KEY FEATURES
- Grant amount: A cap of $100,000 for drilling costs, plus an additional $20,000 if helicopter support is required.
- Applications Open: 16 February 2026
- Applications Close: 26 March 2026
- Eligible industries: Applications are welcomed from mining leases, as well as exploration and retention licences. EDGI will continue to preferentially fund high-quality, technically, and economically sound projects that promote innovative exploration or the application of new exploration concepts and technologies.
- Applications and Categories: Applicants may submit more than one proposal, and applications can be made for all mineral categories, as defined in the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995.
Overview
The Tasmanian State Government, through the Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI), is offering grants for co-funded exploration drilling projects. The aim is to provide a stimulus to greenfields exploration in Tasmania, especially for minerals included in the 2024 Australian Critical Minerals list. The State Government has committed $5.0 million over ten years to this initiative. The program is administered by Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT).
MRT is now seeking proposals from applicants for a twelfth round of projects, to be jointly funded by the successful applicants and the State Government. The projects will be undertaken during 2026-27 and completed by November 2027.
The Government contribution to each successful project will increase to a cap of $100,000 for drilling costs, plus an additional $20,000 if helicopter support is required. Targeting of critical minerals is again included as one of the key technical selection criteria, as is the greenfields nature of the application.
Project timelineS
Successful projects will need to be completed and a Final Report, and all drill core / samples, submitted to MRT by Friday, 12 November 2027. Grants will be paid after review of the Final Report, any time before the funding agreement ends on Friday, 10 December 2027.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
All proposals will be assessed by a panel comprising two MRT staff, an independent industry representative and an academic representative. The panel will use the assessment criteria, as detailed in the guidelines, to evaluate and rank all proposals received.
Eligibility for Funding
Applications are welcomed from mining leases, as well as exploration and retention licences. EDGI will continue to preferentially fund high-quality, technically, and economically sound projects that promote innovative exploration or the application of new exploration concepts and technologies.
Applicants may submit more than one proposal, and applications can be made for all mineral categories, as defined in the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995.
Timelines and Important Dates
How to Apply
Applications for EDGI grant funding must be completed and lodged online via https://stategrowthtas.smartygrants.com.au/EDGI-12
Need help with your Application?
AMETS experienced TAS Team is available to assist you with your application.
