banner

LATEST NEWS

January 27, 2012

CNSOPB Issues Revised Guidelines on the Issuance of Exploration Licences and is re-instituting its practice of considering nominations received.

Guidelines

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) has approved revised Guidelines on the Issuance of Exploration Licences.
These Guidelines were originally issued in 1993 and a revision was necessary based upon the results of a review of the Board's current practices and processes in respect of rights management. Significant changes to these Guidelines include:

  • reference to terms and conditions found in recent Calls for Bids;
  • Period 1 is changed from five to six years;
  • a possible qualification requirement for the bidder and/or licence holders;
  • an annual Call for Bids cycle rather than semi-annual, and;
  • the establishment of a rolling three-year forecast for Board posted Calls for Bids lands.

The CNSOPB revised the guidelines in consultation with the public, industry and governments.

Transition Plan for Nominations

Section 4 of the Guidelines refers to Nominations. As part of the annual cycle for Call for Bids, land nominations must be received by December 1st of each year to be considered for the next Call for Bids. To accommodate the potential for nominations to be considered for a May 2012 Call for Bids, the CNSOPB is re-instituting its practice of considering nominations received, effective immediately, and will continue to accept nominations up until the close of business on March 16th, 2012. Nominations made between March 17th, 2012 and December 1st, 2012 will be considered for an April 2013 Call for Bids.

Guidelines on the Issuance of Exploration Licences

Land Nominations

For further information, please contact:

Tanya Taylor White
Manager, Public Relations & Administration
Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board
1791 Barrington Street
18th Floor TD Center
Halifax, NS  B3J 3K9

Direct - (902) 496-0750
Reception - (902) 422-5588
Email