Mineral licences

In Victoria, you need a licence for minerals exploration and mining.

Exploration licence

An exploration licence gives the licence holder exclusive rights to explore for specific minerals within the specified licence area.

Review the Exploration licence guidelines for assistance on the application process, licence requirements, compliance and how to vary an exploration licence.

Retention licence

A retention licence is suitable where a mineral resource is identified but the resource is not yet commercially viable to mine but may become so in the future.

Review the Retention licence guidelines for assistance on the application process, licence requirements, compliance and how to vary a retention licence.

Mining licence

A mining licence holder is entitled to mine the land covered by the licence, explore for minerals and construct mining facilities related to the mining operation.

Review the Mining licence guidelines for assistance on the application process, licence requirements, compliance and how to vary a mining licence.

Prospecting licence

Prospecting licences allow prospectors and small-scale miners to explore or mine in an area less than 5 hectares.

The Prospecting licence guidelines will provide information to assist applicants on the application process, licence requirements and compliance.

Miner's Right

A Miner's Right is used for hobbyist prospectors and fossickers to search for minerals, similar to a fishing licence. To learn more, visit the Recreational prospecting page.

Buy a Victorian miner's right
You need a miner's right for recreational prospecting in Victoria.

Submit your application online

You can submit and manage most minerals licence or work authority applications and variations online via the Resources Rights Allocation and Management (RRAM) portal.

If you are unsure of your RRAM login details please email rram.support@deeca.vic.gov.au.

Page last updated: 10 Sep 2025