Mineral Titles Legislation Amendment Act 2026 – transition relief
The Mineral Titles Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 was gazetted on 5 June 2026. Changes to the Mineral Titles Act 2010 and its regulations are now in effect.
Key changes include:
- a new revenue unit schedule for exploration licences (ELs)
- new timing requirements for mineral title renewal applications.
The NT Government recognises that these changes have resulted in sudden upfront cost increases for some exploration licence applicants and holders. To support industry during the transition, temporary relief measures have been introduced.
Partial rent waivers for exploration licences
A blanket waiver has been approved to cover 100% of the revenue unit rent increase for eligible exploration licences.
The waiver applies to exploration licences with relevant dates between 5 June 2026 and 30 September 2026.
Exploration licence applications
If your exploration licence is ready to be granted during this period, your first-year rent payment will be adjusted to the previous amount.
What you need to do
- No action is required.
- Your Notice of Intention to Grant will automatically show the adjusted amount.
Granted exploration licences
If your exploration licence anniversary falls during this period and your rent increased under the amended legislation, your upcoming rent payment will be adjusted to the previous amount.
What you need to do
- No action is required.
- Your reminder notice will automatically show the adjusted amount.
From 1 October 2026, the new rent structure will apply to all exploration licences.
Changes to renewal applications
Renewal applications for all mineral titles must now be lodged:
- at least 1 month before the title expiry date or
- at a later time before expiry if approved by the Minister.
Temporary extension of time
To help industry adjust to the new requirements, the NT Government has approved a blanket extension of time for renewal applications due between 5 June 2026 and 30 September 2026.
What you need to do
- No action is required to receive the extension.
- The extension applies automatically.
However, your renewal application must still be submitted before the mineral title expires. The extension cannot extend beyond the expiry date of the mineral title.
If a renewal application is not submitted
If your renewal application is not received by close of business on the title expiry date, the mineral title will expire.
From 1 October 2026, title holders must apply for any extension of time for renewal applications.