Summary of mineral title types and conditions
Listed below are the types of mineral titles you can get and the conditions that apply to each.
For information about fees and advertising costs, check the list of rents and fees.
Details | Exploration licence | Exploration licence in retention (ELR) | Mineral lease | Extractive mineral exploration licence (EMEL) | Extractive mineral permit (EMP) | Extractive mineral lease | Mineral authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Purpose of title | To explore for minerals | To carry out feasibility study or retain ore body not economically viable | To mine for minerals, and/or erect infrastructure | To explore for extractive minerals | To extract, remove, store or process extractive minerals | To mine for extractive minerals and/or erect infrastructure | To correspond with any mineral title |
Maximum area | 250 blocks 1 block = 3.22km2 | Not to exceed the area of the granted Mineral Exploration Licence | No limit | 4 blocks 1 block = 3.22km2 | 100 hectares | 100 hectares | As per corresponding title type |
Type of land | Any land | Any land held under applicants granted exploration licence | Any land -special conditions apply to Aboriginal freehold land | Any land | Any land | Any land | Reserved land - general |
Term | Up to 6 years. May be renewed for ongoing periods of up to two years. | 5 years - can be renewed more than once | For a term the minister considers appropriate. May be renewed. | Two years, not renewable | Five years - can be renewed more than once | 10 years - can be renewed more than once | As deemed appropriate by the minister |
Security deposits | May be required | May be required | May be required | May be required | May be required | May be required | May be required |
Work obligations | To carry out approved exploration program | To be worked subject to licence conditions | To be worked continuously subject to lease conditions | To carry out activities subject to exploration for extractive minerals | To be worked continuously subject to permit conditions | To be worked continuously subject to lease conditions | As per grant conditions |
Is it transferable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compensation payable to land owners or occupiers | May be required | May be required | May be required | May be required | May be required | May be required | May be required |
Prior approval for substantial disturbance | Yes | Yes | Yes, subject to lease conditions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Special provisions | Licensee must relinquish 50% of licence area at end of each two years during the term for which the EL was granted, including the last year if renewal is sought | Must continue to evaluate the commercial viability of the area | Must be surveyed by a licensed surveyor if over 40 hectares. Under 40 hectares - must be marked out prior to grant. | Rent payable (in advance) for full period of grant | Must be marked out prior to grant | Survey depends on size and location of application. Refer to Part 3 Mineral Titles Regulations. | As per corresponding title type |