In the event that the State has carried out exploration, work on a given Mining Title before issuing same, the associated expenses are, after audit and evaluation by an independent auditor, reimbursed by the holder of the Mining Title Permit to the account of the Mining Investment Fund. The procedures for processing these expenses will be defined when the Mining Agreement or terms of reference are drawn up.
However, expenses incurred by the State in the form of basic geological studies, basic geological cartography, strategic mine prospecting, including all methods (geological, geophysical, geochemical, etc.) for discovering occurrences within the perimeter of the Exploration Permit, prior to the issuance of such permit, will not be taken into account.