineral or its products to other countries;

 

(b) to associate Pakistan capital subject to any law for the time being in force of all

classes of capital and debentures issued by him; and

 

(c) to employ nationals of Pakistan in his organization in all grades  and in all

branches including technical and administrative personnel and to arrange for the

training in Pakistan or abroad  of the nationals of Pakistan to fill up these

appointments. The number of Pakistan nationals to be employed or trained will be

determined by Government in consultation with the licensee or the lessee.

 

166. To ascertain and verify the value of precious stones, etc.---The Licensing

Authority may from time to time ascertain and verify in such manner as it may

deem  fit, the value of all precious stones and other minerals, ore and metals

dressed or extracted by a licensee or a lessee for the purpose of ascertaining the

royalty payable under these rules.

 

167. Change in the constitution of the licensee or lessee.---A licensee or a lessee

may issue any fresh capital or make any change in its constitution which shall be

intimated in writing within thirty days to the Licensing Authority, which may

finally confirm it:

 

Provided that if more than fifty per cent transfer of capital/share is

involved, the case shall be dealt with in accordance with rule 107 of these rules.

 

168. Exclusion of lands for public purposes.---If an area or a portion thereof

held under a license or a lease is required at any time for any public purpose, the

licensee or the lessee shall forthwith release to the Licensing Authority such area

and to such extent as is required by Government under such terms and conditions

as may be determined by the Licensing Authority:

 

Provided that the licensee or lessee shall be paid the compensation of the

investment made in the said area or part thereof to be assessed by an umpire

appointed by the Licensing Authority:

 

Provided further that where any area excluded as above becomes

subsequently available for the purpose of grant under license or lease, the previous

licensee or the lessee shall have prior right over such area if his original license or

lease subsists.

 169. Report of accident, etc.---A licensee or a lessee shall report immediately to

the Licensing Authority any incident of fire, explosion, inundation or roof-fall

causing damage to mineral property or loss of human life. The Licensing

Authority may direct an enquiry to assess the loss caused to mineral property and

reasons thereof. In case, it is proved to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority

that the  accident had taken place due to the negligence of the licensee or the

lessee, appropriate action against the defaulter shall be taken under these rules or

any law for the time being in force.

 

170. Sub-letting.---(1) No licensee or lessee shall sublet the mine for the purpose

of extraction of the mineral to any third person, 

 

(2) The license or the lease shall be cancelled by the Licensing Authority,  if the

provision of sub-rule (1) is violated:

 

Provided that before proceeding under sub-rule (1), the licensee or the

lessee shall be given an opportunity of being heard.

 

Explanation:---Sub-letting includes such act on the part of a licensee or a  lessee

whereby the liberties, powers, privileges and obligations under the license or lease,

as the case may be, are transferred to a third party in respect of the area demised

under the license or lease.

 

171. Taking possession of works, etc. in time of war or national emergency.---

(1) In the event of a state of war or national emergency, Government may take

control of works, plant and premises under the license or the lease. 

 

(2) In such an event, the licensee, or the lessee shall conform to and obey  all

directions issued by the Licensing Authority or Government in this behalf.

 

(3) A fair compensation as determined by the Licensing Authority  through an

independent umpire shall be paid to the licensee or the lessee.

 

172. Licensee or lessee ceasing to be national of Pakistan.---(1) If a licensee or

a lessee ceases to be a national of Pakistan or if a Company ceases to be

incorporated in Pakistan, it shall within a period of one month inform the

Licensing Authority and apply to it, for consent to assignment of the rights granted

by the license or the lease under these rules.

 

(2) In the event of the licensee or the lessee failing to obtain such consent,  the

Licensing Authority may without prejudice to any obligation or liability  imposed

by, or incurred under these rules, revoke the license or the lease.

