Introduction
A mineral exploration licence allows you to search for minerals which, if discovered, are usually mined as raw materials for processing or export.
You must have a licence to do any mineral exploration other than certain types of preliminary exploration.
Before you apply for any exploration licence in the Northern Territory (NT), read all of the information in the sections land access for exploration, about mineral titles and apply for a mineral title.
You should also read and understand the NT and Australian rules and laws that might affect your proposal, including all of the following:
- Mineral Titles Act
- Mineral Titles Regulations
- Native Title Act - Commonwealth Law and the Validation (Native Title) Act - NT law
- Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act.
Once you have been granted a licence, you will also need to apply for an authorisation to undertake exploration activities that are defined as substantial disturbance.
You cannot develop a mine or mine for minerals or extractive minerals under an exploration licence.