Protection of natural resources to be taken into account

(1) In deciding whether or not to grant a mineral right, the Minister shall take into account the need to conserve the natural and cultural resources in or on the land over which the mineral right is sought, or in or on any neighbouring land. (2) In deciding whether or not to issue a non-exclusive prospecting licence or to register a claim, the Inspector shall take into account the need to conserve the natural resources in or on land to be covered by the licence or over which the claim is to be registered, or in or on neighbouring land. 85 (3) The Minister may, pursuant to section 37 (4), require environmental impact assessment studies to be carried out. etc.