 

173. Unauthorised mining.---(1) If any person starts prospecting or mining any

mineral outside the area granted to him under a license or a lease or in any area for

which he has not obtained a license or a lease or if any person obstructs free access

of a licensee or a lessee to the licensed or leased area or directly or indirectly tries 

to interfere with the prospecting or mining operations by a licensee or a lessee, he

shall be punishable by a court of competent jurisdiction, with imprisonment for a

term not less than three (3) months, which may extend to three years and/or with a

minimum fine of Rs.1,00,000/- which may extend Rs.10,00,000/- or with both 

 

(2) The Licensing Authority shall appoint a technical committee to asses the losses

incurred due to obstruction, hindrance, or closure of the prospecting exploration or

mining operations caused by any person(s) and proceed to recover  the assessed

losses from such person(s), which in default shall be recovered as arrears of land

revenue. 

(3) In the event of any unauthorized mining obstruction, hindrance or interference

in the prospecting, exploration or mining operations, the administration  of the

locality, on request of the Licensing Authority, shall take all necessary steps  to

stop the illegal acts to ensure smooth operations of the licensee or lessee. 

 

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1), the Licensing Authority

shall have the power to stop unauthorized work in such manner as it may deem fit

and recover in addition to the penalty, the pit-mouth  value of the mineral  so

excavated from the person responsible for such un-authorized work.

 

(5) The offences under sub-rule (1) of this rule are cognizable and shall be dealt

with accordingly. 

 

174. Registration of Surveyors.---(1) The Licensing Authority shall register and

maintain a list of suitably qualified Mine Surveyors who, in its opinion, are

competent to carry out boundary demarcation, survey both underground and

aboveground and to prepare plans as are required under these rules on the rates of

fee fixed by the Licensing Authority from time to time:

 

Provided that the Licensing Authority may register such Mine Surveyors

initially for a period of five years on payment of such fee as may be prescribed by

it. The membership may be renewed in the manner prescribed.

 

(2) A boundary demarcation certificate required under rule 146 shall be accepted

by the Licensing Authority only if the demarcation has been carried out by  a

registered Mine Surveyor and the prescribed certificate is signed by him.

 

(3) If at any time the Licensing Authority has reasons to believe that the registered

Surveyor has committed gross negligence or misconduct in the discharge  of his

duty under these rules, it may impose a fine of ten thousand rupees and may also,

subject to notice, cancel the registration of the Surveyor:

 

Provided that before such cancellation, the Mine Surveyor shall be given an

opportunity to explain his position and shall be heard in person, if he so desires.

 

(4) A Surveyor referred to in sub-rule (1) shall have such qualifications, as may,

from time to time, be determined by the Licensing Authority by a Notification in

the Official Gazette.

 

(5) A Mine Surveyor who wishes to be registered under this rule shall  make

application to the Licensing Authority.

 

175.  Persistent violation of rules and conditions.---If a licensee or a lessee

persists in violating any of the terms and conditions of the license or the lease or 

the provisions of these rules, and fails to rectify the violation within such period as

may be fixed by the Licensing Authority, the license or the lease may, subject to

notice, be cancelled.

 

176. Power of distress.---If any dues payable under a license or a lease are not

paid within six months next after the due date, the Licensing Authority may,

subject  to notice, determine the license or lease and take possession of the

premises comprised therein.

 

177. Delivery of mines, etc. in good condition.---On the expiry, surrender or

determination of a license or a lease, the licensee or the lessee, as the case may be,

shall deliver to the Licensing Authority the demised premises and all mines, if any, in a proper and workable state save in respect of any working as to which the

Licensing Authority may have earlier sanctioned abandonment in which case he

shall securely plug any bores and fill up or fence any holes or excavations that he

may have made in the land to such extent as the Licensing Authority may require.

The lessee or the licensee shall also to like extent restore the surface of the land

and  buildings and other structures not belonging to him which he may have

damaged in the course of prospecting or mining.

 

178. Force majeure.---Failure on the part of a licensee or a lessee to fulfil any of

the terms and conditions of these rules shall not entitle the Licensing Authority or

Government to make any claim against the licensee or the lessee or such failure be

deemed a breach of the condition of the license or the lease in so far as it arises

from force majeure.

