The successful applicants for Round 21 of the State Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme’s (EIS) Co-funded Exploration Drilling Program have been announced.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety received 61 applications, with 45 applicants offered co-funded drilling grants worth $5.23 million.
The applicants’ 49 projects stretch from the Kimberley and Pilbara in the north, through to the Mid-West, Goldfields and the South-West regions.
Almost a third of the successful general category applicants are searching for battery minerals, including one vanadium project and two rare earth element projects.
While seven successful prospectors are looking for gold, copper and base metals. The applicants will have 12 months to undertake the work – from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
The Co-funded Exploration Drilling Program, which provides incentives to drill in under explored areas, has resulted in significant scientific and economic results for the State’s resources industry.
The projects provide an extensive collection of drill core, which is stored at the Geological Survey of Western Australia’s core libraries – offering a valuable resource for explorers.
A recent EIS success story includes Capricorn Metals’ Karlawinda gold project, which has exceeded two million ounces in reserves.
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:“Round 21’s 49 successful projects was an increase on the previous round, which bodes well for the future of our resources industry as the McGowan Government works towards economic recovery after COVID-19.“The amount of applications we received, reflect the strong interest in Western Australia as an investment destination for mineral resources”.
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