(1) If it is required to explore whether or not there is mineral substance in the national forest, the Provincial Ministry may, at the request of the concerned body, give permission for that purpose.
(2) If it is found out from the exploration referred to in sub-section (1) that the national forest contains in it any mineral substance
such as gold, silver, copper or iron and excavation is to be made, the Government of Nepal may give approval to use the forest area for the purpose of the excavation of such mineral substance in case it is seen from the environmental examination carried out pursuant to the prevailing law that such excavation does not cause significant adverse impacts on the environment.
Provided that no other mineral forest products may be excavated from the forest area except for the said mineral substance and for the use of raw materials to be used in a development plan with national priority, plan of which foreign investment has been approved by the Investment Board and project with national pride.