Section 30, The Mines and Minerals Act, 2009

(1) Where the Minister considers that it is in the publicinterest to encourage exploration and mining of minerals in any area by methods not involving substantial expenditure or the use of specialised technology, he may by notice in the Gazette, declare that area for licensing of artisanal or small-scale mining operations and Part X and Part IX shall apply. (2) A notice by the Minister under subsection (1) may prescribe that particular minerals or all minerals in the declared area are subject to the notice. 22 23 Priority of applications. Applications for mineral Information time, etc, for disposal of application. Areas designated for artisanal and (3) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette vary or revoke any notice published under subsection (2).