WA explorers get extra cash for minerals hunt

WA’s mineral explorers have been given a boost with the State Government pumping another $5 million into the Exploration Incentive Scheme as part of its COVID-19 economic recovery plan for the State.

The additional cash will lift funding for the scheme to $15 million this financial year, resulting in an extra $3 million being available for the next two rounds of the co-funded drilling program.’

The program offers up to a 50 per cent refund for suitable innovative greenfield exploration drilling projects, capped at specific amounts.

The State Government has invested $45 million in the EIS since 2017/18.

Additionally, the funding will accelerate the acquisition of airborne electromagnetic data from the southern half of the State, which is testing for the presence of critical battery minerals (such as nickel) and water.