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Key info

  • An exploration licence gives you exclusive rights to explore for specific minerals within the specified licence area.
  • You must be 18 or over to apply.
  • Licences are granted for 5 years.
    Find a Service Centrebutton_linkApply for a licence at your nearest Service Tasmania service centreTasmanian Government - Department of State Growth Logo

    About applying for an exploration licence

    Exploration licences can be granted for the following mineral categories:

    • Category 1 - metallic minerals and atomic substances
    • Category 2 - coal, peat, lignite, oil shale and coal seam gas
    • Category 3 - rock, stone, gravel, sand, and clay used in construction, bricks and ceramics
    • Category 4 - petroleum products except oil shale
    • Category 5 - industrial minerals, precious stones, semi-precious stones
    • Category 6 - any geothermal substance.

    How to apply

    If you are applying by email or post, you must call (03) 6165 4800 first to pay the fee.

    Service CentreEmailPost
    Find your nearest Service Centreinfo@mrt.tas.gov.auPO Box 672
    Burnie, TAS 7320

    You can also apply in-person at the MRT Burnie or Hobart Office.

    What you need to apply

    You must:

    • submit a completed application form (PDF, 292KB)
    • provide supporting documents
    • provide proof of identity
    • pay the licence fee.

    Please see Mineral Resources Tasmania for a full list of the documents needed to support the application.

    Can I apply?

    You must be 18 or over.

    Proving your identity

    For individuals you must provide a photocopy of your:

    • driver licence, or
    • passport.

    For a company you must provide a photocopy of:

    • a certificate of incorporation, or
    • an Australian Companies Number (ACN) and list of directors or office holders.

    How much it costs

    TypeCost

    Mining lease

    $1,530.80

    Mining lease renewal

    $1,014.60

    Retention licence

    $1,530.80

    Exploration licence

    $1,530.80

    Prospecting licence

    $35.60

    Fees and charges last updated 1 July, 2023.

    Payment options

    PhoneVisa LogoMasterCard Logo
    Service Centre or MRT officesCash IconCheque IconMoney Order IconDebit and EFTPOS IconVisa LogoMasterCard Logo

    More Information

    Please visit Mineral Resources Tasmania for more information on applying for an exploration licence.