Applications for Round 28 of the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) co-funded drilling program and Series 6 of the Energy Analysis Program (EAP) are now open.
This round of the EIS co-funded drilling program follows the State Budget 2023-24 funding increase of $1 million per year.
$7 million in funding is now available across the two application rounds each year.
Successful EIS applicants continue to discover significant critical minerals across the state.
Caspin Resources received EIS funding in 2021 for uncovering a significant molybdenum-lead copper-gold geochemical anomaly at its Mount Squires project.
Further EIS funding was awarded to Caspin Resources earlier this year to continue this exploration.
This includes drilling at the company’s Duchess East prospect as earlier work uncovered near-surface rare earth elements mineralisation.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Johnston stated it was especially pleasing to see successful EIS applicants uncover critical minerals required to support the government’s national and global decarbonisation efforts.
Norwest Minerals’ 20-hole drilling program at its Arunta West Project in the Pilbara also reported the discovery of significant shallow mineralisation of rare earth elements.
“Mineral exploration is one of Western Australia’s most important sectors, which is why the Cook Government will continue to support companies with the backing they deserve,” said Johnston.
The EIS program supports innovative exploration in greenfield sites and underexplored areas of Western Australia while the EAP program encourages the exploration of petroleum and geothermal resources.
Applications for both programs close at 4pm Friday, 1 September 2023.
