Water Resource Exploration License Expired: Is Extension Possible?

Paragraph 1, Article 22 of Decree 201/2013/ND-CP guiding the Law on Water Resources stipulates:

The extension of permits for exploration, exploitation, and use of water resources, and the discharge of wastewater into water sources must be based on the regulations at Articles 18, 19, and 20 of this Decree and the following conditions:

- The permit is still valid and the application for extension is submitted at least ninety (90) days before the expiration of the permit;

- At the time of the extension request, the organization or individual granted the permit has fully completed all obligations related to the issued permit in accordance with the law and has no disputes;

- At the time of the extension request, the plan for the exploitation and use of water resources, and the discharge of wastewater into water sources by the organization or individual must comply with water resource planning and the water source's ability to meet demands.

For cases other than those specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article, the organization or individual exploring, exploiting, using water resources, and discharging wastewater into water sources must prepare a dossier to apply for a new permit.

=> Thus, according to the above regulations, the water resource exploration permit will be extended when the permit is still valid. In case the permit has expired, it cannot be extended and procedures for a new issuance must be carried out.

Respectfully.