 

Explanation.---In this rule, the expression „Force Majeure means the act of God,

war, insurrection, riot, civil commotion, tide, storm, tidal wave, flood, lightening,

explosion, fire, earthquake and any other happening which the licensee  or the

lessee could not reasonably control.

 

179. Black listing.---(1) A person, a firm or a Company may be black listed by the

Licensing Authority on account of serious and repeated violations of these rules.

 

(2) The license or lease held by such person, firm or Company shall stand

terminated and such person, firm, or Company shall be debarred from obtaining

any mining concessions.

 

(3) In case such person or any partner of such firm or a Director of such Company

forms a new firm or becomes a Director of another Company it shall render such

other firm or Company ineligible to receive a mining concession.

 

180. Establishment of check posts.---(1) The Licensing Authority may, for the

purpose of verification or collection of royalty on minerals dispatched from the

licensed or leased areas, establish check posts at suitable places, authorize any

official to check the mineral in transit and take such other measures with regard to

recovery of royalty as it may deem fit.

 

(2) Notwithstanding the provision of rule 140 the Licensing Authority may order

the collection of royalty on minerals dispatched from the licensed or leased area or

areas, as the case may be, through sealed tenders or open auction on the terms and

conditions determined by it.

181. Forfeiture of plants etc.---If any machinery, building structure, mineral or 

ther property belonging to the licensee or the lessee is not removed by him from

the licensed or leased area within six months after the date of expiry or

determination of the license or the lease, the Licensing Authority may enter upon

the said land, take possession of all the machinery, building structures, mineral or

any other property belonging to the licensee or the lessee and may dispose it off in

any manner as it may deem fit.

 

182. Unit development and beneficiation of the minerals.---The Licensing

Authority may, on sufficient technical economic grounds require the licensee or

the lessee to-

 

(a) associate his uneconomic holding under a license or a lease with the holding of 

no  other licensee on lessee, as the case may  be, for the purpose of  joint

exploitation  n the terms and conditions to be mutually agreed by the licensees or

the lessees or in case to disagreement as the Licensing Authority may determine

after  consultation with the parties concerned; and 

(b) grade, beneficiate, refine or concentrate the mineral to a marketable standard.

 

183. Appeal.---(1) If a person is aggrieved by an order of the Licensing Authority

passed under these rules, he/ may, within thirty days of the communication of the

impugned order, prefer an appeal to Government.

 

(2) The decision of Government on such appeal shall be final.

 

184. Outstanding dues payable even after expiry of a license or lease.---On the

surrender, expiry or determination of a license or a lease, the licensee or the lessee,

as the case may be, shall be responsible for payment of all outstanding dues and

other charges which, in the event of non-payment, shall be recoverable as arrears

of land revenue.

 

185. Auction of area with proved mineral reserves.---In case of cancellation of

license or  lease in respect of an area containing proved mineral reserves the

Licensing Authority may lease out the area by inviting sealed tenders on such term

and conditions as may be prescribed by it:

 

Provided that if an area does not fetch a reasonable bid in consecutive  tenders or

auctions, the area may be deleted from the list of tender or auction.

 

Explanation:- The entire area covered by a previous license or a lease shall  be

treated as proved, in case the ex-licensee or lessee had reported production of the

mineral through mining or proved the area through drilling of borehole or

boreholes, as the case may be.

 

186. Membership of an association.---The Licensing Authority may require a

licensee or a lessee to become a member of an association recognized by it  as

representing the interests of the Private Sector of Mining Industry as a whole. 

 

187. Constitution of Board.---Government may, by a notification, constitute a

Board comprising official and non-official members and assign the functions and

duties regarding the development of mining areas, provisions of infrastructure

facilities and other ancillary matters connected therewith.

 PART-XV

MINOR MINERALS

 

188. Mining of minor minerals.---There shall be no mining of minor minerals

except under a lease granted  in accordance with these rules. Notwithstanding

anything contained in these rules a lease for minor mineral shall be granted and

governed by rules relating to minor minerals under these rules.

