Distribution of hydrocarbon exploration licence areas at sea. Hydrocarbon exploration, research and production activities in Italy are governed by Law No. 6 of 11 January 1957, as amended and supplemented; mining licences are granted by Decree of the Ministry of Economic Development. Exploration permits are exclusive mining titles that can be applied for on areas with a maximum extension of 750 km2; the same area can be applied for by several oil operators in competition. In addition to the first period of validity of 3 years, there are two possible further extension periods of 3 years each; there is also provision for the suspension of the time period for justified reasons. In the exploration permit, in addition to the acquisition of geophysical data, it is possible to drill one or more exploratory wells; if the exploratory well is successful, and a new reservoir is thus identified, the operator may submit an application for a production concession, which, once granted, allows the reservoir itself to come into production.