Apply for an exploration licence
An exploration licence gives the licence holder exclusive rights to explore for specific minerals within the specified licence area.
No mining activities can be undertaken on an exploration licence.
If you're applying for an exploration licence, you need to include the following information:
- A map showing the boundaries of the application area (scale 1:100 000).
- The major mineral/s of interest.
- Details of the work program for each year of the licence.
Detailed information on what you need to include in your application is available in the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019:
The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) regulates minerals exploration in Victoria. DJPR's licence application process is outlined below.
- Applicant submits application including all compulsory information and pays the fee
- Applicant supplies extra information if requested.
- DJPR accepts and ranks application and advises applicant.
- Applicant advertises licence application (WORD - 88.3 KB) in local and statewide papers within 14 days of acceptance and ranking.
- Objections or comments may be lodged within 21 days of advertisements.
- Address any Native Title requirements*
- DJPR assesses application, objections and comments. Applicant may be asked for additional information.
- DJPR makes recommendation to grant or refuse the licence.
- Minister (or delegate) grants or refuses the licence.
- If granted, license is registered.
- 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 exploration licence application form.
Low impact exploration
Low impact exploration is defined in the Act. See Schedule 4A – Low impact exploration (page 295).
As a licensee (licence holder), you have a duty to consult affected community members during the entire exploration process.
The licensee (licence holder) needs:
- the necessary consents (including ministerial consent if exploring on restricted Crown land)
- public liability insurance
- owner/occupier consent
Other types of exploration
As a licensee (licence holder), you have a duty to consult affected community members during the entire exploration process.
If your activities are not low impact you will need:
- an approved work plan
- a rehabilitation bond
- the necessary consents (including ministerial consent if exploring on restricted Crown land)
- public liability insurance
- owner/occupier consent
- provide seven days' notice to the chief inspector and owner/occupier of land
- to comply with conditions to offset environmental impacts (if applicable)
Find out more about exploration work on a licence.
Submit your application online
You can submit and manage most minerals licence or work authority applications and variations online using our Resources Rights Allocation and Management (RRAM) portal.
If you are unsure of your RRAM login details, contact RRAM support.
If you are unable to access RRAM you can download the relevant form from the licence forms page.
More information
Page last updated: 31 Aug 2023