(2)

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Central Government, after consultation with the State Government, may undertake [reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting or mining operations " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).] in any area not already held under any [mineral concession, prospecting license or mining lease] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting license or mining lease " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).] and where it proposes to do so, it shall, by notification in the Official Gazette-

(a) specify the boundaries of such area;

(b) state whether [reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting or mining operations " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).] will be carried out in the area; and

(c) specify the mineral or minerals in respect of which such operations will be carried out.

(3)

Where, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2), the Central Government undertakes [reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations] [Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting or mining operations " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999). ] in any area, the Central Government shall be liable to pay [mineral concession fee or prospecting fee] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting fee " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).] royalty, surface rent or dead rent, as the case may be, at the same rate at which it would have been payable under this Act, if such [reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations] [Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting or mining operations " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999). ] had been undertaken by a private person under a [mineral concession, prospecting license or mining lease.] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting license or mining lease " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).]

(4)

The Central Government, with a view to enabling it to exercise the powers conferred on it by sub-section (2) may, after consultation with the State Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare that no [mineral concession, prospecting license, or mining lease] [Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting license or mining lease " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999). ] shall be granted in respect of any land specified in the notification.