Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has outlined some of the State Government’s priorities to help Western Australia stay a world leader in resources exploration and production.

At the Centre for Exploration Targeting Symposium at The University of Western Australia, Mr Moore detailed initiatives to assist discovery, research and expertise in the State.

He said the new $80million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS), implemented under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, was designed to boost exploration levels and protect the long-term viability of WA’s resources industry.

“The State Government recently announced the first round of successful companies to receive up to $150,000 each through the EIS to increase exploration drilling activities,” the Minister said.

“The State has dedicated up to $21million to the drilling program, with the aim of increasing exploration targeting and reducing exploration risk, particularly in under-explored areas.”

During his address to the symposium, which showcases the impact of university research on mineral exploration, Mr Moore stressed the State’s support for research and scholarships.

“The State Government also co-funds a range of smaller projects through the Mineral and Energy Research Institute of WA,” he said.

“These projects provide junior resource companies the chance to get involved in cutting-edge research, which they might not otherwise be able to fund.

“The organisation will soon announce its 2009 supplementary scholarship recipients, with the program proving an effective method of guaranteeing future generations of researchers to support resources developments.

“The Centres of Excellence Program, which delivers invaluable opportunities for companies, universities, CSIRO and the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Geological Survey Division to collaborate on vital projects, has also received funding.”

The Minister said the State Government wanted WA recognised as one of the top jurisdictions in the world for resources investments.

“We hope these contributions will help to position WA at the forefront of resources exploration and production,” he said.

The Centre for Exploration Targeting is a joint venture between UWA, Curtin University of Technology, the State Government and minerals industry partners.