Section 79, The Mines and Minerals Act, 2009

(1) The holder of an exploration licence shall have,subject to the provisions of this Act, the exclusive right to apply for asmall-scale or large-scale mining licence over any part of or the entire exploration licence area. (2) An application under subsection (1) shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Act and not later than ninety calendar days before expiration of the exploration licence.