Regulations No.51 for pre-investigation, exploration and production of hydrocarbons.

These Regulations define provisions for hydrocarbon pre-investigation, exploration and production within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Latvia, as well as the fee for a permit (licence) for the use of subsoil and procedures of its payment. Petroleum operations shall be commenced and carried out exclusively when a permit (licence) has been obtained according to the procedure under these regulations. Permits (licences) of the following types may be issued for petroleum activities: (a) permit (licence) for hydrocarbon pre-investigation; (b) permit (licence) for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. Permits (licences) shall be issued based on a competition. The permit (licence) for pre-investigation of hydrocarbons is non-exclusive. Several permits (licences) for the same licence area may be awarded simultaneously. The permit (licence) for hydrocarbon pre-investigation entitles the licensee to pre-investigate hydrocarbons within the licence area. A special permit should be obtained from the Ministry of Economy for drilling. A permit (licence) for the exploration of other natural resources within the same license area may be issued, besides the permit (licence) for pre-investigation of hydrocarbons. In such cases the licensees should mutually coordinate the activities to be carried out within the license areas.