Section 118, The Mines and Minerals Act, 2009

(1) The holder of a large-scale mining licence shallnotify the Minister– (a) one year in advance, if it proposes to permanently terminate production from its mine; (b) six months in advance, if it proposes to temporarily suspend production from its mine (not to exceed twenty-four months); (c) three months in advance, if it proposes to reduce the level of production, and shall, in all cases, give reasons for such termination, temporary suspension or reduction. (2) If for reasons beyond its control, the holder of a largescale mining licence terminates, suspends or reduces production from its mine, the holder shall within fourteen calendar days of such termination, suspension or reduction notify the Minister. (3) On receiving the notification under subsection (1) or (2), or if the holder of a large-scale mining licence otherwise becomes aware of any termination, temporary suspension or reduction of production, the Minister shall cause the matter to be investigated and shall subject to any relevant requirement contained in the largescale mining licence, give his approval to such termination, temporary suspension or reduction. (4) Approval of termination, temporary suspension or reduction may be given subject to such conditions, including a date of resumption of production in the case of temporary suspension, as the Minister may impose, on the advice of the Minerals Advisory Board. (5) The Minister shall approve the termination, temporary suspension or reduction if, assuming the continuance of the approved programme of mining operations, it appears that the estimated revenues from mining operations for the succeeding twelve months will not exceed the estimated operating expenses for that period. (6) The Minister shall cancel a large-scale mining licence whose production has been terminated, or whose production has been suspended for a continuous period of twenty-four months.