 

189. Period of lease.---The period of a lease shall not exceed three years.

 

190. Mode of grant.---A lease shall be granted on “as is, where is basis” through

open auction conducted by an Auction Committee constituted under the rules 192.

The area granted under a mining lease shall not be altered or changed in any case.

 

191. Constitution of an Auction Committee.---(1) Government may, by

notification, constitute an Auction Committee in each District, to conduct auction 

of  leases for minor minerals, which shall consist of such member as Government

may notify from time to time.

 

(2) An officer in BS-17 or above of the Directorate General, Mines and Minerals,

North-West Frontier Province, shall act as Secretary of the Auction Committee,

hereinafter called “Secretary”.

 

(3) Three members including the Chairman or his authorized  representative shall

constitute the quorum of the Committee, which shall consist of the following:

 

(i) District Coordination Officer (Chairman)

(ii) District Officer (Revenue & Estate) (Member)

(iii) Assistant Director Mines & Minerals (Secretary-cum-Member)

 

192. Schedule of auction.---The Secretary shall, for the purpose of general

information, cause to be prepared and maintained a schedule, alongwith necessary

plans based on Survey of Pakistan maps of the area in a district where minor

minerals  are situated and shall also cause a tentative programme for auction

formulated and maintained in his office.

 

193. Shape and size of the area.---Each area in respect of which a lease is

granted shall, as far as practicable, be in a compact shape and shall be identified 

by well marked permanent physical boundaries or by straight lines. No lease shall

be granted in respect of an area exceeding two hundred acres in the form of one

unit.

 

194. Minor Minerals.---The minor minerals to be granted under these rules will

include bajri, ordinary sand and gravel.

 

195. Public notice of auction.---For general information of the public, the

Licencing Authority shall, through public notice, advertised in newspapers at least

fifteen days prior to the date of auction:

 

(i) the location of the area in respect of which the lease is proposed to be granted;

(ii) the details of the auction programme specifying the date, time and place where

the auction is to take place; and 

(iii) the terms and conditions of the auction.

 

196. Registration of applicant.---(1) A person desirous of taking part in an

auction shall submit, by hand, an application complete in all respects, to the

Secretary or to an officer authorised by him in this behalf in the form appended to these rules at least one day prior to the auction.

 

(2) Every application under sub-rule (1) shall be accompanied by-

 

(i) the application fee, as determined by Government from time to time;

(ii) earnest money as determined by Government; and

(iii) a copy of-

(a) the National Identity Card of the applicant;

(b) income tax registration certificate;

(c) the duly registered partnership deed where the applicant  is partnership

firm; and

(d) the Articles and Memorandum of Association along with  evidence of

paid up capital, if the applicant is a Company.

 

(3) If an application is not submitted in accordance with the provisions of  sub-

rules (1) and (2), it shall be rejected and the applicant shall not be eligible to take

part in the auction.

 

197. Acknowledgement of applications.---The officer receiving the applications

shall record thereon the date and time of its receipt and deliver to the applicant a

registration slip stating the date and time of the auction. 

 

198. Powers to accept or reject a bid.---The Licensing Authority shall have  the

discretion to accept or reject the highest bid received in an auction for reasons to

be recorded in writing.

 

199. Refund of earnest money.---The earnest money deposited under rule 197

may be refunded after the auction, except to highest bidder whose earnest money

shall be refunded only after acceptance or rejection of the bid by the Licensing

Authority:

 

Provided that the earnest money deposited by the highest bidder shall be

forfeited if he fails to deposit one-fourth of the bid money at the fall of hammer.

 

200. Payment of bid money.---The highest bidder shall deposit one-fourth of the

balance of the bid money in the manner and within the time prescribed by

Government, failing which the earnest money shall stand forfeited and the next

highest bid may be treated as the highest bid, subject to the condition that the next

highest bid is not less than ten per cent of the highest bid.

