Any [mineral concession, prospecting license or mining lease] granted, renewed or acquired in contravention of the provisions of this Act or any rules or orders made thereunder shall be void and of no effect.

Explanation. - Where a person has acquired more than one [mineral concession, prospecting license or mining lease] [Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 16, for " prospecting license or mining lease " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999). ] [* * *] [ The words " in any State " omitted by Act 25 of 1994, Section 8 (w.r.e.f. 25.1.1994).] and the aggregate area covered by such [permits, licenses or leases] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 16, for " licenses or leases " (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).], as the case may be, exceeds the maximum area permissible under section 6, only that [mineral concession, prospecting license or mining lease] [ The words " in any State " omitted by Act 25 of 1994, Section 8 (w.r.e.f. 25.1.1994).] the acquisition of which has resulted in such maximum area being exceeded shall be deemed to be void.