Section 9(10) in The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023
(10)Notwithstanding anything contained in section 7,—(a)the exploration licence shall be granted for a period of five years from the date of execution of the exploration licence;(b)if, after three years from the date of execution of exploration licence, but before the date of its expiry, the holder of the exploration licence makes an application for the extension of the period of that licence, the State Government may, on being satisfied that within the period of five years, it shall not be possible for the holder of such licence to complete the reconnaissance or prospecting operations for reasons beyond his control, extend the said period to a further period not exceeding two years.
