Print Options

(1) The Minister may

(a) close an area; or

(b) redefine the boundaries of an area which has been declared open under section 7 but which is not covered by an existing petroleum agreement or authorization.

(2) The Minister shall, before closing an area or redefining the boundary of an area, publish a notice of the decision to close the area or redefine the boundary of the area in the Gazette and in at least two state-owned daily newspapers and may publish the report in any other medium of public communication.

(3) A person who has an interest in the affected area may make a representation to the Minister on the closure or redefinition of the boundary within sixty days after the publication.

(4) The Minister shall, after taking due consideration of any representation made under subsection (3), determine whether or not to close an area or redefine the boundaries of the area.

(5) The Minister shall after the expiration of the sixty day period, publish the closure or redefinition of the boundaries of the area in the Gazette and in at least two state—owned daily newspapers and may publish the closure or redefinition of the boundaries in any other medium of public communication.

(6) The closure or redefinition of the boundaries of an open area shall not affect another area covered by a petroleum agreement or authorization existing at the time of the decision.