an fF WO HYD 
CO Come =e) 
165 
5 
so long as such operation is carried on in a manner that 
does not significantly alter the surface or subsurface of 
the deep seabed; 
(h) “person” includes private individuals, associa- 
tions, corporations, or other entities, and any officer, em- 
ployee, agent, department, agency, or instrumentality of 
the Federal Government, of any State or local unit of 
government, or of any foreign government ; 
(i) “eligible applicant” means a citizen of the 
United States or a corporation or other juridical entity 
organized under the laws of the United States, or its 
States, territories, or possessions, and possessing such 
technical and financial capabilities as may be prescribed 
by the Secretary in order to assure effective and orderly 
development of hard mineral resources pursuant to a 
license issued under this Act; 
(j) “investment” means a commitment of funds, 
together with the interest costs thereof, commodities, 
services, patents, processes, and techniques, dedicated to 
the development of a licensed block or the processing of 
the recovered minerals; 
(k) “exploration” means the on-site observation and 
evaluation activity following the location and selection 
by an eligible applicant of a hard mineral deposit of po- 
tential economic interest, which has, as its objective, the 