 

201. Security deposit.---(1) On approval of the bid, the highest bidder shall

deposit twenty-five per cent of the bid money as security within a period of fifteen

days from the date of issue of the letter of approval in the manner specified by the

Licensing Authority.

 

(2) If the highest bidder fails to deposit the security amount within the  time limit

given under sub-rule (1), the bid money and the earnest money already deposited

by him shall be forfeited.

 

(3) On the expiry or termination of the lease, as the case may be, the  security

deposit shall be refunded to the lessee after making such deductions on account of

outstanding dues, compensation for surface damage, penalty or  otherwise as the

Licensing Authority may order.

 

202. Grant of lease.---(1) After the security deposit is made the Secretary shall

issue an allotment letter whereupon the lease shall stand granted to the highest

bidder. (2) The allotment letter shall state the terms and conditions of the lease.

 

203. Payment of installments.---(1) The lessee shall pay the instalments, if any,

of the bid money in advance on the dates stated in the allotment letter and submit

the original Treasury Challan to the Licensing Authority.

 

(2) In case the lessee fails to pay any installment by the due date, the Licensing

Authority, subject to one-month notice, may cancel the lease and through its agent

take the possession of the area.

 

204. Surface rent.---(1) A lessee shall pay, for all Government land which he may

use or occupy superficially for the purpose of the operations conducted under the

lease, a surface rent at the rate assessable under the revenue law or rules applicable

in the district in which the land is situated:

 

Provided that if no such rent is assessable under the existing law, the rent

may be fixed by the Licensing Authority.

 

(2) If the land belongs to a private person, a lessee shall pay surface rent  to the

owner of the land actually used or occupied superficially at such rate and in such

manner as may be mutually agreed upon between the lessee and the land owner

and in case of disagreement between them, at such rate and in such manner as may

be determined by the Licensing Authority whose decision shall be final.

 

(3) Violation of this rule shall be punishable as provided in rule 173.

 

205. Acquisition of land.---If, in the opinion of the Licensing Authority, it is

necessary to acquire land to provide access to the leased area, it may acquire it

under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (Act No. 1 of 1894).

 

206. Compensation.---A lessee shall pay such compensation as may be assessed

by the authority concerned in accordance with any law for the time being in force

for such loss, which may be caused as a result of the operations carried on by him

under the lease and shall indemnify the Licensing Authority or any officer

working  on its behalf against all claims which may be made by third parties in

respect of any such damage, injury or disturbance and in case of dispute the matter

shall be referred to the Licensing Authority, whose decision shall be final:

 

Provided that before proceeding under this rule, the Licensing Authority

shall give the parties reasonable opportunity of being heard.

 

207. Operation in the reserved and protected forests.---(1) All operations

conducted under these rules within a reserved or protected forest shall be subject

to such conditions as the Licensing Authority may by a general or a special order,

prescribe.

 

(2) It shall be a condition of every lease granted under these rules that before the

commencement of mining operations within a reserved or protected  forest, a

notice shall be given to the Forest Officer concerned of the intention to commence

operations.

 

208. Demarcation of area.---(1) The lessee at his own expense shall, within

fifteen days of issue of allotment letter, cause the granted area demarcated on

ground according to the survey data and erect and maintain at all times

correct/permanent boundary marks and pillars standing not less than one meter

above the surface of the ground and being not less than half meter square or in

diameter at the base at every angle or corner of boundary line. In case, the lessee fails to erect or maintain  the boundary pillar, the Licensing Authority or its

authorized agent may impose penalty at such rate as prescribed by Government. 

 

(2) The Licensing Authority may demarcate the area officially on payment of such

fee by the lessee as prescribed by Government.

 

(3) Any boundary dispute, in respect of the leased area, shall be referred  to the

Licensing Authority, whose decision shall be final.

