(1) If the Joint Authority proposes to refuse an application for a mining licence made under section 198, the Designated Authority must notify the applicant of the proposed refusal.
(2) The notice must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the reason for the proposed refusal; and
(c) invite the applicant to make written submissions in relation to the proposed refusal; and
(d) specify the day by which submissions should be given to the Designated Authority; and
(e) specify an address where submissions are to be lodged.
(3) The day specified under paragraph (2)(d) must be not less than 30 days after the day on which the notice is given.
(4) The Joint Authority may refuse to grant an application for a mining licence made under section 198 only if:
(a) the applicant has been given a notice under subsection (1); and
(b) the Joint Authority has considered any submission made by the applicant; and
(c) the Joint Authority is satisfied that no special circumstances exist that justify the licence being granted.