(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a block is covered by 2 or more applications for a mining or exploration licence, the Designated Authority must deal with the applications in the order in which they are made.
Note: See also section 58.
(2) If:
(a) the applications are lodged within a particular time of each other; and
(b) the time is less than the time prescribed by the regulations;
the Designated Authority must determine the order in which the applications are to be dealt with by drawing lots in the way prescribed by the regulations.