 

209. No work within one hundred meters from any railway line, etc.---A

lessee shall not carry on or permit to be carried on any mining operation at or upto

any point within a distance of hundred meters from any Railway line, water

reservoir, power line, gas pipeline or other public works, or building or place of

archaeological importance except with the prior permission, in writing, of the

Authority concerned and in accordance with such conditions as it may impose. 

 

210. Inspection.---A lessee shall provide the Licensing Authority or an officer

authorized by it in this behalf, all reasonable facilities to enter upon the leased area

for purpose of inspection, survey, measurement or inquiry about any matter

relating  to the lease and shall make available all records pertaining thereto for

examination.

 

211. Access to other lessees.---(1) A lessee shall allow lease holders of any area

adjoining or accessible through the land held by the lessee all reasonable facilities

of access thereto on the terms and conditions as may be determined by the

Licensing Authority.

 

(2) Failure on the part of the lessee to comply with the terms  and  conditions

determined by the Licensing Authority under sub-rule (1) shall render him liable

to a fine which shall not be less than five thousand rupees and not more than fifty

thousand rupees.

 

212. Change in the constitution of the lessee.---A lessee  shall not make any

change in its constitution without prior consent in writing of the Licensing

Authority.

 

213. Exclusion of lands for public purposes.---If an area or a portion thereof

held under a lease is required at any time by Government for any public purpose,

the Licensing Authority shall have the powers to withdraw such area without 

notice and the bid money shall be reduced proportionately.

 

214. Unauthorized mining.---(1) If any person carries out mining of minor

minerals outside the area granted to him under a lease or in any area for which he

has not obtained a lease or obstructs free access of a lessee to the leased area or

directly or indirectly tries to interfere with mining operation by a lessee, action

shall be taken against the defaulted person as provided in rule 173.

 

(2) Notwithstanding sub-rule (1), the Licensing Authority shall have the power to

stop unauthorized work in such manner as it may deem fit and recover upto three

times the sale price of minor mineral so excavated from the person responsible for

such unauthorized work:

 

Provided that before proceeding, the person shall be given a reasonable

opportunity of being heard.

 

215. Right of surrender.---A lessee may surrender the mining lease at any time

after four months from the date of its grant by giving either two months prior notice  in writing to the Licensing Authority or pay propionate bid money in lieu

thereof:

 

Provided that in case of partial surrender of the lease area, the lessee shall

not be entitled to any reduction in the bid money.

 

216. Assignment.---A lessee shall neither transfer any right or interest under the

lease, nor part with the possession of the area or any part thereof, without prior

permission, in writing, of the Licensing Authority.

 

217. Method of making  application for assignment.---(1) An application for

assignment shall be submitted at least six months before the expiry of lease and

shall be accompanied by the fee as prescribed by Government.

 

(2) The application shall be presented in person and shall  be signed by both the

assignee and the assignor before the Licensing Authority or an officer authorized

by it in this behalf.

 

(3) The security deposited by the assignor shall be refunded after  receiving fresh

security deposit from the assignee on approval of the assignment by the Licensing

Authority.

 

218. Refund of proportionate bid money.---In case a lessee fails to assume

possession of the area or work therein due to circumstances beyond his control and

informs within a period of fifteen days from the date he first faced the hindrance in

this respect and proves it to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority, it may

refund the proportionate bid money to the lessee:

 

Provided that no relief under this rule shall be admissible due to rains or

floods in the rivers, streams or of dangerous quarry operations.

 

219. Removal of buildings, structures etc. on expiry of lease.---(1) On expiry or

termination of a lease, the lessee shall hand over the possession of the area to the

Licensing Authority or its authorized representative clear of all buildings,

structures, machinery, excavated minerals and other things.

 

(2) In case such buildings, structures, machinery, minerals or other things are not

removed within one month from the date of expiry or termination of lease, it shall

vest in the Licensing Authority without any right of the lessee for compensation

and the Licensing Authority may dispose them off in such manner as it may deem

fit.

