Mineral applications steady during December 2017 quarter

A steady quarter but busy year for Programme of Work applications.
Date: Friday, 19 January 2018

The number of mineral exploration Programme of Work applications submitted to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) remained steady during the December quarter.

The department received 2575 Programme of Work applications in calendar year 2017 compared to 1799 the previous year.

Strategic Projects Senior Advisor Graham Cobby said the increase in exploration applications during 2017 was a result of increased interest in gold and lithium.

“Interest in gold and lithium remained high throughout 2017 and is likely to continue into 2018,” he said.

The number of mineral exploration applications submitted to the department over the past 15 months is:

December 2016 Quarter = 421
March 2017 Quarter = 640
June 2017 Quarter = 669
September 2017 Quarter = 658
December 2017 Quarter = 608

You may view the full December Approval Performance Report online.