Section 59, The Mines and Minerals Act, 2009

(1) An application for a reconnaissance licence shall notbe granted to an applicant- (a) where the applicant is disqualified from holding a reconnaissance licence under section 26; or (b) where the applicant is in default of any of the provisions of this Act. (2) Where the proposed reconnaissance area is the same as or overlaps with, an existing exploration licence area or an existing mining area or an area closed to exploration and mining such exploration licence area or mining area shall be deemed to be excluded from the application. (3) The reconnaissance area granted in a reconnaissance licence shall consist of contiguous blocks that are of such shape, orientation and dimension as may be prescribed. (4) Where it is necessary to fly over any land for the purpose of the exercise of any right under a reconnaissance licence nothing in this section shall operate to prevent any such flight from being undertaken provided it is in accordance with section 31.