Regulation 3 Applications for Exploration Licences

An exploration licence shall only be granted in respect of an application which complies with the provisions of the Deep Sea Mining (Exploration Licences) (Applications) Regulations 1982 (hereinafter referred to as “the 1982 Regulations”). An exploration licence shall not be granted in respect of any area of the deep sea bed for which an exploration or exploitation licence granted by the Secretary of State, or a licence or authorisation issued under the law of a reciprocating country, is in force.