Apply for a prospecting licence

The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) regulates minerals exploration in Victoria. DJPR's licence application process is outlined below.

1. Applicant submits the application including all compulsory information and pays the fee.
2. Applicant supplies extra information if requested.
3. DJPR accepts and ranks application and advises applicant.
4. Applicant advertises licence application in local and statewide papers within 14 days of knowing the priority.
5. Objections or comments may be lodged within 21 days of advertisements.
6. Address any Native Title requirements*
7. DJPR assesses application, objections and comments. Applicant may be asked for additional information.
8. DJPR makes recommendation to grant or refuse the licence.
9. Minister (or delegate) grants or refuses the licence.
10. If granted, licence is registered.
11. Applicant and objectors told if licence is granted or refused.

If the application includes Crown land, you may need to settle an Indigenous Land Use Agreement or Traditional Owner Settlement Act (TOSA) Land Use Agreement.

View our step-by-step guide to completing the prospecting licence application form.

Before work can start you will need to:

• have an approved work plan (required for any activities that are not low impact exploration - for more information, please contact the assessments team)
• give seven days' notice to the chief inspector and owner/occupier of land
• a rehabilitation bond
• the necessary consents (including low impact exploration and ministerial consent if exploring on restricted Crown land)
• public liability insurance
• owner/occupier consent.

If the application includes Crown land, you may need to settle an Indigenous Land Use Agreement or Traditional Owner Settlement Act (TOSA) Land Use Agreement.