(a) Upon compliance of an applicant with § 6103 of this title, the Secretary may issue to the applicant a permit to conduct a geological, geophysical and seismic survey, including the taking of cores and other samples, in areas of the tide and submerged lands of this State described on the permit. The Secretary may prohibit such surveys on any area if it determines that a lease, if applied for, should not be granted as to such areas. The Secretary shall include in a permit conditions and payment proper to safeguard the interests of the State.
(b) Permits issued under this section shall be valid for not more than 2 years, but may be renewed for like periods upon application to the Secretary and upon showing due compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
(c) The Secretary shall require the permittee to provide the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control with complete information with respect to the area or areas of proposed operations, type of exploration and a schedule showing the period or periods during which such explorations will be conducted. Such information shall be treated as confidential unless released by the permittee.
7 Del. C. 1953, § 6404; 55 Del. Laws, c. 442, § 1; 57 Del. Laws, c. 739, § 213; 59 Del. Laws, c. 212, § 1.