(1)

An application for [a mineral concession, prospecting license or a mining lease] in respect of any land in which the minerals vest in the Government shall be made to the State Government concerned in the prescribed form and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

(2)

Where an application is received under sub-section (1), there shall be sent to the applicant an acknowledgement of its receipt within the prescribed time and in the prescribed form.

(3)

On receipt of an application under this section, the State Government may, having regard to the provisions of this Act and any rules made thereunder, grant or refuse to grant the [permit, license or lease] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 11, for " license or lease " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).].

(4)

Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, no person shall be eligible to make an application under this section unless-—

(a) he has been selected in accordance with the procedure specified under sections sections 10B, 10BA, 11, 11A, 11B or 11D;

(b) he has been selected under the Coal Mines (Special) Provisions Act, 2015; or

(c) an area has been reserved in his favour under section 17A.