- Exploration Incentive Scheme will continue to support jobs and resources industry
- Funding helps companies find the next big mineral or energy discoveries
- Announcement follows a 40 per cent increase in mineral exploration applications
The McGowan Government is pleased to announce it will continue funding the $10 million a year Exploration Incentive Scheme.
The scheme consists of a number of programs that promotes resource exploration in Western Australia, particularly on greenfields areas and frontier petroleum basins.
It provides refunds, up to 50 per cent, for innovative exploration drilling projects to a value of more than $150,000.
The Exploration Incentive Scheme has contributed to at least 25 new discoveries including the Nova nickel project (Fraser Range) and Gruyere gold project (eastern Goldfields).
For every $1 million invested by the Government, towards major new projects, the scheme generates $10.3 million in exploration activities and creates 48 jobs over 18 years.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety received a 40 per cent increase in the number of mineral exploration (Programme of Work) applications during the March and June quarters of 2017, compared to the last half of 2016.
A total of 7,584 mining and petroleum applications were received during the 2016-17 financial year, including 2,232 Programme of Work applications.
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
"I'm thrilled to announce the Exploration Incentive Scheme will continue following an increase in mineral exploration activities; this is encouraging news for the Western Australian mining industry.
"The McGowan Government is delivering its election commitment to support and create jobs.
"Western Australia's mineral industry is in its best shape since 2012 - in the first half of 2017, there were 15 mineral initial public offerings on the ASX, four more than 2016.
"The surge of investor interest in gold and battery metals, lithium, graphite and cobalt, is helping Western Australia to emerge more rapidly from the equity funding doldrums."
Minister's office - 6552 6700
