- Program accelerates exploration in greenfield regions of WA
- Applications open for the latest round of the Exploration Incentive Scheme
- Significant niobium results boost exploration potential
Applications for Round 31 of the Exploration Incentive Scheme's (EIS) Co-funded Exploration Drilling Program and Series 8 of the Energy Analysis Program open today.
Venture 2 of the Co-funded Geophysics Program (for mineral exploration) is also now open for explorers in the northern half of Western Australia with granted tenements and greenfield projects.
Dreadnought Resources, Black Canyon, and Sipa Resources, all successful applicants from Venture 1, have reported promising results from their completed projects.
Geophysical survey results have helped these companies identify the best techniques to define targets, enhance their understanding of complex geology, and focus on areas of higher prospectivity to accelerate discovery.
The Gascoyne region has emerged as a province rich in rare earth elements (REE) and critical minerals, with the EIS supporting several projects in recent rounds.
Recent successes from co-funded drilling Rounds 28 and 29 include Rincon Resources' Kiwirrkurra Project in the West Arunta region of WA, which targeted geophysical anomalies for niobium and REE mineralisation. RC drilling has also identified significant total rare earth oxides mineralisation at several prospects, encouraging further exploration efforts.
Kingfisher Mining's Mick Well Project and Dreadnought Resources' Mangaroon Project have delivered significant results for REE, with Dreadnought identifying niobium at its Stinger and Rocky Road prospects.
Applications for Round 31 (Drilling), Venture 2 (Geophysics), and Series 8 (Energy Analysis) co-funding programs close at 4pm on Friday, 28 February 2025.
For more information visit: Exploration Incentive Scheme .
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"The Cook Government's ongoing support of the Exploration Incentive Scheme will increase exploration opportunities and help create jobs across the State, especially in our regional communities.
"The EIS program continues to drive discoveries of critical minerals, supporting the Western Australian Government's long-term goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
"WA is a world leader in mineral exploration, so it is pleasing to see the positive results and critical mineral discoveries achieved by successful applicants from previous rounds."
