(1) A person desirous of bringing within the operation of Division 3 of Part III of the Act any private land as set out in section 37 (1) shall lodge with the prescribed fee a written application with the Department at Perth, giving a full description of the land, and of his reasons for believing that the same contains minerals, other than gold, silver or precious metals, in payable qualities.

(2) Prior to instructing a geologist or other professional officer to inspect the land the Minister shall give not less than 30 days notice to the owner and occupier of the private land of his intention so to do.