Section 61: Obligations of an Exploration Licence Holder.

(1) Every holder of an exploration licence shall-
(a) conduct exploration activities in a safe, friendly, skilful, efficient and workmanlike manner in accordance with the regulations ;
(b) conduct exploration activities in an environmentally and socially responsible manner;
(c) if intending to explore on land occupied subject to a right of occupancy, give notice to the Chairman of the affected Local Government Area concerned and to the holder of the right of occupancy or the user or occupier of the land before commencing exploration activities on the land ; and where the Mineral title area is within more than one Local Government Area, the Mineral title holder shall give notice to the respective chairmen of the Local Government Areas concerned and the holders of rights of occupancy or the users and occupiers of land affected accordingly;
(d) maintain and restore, the land that is the subject of the licence to a safe state from any disturbance resulting from exploration activities, including, but not limited to filling up any shafts, wells, holes or trenches made by the title holder, and in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations ;
(e) not abstract, divert or discharge water or effluent from any Watercourse except in compliance with a water use permit and regulations ;
(f) not explore in any forest reserve except with the approval of the Minister and in consultation with other relevant authorities and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the Regulations ;
(g) compensate users or occupiers of land for damage to land and property resulting from activities in the exploration area ;
(h)
allow geological surveys and mapping by government agencies and scientific surveys by educational institutions as provided for in this Act, if such activities will not interfere with exploration operations ;
(i) submit information and such periodical reports as may be prescribed in the Regulations ; and
(j) pay all applicable fees, annual rental and water usage charges.
(2) The Mining Cadastre Office may, upon the application of the Holder and for good cause shown, suspend the obligation to work in respect of the Licence and may direct that any or part of the period of suspension shall not be reckoned in the currency, if during that time no work is done by the holder on the lands included in the area covered by the licence.
(3) The activities allowed under an exploration licence together with corresponding environmental, social and other obligations shall be further prescribed.
(4) The holder of an exploration licence has the exclusive right to apply for, and to be granted subject to this Act, one or more Small Scale Mining Leases, Mining Leases or Quarry Leases in respect of any part or parts of the exploration area, if the Exploration Title Holder has complied with the obligations of the Exploration Licence under this Act.