1. In terms of section 18(5) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002 a prospecting right in respect of which an application for renewal has been lodged shall, despite it stated expiry date, remain in force until such time as such application has been granted or refused.
The lodgement of the renewal application is an expression of further interest by the holder to prospect for such mineral(s) and as such this cannot amount to sterilization as the activities would assist in determining the occurrence of such mineral(s).
2. (a) 19
(b) 84
(c) 236
3. In terms of section 56(a) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, a right issued is deemed lapsed whenever it expires (expiry date), and such it would be refused whenever it is lodged for renewal under these circumstances.