OPERATIONS

Search goes on for WA critical minerals

WESTERN Australia's government has expanded the latest round of the Exploration Incentive Scheme to include two additional geophysics initiatives, thanks to a funding increase in the 2023-24 state budget.

 Birds in tree, Roebourne WA

Birds in tree, Roebourne WA

Applications for round 29 of the EIS co-funded drilling program and series 7 of the Energy Analysis Program are officially open.

Explorers can access 50% of the actual costs of drilling up to a capped value of $250,000 per project.

The two added geophysics initiatives include the Co-funded Geophysics Program, which provides $2 million to generate geophysical information that supports critical mineral-focused greenfields exploration.

The EAP will also provide an additional $500,000 for a geophysics acquisition category, to better understand energy and geothermal systems.

Critical minerals exploration continues to drive exploration in the state, with more than half the projects awarded in round 28 focused on critical mineral searches.

WA mines minister David Michael said the government's ongoing support of mineral exploration underpinned efforts to position WA as a global supplier of future battery minerals and materials.

"Resources exploration remains a leading driver of WA's economic success, so it is pleasing to see the EIS deliver so many outstanding results," he said.

"I look forward to learning more about the research and technology behind the new geophysics programs and how these tools will help uncover the next big mineral discovery."

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