 

220. Violation of rules or lease agreement.---(1) Except as otherwise provided in

these rules, in case of violation or breach of any rule or any term or condition of

the grant of lease, the Licensing Authority shall give a notice to the lessee

providing him with an opportunity to rectify the breach within the time specified

in the notice.

 

(2) If the lessee fails to rectify such violation or breach within the specified time,

the Licensing Authority may terminate the lease and forfeit the bid money already

paid by the lessee.

 

221. Erection of buildings, etc.---No body other than a  lessee shall erect any

building, structure, machinery or plant within a distance of one hundred meters

from the boundary of the leased area except with the prior permission, in writing, 

of the Licensing Authority.

 222. Service of letters and notices.---Any letter or notice issued to the lessee or to

any person at his postal address by registered post shall, for purpose of these rules,

be considered sufficient service.

 

223. Safe working.---(1) If, on inspection or otherwise, the Licensing Authority is

of the opinion that a lessee is working in a manner contrary to the conservation of

mineral property or safety of workers or other people, the Licensing Authority

may  require the lessee, in writing , to remove the defects or amend the workings

within a  period, not exceeding two months, as is determined by the Licensing

Authority.

 

(2) If the lessee fails to comply with the instructions within the specified period,

the Licensing Authority shall have the power to stop the work of extraction  of

minerals in whole or in any part of the area demised under the lease till such time

that the defects are removed to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority and the

lessee shall not be entitled to any relief whatsoever on this account.

 

(3) If the defects are not removed or the method of extraction is not amended to

the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority within two months from the  date of

stoppage of work, the lease shall be cancelled and the bid money already  paid

shall be forfeited.

 

224. Re-auction of leased area.---A leased area may be re-auctioned within three

months before its expiry but if the auction or the grant of lease is delayed due to

certain reasons, the Licensing Authority may extend the period of previous lease

upto the date of next grant on payment of proportionate bid money in advance for

the extended period:

 

Provided that any extension beyond a period of three months but not

exceeding six months on this account shall be subject to the approval of Director

General:

 

Provided further that extension beyond a total period of six months but not

exceeding one year shall be subject to the approval of Government.

 

225. Issuance of despatch slips.---(1) The lessee shall not dispatch any mineral

from the leased out area without issuing a dispatch slip duly signed by him or his

authorized representative in the form specified by the Licensing Authority.

 

(2) If a lessee fails to issue proper dispatch slips, the Licensing Authority  or an

officer authorized by it in this behalf may impose penalty as may be specified by

Government.

 

(3) If a lessee commits repeated violations of this rule, the Licensing Authority

may terminate the lease and forfeit the instalment or bid money already paid.

 

226. Mode of payment.---All amounts payable under these rules shall be

deposited into a Government Treasury or into any Bank authorized by

Government for the purpose under the Head of Account specified by Government.

 

227. Taking over possession of area.---(1) On expiry or earlier termination of a

lease, the possession of the area shall be assumed by the Licensing Authority or its

authorized representative and entry in this respect shall be made in the record of

the Licensing Authority.

 

(2) Possession of the area shall be considered as validly assumed if entry  to this

effect is available in the record of the Secretary or the Licensing Authority and an intimation has been sent to the concerned revenue officer of the district.

 

228. Outstanding dues payable even after expiry of a lease.---(1) The lessee

shall be responsible for payment of all outstanding dues and other charges even

after the surrender, expiry or termination of the lease.

 

(2) In the event of non-payment of dues by the lessee or any other person under

these rules, the same shall be recovered as arrears of land revenue.

 

229. Black listing.---(1) A person may be black listed by the Licensing Authority

on account of serious or repeated violations of these rules.

 

(2) The lease held by such person shall stand terminated and he shall be debarred

from taking part in all future auctions.

 

230. Appeal.---(1) If a person is aggrieved by an order of the Licensing Authority

passed under this chapter, he may, within thirty days of the communication of the

impugned order prefer an appeal to the Director General.

 Government of N.-W.F.P.,

Industries, Commerce, Mineral Development,

Labour and Technical Education Department.

