Mineral exploration

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

Before you apply for any exploration licence in the Northern Territory (NT), read the guide to mineral exploration in the Northern Territory.

You should also read land access for exploration, about mineral titles and apply for a mineral title.

There are also NT and Australian rules and laws that might affect your proposal, including all of the following:

• Mineral Titles Act 2010
• Mineral Titles Regulations 2011
• Native Title Act 1993 - Commonwealth Law and the Validation (Native Title) Act 1994 - NT law
• Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976.

After grant of licence

Once you have been granted a licence, you must also need apply for an authorisation to undertake exploration activities that are defined as substantial disturbance.

You can't develop a mine or mine for minerals or extractive minerals under an exploration licence.