Apply for an exploration licence in retention

If you hold an exploration licence, you can apply for a mineral exploration licence in retention (ELR) if you find an ore body of economic potential within your licence area which:

• is not commercially viable or
• requires more feasibility work.

Summary

The rights under an ELR are the same as for an exploration licence, detailed above.

You may also do any studies or tests needed to assess whether mining the ore body is commercially viable.

You also have the exclusive right to apply for a mineral lease.

Area covered by an ELR

The area applied for under an ELR is calculated in hectares instead of blocks.

It can be for all or part of your existing exploration licence area.

If it covers:

• the entire exploration licence area, the retention licence then replaces the original exploration licence
• part of the original area only, the EL remains in force for the remaining area.

Licence term

An ELR can be issued for up to 5 years and renewed more than once for periods up to 5 years.

Need to apply for a mineral lease

If the department considers mining in an ELR area is viable, then you must either apply for a mineral lease or explain in writing why you haven't done so.

If you don't apply, or the explanation is not accepted, the department can cancel the licence.

Before you apply

Before you apply for this exploration licence, read the:

• guide to mineral exploration in the Northern Territory
• code of conduct for mineral explorers.

You should also read land access for exploration.

How to apply

To apply, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Fill in the form and prepare supporting materials

Use this form to apply for a mineral exploration licence in retention or a mineral authority.

Mineral exploration licence in retention or mineral authority (approved form 2) DOCX (121.7 KB)
Mineral exploration licence in retention or mineral authority (approved form 2) PDF (780.4 KB)

Read about the required supporting materials.

Step 2. Submit your application and pay the fee

To find out how much you must pay, read about rents, fees and other costs.

You must include the application fee when submitting your application.

After you apply

Find out how your application is assessed.

Process

Find out the grant process of an EL in retention.

Application for the designation and issuing of an exploration licence in retention PDF (781.0 KB)

After you get a licence

Once you have been granted a licence, you must:

• also apply for an authorisation to carry out exploration activities that are defined as substantial disturbance
• meet the conditions of your licence.

How to renew

Find out how to renew a mineral title.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact the mineral titles team.