6. Grant of operating right.-

The Central Government shall not grant an operating right to any person unless such person-

(a) is an Indian national, or a company as defined in section 3 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) ; and

(b) satisfies such conditions as may be prescribed:

Provided that no production lease for atomic minerals or prescribed substances may be granted without consultation with the Department of the Government of India dealing with the Atomic Energy.