Applicants should note that the OPGGSA provides that the Joint Authority may refuse to grant a permit to an applicant. While the Act does not specify the grounds for refusing to grant a permit, they may include:
- the work program proposed is inferior to that of a competing bid;
- the work program bid is inadequate to significantly advance the exploration status of the area;
- the work program bid is not supported by a sound technical assessment;
- the Joint Authority is not satisfied that the applicant possesses the financial or technical capacity to complete the work program bid; or
- the Joint Authority is not satisfied that, on the basis of past performance, the applicant will comply with permit conditions.