The Mineral Act specifies rights and responsibilities of the governmental agencies and the miners, as well as terms and conditions for permit issuance, operations, and termination. For prospecting and exploration, there are three types of license: Prospecting Atchayabat (PA), Exclusive Prospecting Atchayabat (EPA), and Special Atchayabat (SA), each of which has different terms and conditions, mainly the area, activities, and validity period. For mining and quarrying, Prathanabat (mining license) is required. In general, the validity of Prathanabat depends on reserve and production capacity, not exceeding 25 years. Mineral processing and metallurgical processing also require permits for operation. In case of mineral import and export, some minerals are restricted for these purposes and require permits to operate. Similarly, permits are also required for mineral possession, transport, and purchase from artisanal miners.