The Victorian Government has confirmed significant increases to regulatory fees for the State’s resources sector, with the new fee structure to commence on 1 January 2027.
For Victorian explorers and tenement holders, the new structure will mean materially higher costs for common tenure and regulatory activities, with some fees increasing by up to approximately 297%. Businesses with upcoming applications, renewals, work plan requirements or project budgets should review timing before the new fees commence.
Why are Victoria’s Mining and Exploration Fees increasing?
Resources Victoria undertook a review of its cost-recovery arrangements and concluded that existing fees did not cover the cost of regulating Victoria’s minerals and extractives sectors.
A Regulatory Impact Statement and draft amendment regulations were released for consultation in 2025.
Following submissions from industry and other stakeholders, the Victorian Government decided to proceed with amended regulations, with some changes made in response to consultation feedback.
How much are Victoria Mining and Exploration Fees Increasing?
Key announced increases include:
| Item | Fee Increase |
|---|---|
| Exploration Licence Applications | 40% to $3,524.80 |
| Annual Exploration Licence Rent | 39% |
| Exploration Licence Renewal Fees | Approx. 40% to $1,844.40 |
| Mining Licence Applications | Approx. 295% to $17,893.30 |
| Mining Licence and Retention Licence Renewal Fees | 297% |
| Work Plan Variations | 297% |
When will the New Victorian Resources Fees Commence
The new fee structure will commence on 1 January 2027.
This date is particularly important for companies that have licence applications, renewals, variations or other regulatory transactions planned towards the end of 2026, and the beginning of 2027.
Can applications lodged before 1 January still use the current fee structure?
AMETS has sought clarification directly from the Department regarding how the transition to the new fee structure will apply to transactions lodged through Resource Rights Allocation and Management (RRAM).
The Department has confirmed that actions lodged through RRAM before 1 January 2027 will be charged the fee in effect at the time the application is lodged and payment is successfully submitted.
The applicable fee is determined by the date the transaction is lodged and paid in RRAM, not the date on which departmental assessment or processing commences.
This creates an important planning consideration for Victorian tenure holders with regulatory actions due in the coming months.
What should Victorian Exploration and Mining Companies Consider before 1 January 2027?
Companies with Victorian mineral tenure should review their forward regulatory requirements well ahead of 1 January 2027. Where appropriate, this may include reviewing the timing of:
- exploration, mining or retention licence applications;
- licence renewals;
- licence variations or other tenure transactions;
- work plan variations; and
- other eligible actions submitted through RRAM.
Where an eligible action can appropriately be completed, lodged and successfully paid before 1 January 2027, the current fee will apply rather than the new fee.
Project budgets, expenditure forecasts and upcoming work plan requirements should also be reviewed to account for the increased regulatory costs from 1 January 2027, particularly where multiple tenure actions are required.
The fee changes may be especially relevant to companies managing larger Victorian tenement portfolios, where increases in annual rent, renewal costs, application fees and other regulatory charges can have a cumulative impact on project expenditure.
Need Assistance with Victorian Tenement Management?
The increased fees make forward planning increasingly important for companies operating mineral exploration and mining projects in Victoria.
AMETS provides specialist Victorian Tenement Management and regulatory support, including management of licence applications, renewals, tenure compliance, regulatory deadlines and other tenure-related requirements.
If you would like assistance reviewing your Victorian tenement portfolio or identifying upcoming actions that may be able to be progressed before 1 January 2027, please get in touch with our experienced team.
