The Tasmanian Government has opened the latest round of mineral exploration grants, focusing on critical minerals.
Minister for Resources Felix Ellis announced the opening of applications for Round 9 of the Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI), an initiative aimed at locating minerals 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.
According to the Minister, the exploration grants will enable explorers to test greenfield locations, increasing resource projects and job opportunities for Tasmanians, particularly in regional communities.
“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,” he noted.
Minister Ellis stated that the program has significantly boosted mineral exploration in Tasmania to 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.
The program has supported 16.1 km of drilling to the end of August 2023, with a projected total industry expenditure (including expenditures 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,” Minister Ellis said.
“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 added.
