Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program
The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program is a key initiative of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2024-35. The program encourages more exploration in NSW by investing $2.5 million over the next two years to fund successful applicants to undertake drilling, geophysics and geochemistry.
The Exploration Program has the following funding streams:
- Exploration Geochemistry: Up to $50,000 per project
- Exploration Geophysics: Up to $70,000 per project
- Exploration Drilling - less than 250 metres depth: Up to $150,000 per project
- Exploration Drilling – greater than 250 metres depth: Up to $250,000 per project
All funding streams require a 50% company co-contribution.
- Applications will open at 9 am, Wednesday 16 April 2025.
- Applications will close at 5 pm, Monday 30 June 2025.
- Successful recipients will be announced on Tuesday 30 September 2025.
Applications open on 16 April 2025
Applications for the Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program open at 9 am on Wednesday 16 April 2025.
Applications can be submitted in accordance with the program guidelines through SmartyGrants.
Read the program guidelines (PDF, 561.78 KB).
NSW Resources will be hosting a webinar to provide industry with information about the program guidelines and application process.
Register for the webinar being held on 30 April 2025.
Completed application forms must be received before the grant application deadline of 5 pm, Monday 30 June 2025.
Contact
For further information on the Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program email nswresources.programs@dpird.nsw.gov.au.
Related documents
Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program guidelines (PDF, 561.78 KB)
Sample funding deed (DOCX, 109.88 KB)
Project plan template (XLSX, 25.14 KB)