 

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1

APPLICATION FEE

(APPLICABLE TO LARGE SCALE MINING)

No. Category Application

Fee (Rs)

Renewal Fee (Rs)

1. 2. 3. 4.

1 Reconnaissance License 15,000 Not Renewable

2 Exploration License 25,000

- First Renewal 50,000

- Second Renewal 50,000

- Amendment 25,000

3 Mineral Deposit 100,000

Retention License

- Renewal 15,000

- Amendment 25,000

4 Mining lease 100,000

- Renewal - 100,000

- Amendment 50,000 -

 

 

SCHEDULE 2

(APPLICABLE TO LARGE SCALE MINING)

No. Category Rent Period (Year)

__ ________ Rs. Per Sq. Km

1 Reconnaissance License 100/- 1 year

2 Exploration License 250 1-3

750 4

- First Renewal 1,000 5

1,250 6

- Second Renewal 2,000 7

3 Mineral Deposit 3,000 2 + 1

Retention License

4 Mining Lease 3,000 30 + 10

 

 

SCHEDULE 3

(APPLICABLE TO LARGE SCALE MINING)

GROUPS OF MINERALS

 

A. CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL MINERALS GROUP

 

Alunite, andalusive-sillimanite-kyanite, anhydrite, aplite, asbestos, barite,  beryl,

boron minerals, calcium carbonate, celestite, clay (including bentonite and Fullers

Earth (Palygorsite and attapulgite), ball clay, halloysite, hectorite, kaolin,

refractory clay), corundum diatomite, dolomite, epsomite, feldspar, emeralds, 

garnet  (for industrial purposes), graphite, gypsum, heavy mineral sands, ioding

minerals  leucoxence, emerald minerals, limestone and marble, magnesite, mica

nepheline  syenite, nitrate, olivine, perlite, phosphate, fossil guano, quartz (for

“emeralds” 1 purposes), picture-stone, potash, pumice, pyrophyllite, salt, sepiolite,

silica sand, soapstone, soda-ash and other sodium compounds, strotianite, sulpher

and pyrite, talc, vermiculite, wollastonite and any other mineral as declared by the

Government. B. PRECIOUS STONES GROUP

Diamonds, Emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

 

C. PRECIOUS METALS GROUP

Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, osmium, rhodium, iridium and ruthenium.

 

D. SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES GROUP

Amozonite, aventurine, beryl (including aquamarine, heliodor and morganite, but

excluding beryl as a source of beyllium metal or as an industrial  mineral),

chrysoberyl, chrysocolla, cordierite, dioptase, dumortierite, garnet, milarite, quartz

(including amethyst, citrine, rock crystal, rose and strawberry  quartz, agate,

carnelian, chalcedony, chrysoprase, jasper, moss agate, hyalite, opal, pietersite and

tigers eye), sodalite, topaz, tourmaline and turquoise.

 

E. BASE METALS GROUP

Aluminum, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, caesium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, geranium, hafnium, indium, iron, lead,  manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, riohium, radium, “Rare Earths” or  lanthanides, including the actinides, scandium and yttrium, rhenium, rubidium,  selenium, tantalum, tellurium, thallium, tin, tungsten, vanadium, zinc or zin-  conium, but does not include any such minerals if such mineral is incidentally  ingroup of minerals.

NOTE:- The Government may include or exclude any mineral or group of minerals in the above said groups through Notification as deemed appropriate.

 

Secretary to Government of N.W.F.P

Industries, Commerce, Mineral Development,

Labour and Technical Education Department.

Printed and published by the Controller,

Ptg. & Staty. Deptt., NWFP, Pesh:

The Regulation of Mines and Oil-Fields and Mineral Development [(Government Control)] Act, 1948

The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) (Production and Marketing) Rules, 1992

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Production and Distribution) Rules, 1971

The National Mineral Policy

The Sindh Mining Concession Rules, 2002

The Balochistan Mineral Rules, 2002

 

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