Section 4
Prospecting or mining operations to be under licence or lease.―(1) 8 [No person shall undertake any reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations in any area, except under and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a reconnaissance permit or of a prospecting licence 9 [or of a exploration licence] or , as the case may be, of a mining lease, granted under this Act and the rules made thereunder]:
4. Prospecting or mining operations to be under licence or lease.―(1) 8 [No person shall undertake any reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations in any area, except under and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a reconnaissance permit or of a prospecting licence 9 [or of a exploration licence] or , as the case may be, of a mining lease, granted under this Act and the rules made thereunder]:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall affect any prospecting or mining operations undertaken in any area in accordance with terms and conditions of a prospecting licence 9 [or of a exploration licence], mining lease granted before the commencement of this Act which is in force at such commencement: