The Northern Territory government is investing a record-breaking AU$4.09 million in mineral exploration grants, aimed at supercharging the Territory’s resources sector and securing future mining projects.
The funding will be shared among 26 companies to support 34 innovative projects across the Territory. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to rebuild the economy, drive global investment, and create local jobs.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the record funding underscores the government’s commitment to unlocking the Territory’s vast mineral wealth, which includes critical commodities like copper, gold, rare earths, uranium, and tungsten.
“The resources sector is one of the key pillars of our economy, and we are backing industry to discover the next generation of Territory mining projects,” Maley said.
“These grants will help ensure the Territory remains Australia’s most attractive destination for mineral exploration and development.”
Nearly 60 per cent of the approved projects involve drilling, demonstrating strong industry confidence. The government is also backing local businesses through the Territory Supplier Incentive. This program will inject an additional AU$110,594 to support Territory-based contractors providing essential services such as earthworks and laboratory analysis.
Successful grant recipients include major players like Tivan Ltd., Prodigy Gold NL, Core Lithium, Daly Resources, and Agnico Eagle NT.
Maley said the program was particularly important at a time when exploration companies face increasingly competitive global investment markets.
“We want companies choosing the Territory when they make investment decisions, and programs like this help make that happen,” he said.
Tivan Executive Chairman Grant Wilson welcomed the funding, noting it would progress their 2026 drill program at the Molyhil Tungsten Project.
Similarly, Prodigy Gold Managing Director Mark Edwards stated the co-funding would fast-track exploration in the highly prospective Tanami Region.
The resources industry remains the powerhouse of the Territory economy, contributing AU$8.4 billion annually and supporting over 3,400 direct jobs.
With 16 developing mining projects currently on the horizon, representing a combined capital investment of $6 billion, this latest funding injection ensures a pipeline of long-term prosperity for regional communities.
