Tasmanian exploration grants open with focus on critical minerals

The Rockliff Liberal Government continues to strongly support Tasmania’s mining and minerals processing sector with the latest round of mineral exploration grants focusing on critical minerals. 

Minister for Resources Felix Ellis announced that applications for Round 9 of the Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI) opened today which coincides with a global shift to find the minerals needed for renewable energy industries. 

“We know that there is a global shift to find the minerals needed to build economies based on more renewables and Tasmania can be a leader in this space,” Minister Ellis said. 

“This funding allows explorers to test greenfield locations and exploration leads to more resource projects and more jobs in the future for Tasmanians, especially in regional communities. 

“Now in its sixth year, the grants program supports industry and investors to find new and potentially lucrative mining opportunities as well as the re-examination of old mines.  

“The Rockliff Liberal Government will provide up to $70,000 for direct drilling costs and $20,000 for helicopter support, if required, for successful applicants.” 

Minister Ellis said the program has helped mineral exploration in Tasmania reach its highest levels on record. 

“More than $43 million was spent on mineral exploration in Tasmania in the past 12 months and the Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative is helping continue this exploration boom,” he said. 

To the end of August 2023, the program has supported 16.1 km of drilling, with an estimated total industry expenditure (including costs such as logging and assaying) of just over $5.3 million. 

“As our number one export earner, the mineral resources sector contributes more than $2.8 billion a year in exports and supports more than 5800 jobs. 

“The Rockliff Liberal Government is delivering our long-term plan to grow our economy and jobs and will continue to support Tasmania’s world-class mineral resources sector for the royalties it generates which is turn supports many of our essential services like health, education, police and emergency services and public housing,” Minister Ellis said. 

More information about the Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative is available here: MRT website