KEY FEATURES
- The NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program provides funding to undertake drilling, geophysics and geochemistry in New South Wales.
- 50% Co-Funding of varying amounts under 3 categories to search for deposits of metallic minerals, critical minerals and high-tech minerals in New South Wales
- Applications Open at 9am, Wednesday 16 April 2025 and Close at 5pm, Monday 30 June 2025.
The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program aims to promote investment in NSW minerals through co-investment in underexplored areas to search for deposits of metallic minerals, critical minerals and high-tech metals, by providing funding under 3 categories:
- Exploration Geochemistry – e.g. survey costs including data acquisition and supporting costs; sample costs including contractor costs; analysis and assay costs.
- Exploration Geophysics – e.g. study costs including supporting costs; acquisition and data processing.
- Exploration Drilling – e.g. costs relating to drilling including supporting costs such as mobilisation; drilling costs; sampling costs including drill hold sampling and assays.
FUNDING AMOUNTS
All funding streams require a 50% company co-contribution.
- Exploration Geochemistry – Up to $50,000 per project.
- Exploration Geophysics – Up to $70,00 per project.
- Exploration Drilling:
- Less than 250 metres depth – Up to $150,000 per project.
- Greater than 250 metres depth – Up to $250,000 per project.
Applicants can submit multiple applications, but the maximum funding per applicant is limited to $370,000. Each application must cover only one project.
ELIGIBILITY FOR FUNDING
To be eligible for funding, Applicants must meet both the Eligibility Criteria and the Assessment Criteria.
The Eligibility Criteria includes:
- eligible applicants;
- eligible projects/activities;
- eligible locations;
- eligible costs.
The Assessment Criteria includes:
- Grant will achieve value for money by advancing exploration;
- Applicant has sufficient capability, experience and skills;
- Deliverability and technical merit; and
- Consistency of the proposal with the objectives of the Program and NSW Government priorities or policies.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants online portal before 5pm Monday 30 June 2025.
Applicants should review the Program Guidelines before submitting an application.
View Application & Further Details
NEED HELP WITH YOUR APPLICATION?
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Free Webinar
The NSW Government is hosting a Free Webinar on 30 April 2025 to provide information about the program guidelines and application process.
Register to attend the Webinar
