KEY FEATURES
- Cost-relief program to help explorers and prospectors offset the cost of completed Aboriginal Heritage Surveys in WA.
- Partial cost recovery only.
- Value capped by rent, not survey spend.
- 5 Year Program – FY2023-24 to FY2027-28.
Overview
The Aboriginal Heritage Survey Assistance Program (AHSP) is a cost-relief program being run by the WA Government Department of Mines, Petroleum & Exploration helping explorers and prospectors offset the cost of Aboriginal Heritage Surveys (AHS) required under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.
The Program is 5 years, running from FY2023-2024 to the end of FY2027-28.
Who is Eligible
- Exploration Licence (E) and Prospecting Licence (P) holders.
- Must have conducted an AHS during the reporting period.
- Excludes major producers (>600M annual production).
How Funding Works
- Not a grant, but a rebate linked to annual rent.
- Paid via Form 5 (Operations Report).
Rebate Caps
Exploration Licences (E):
- Up to 50% of annual rent (FY2023-24 to FY2025-26)
- Up to 25% of rent (FY2026-2027 to FY2027-28)
Prospecting Licences (P):
- Up to 100% of annual rent.
For example, for an Exploration Licence, if:
Annual rent = $12,000
AHS expenditure = $40,000
Then, maximum rebate (later program years) is 25% x $12,000 = $3,000 cap. Even if you spent more, you’re capped by rent percentage, not costs.
How to Apply
- Submitted with Form 5 (Operations Report).
- Requires a Heritage Assistance Rebate Form.
- Must include evidence of the survey completed, invoices/costs and survey area details.
- Must be lodged within 60 days of the tenement anniversary date, via MTO.
Need help?
AMETS experienced WA Team is available to assist you with the Aboriginal Heritage Survey Assistance Program.
