Apply for an exploration licence

The Earth Resources Regulator (ERR) regulates minerals exploration in Victoria. ERR's licence application process is outlined below.

1. Applicant submits application including all compulsory information and pays the fee
2. Applicant supplies extra information if requested.
3. ERR accepts and ranks application and advises applicant.
4. Applicant advertises licence application [MS Word Document - 61.3 KB] in local and statewide papers within 14 days of acceptance and ranking.
5. Objections or comments may be lodged within 21 days of advertisements.
6. Address any Native Title requirements*
7. ERR assesses application, objections and comments. Applicant may be asked for additional information.
8. ERR makes recommendation to grant or refuse the licence.
9. Minister (or delegate) grants or refuses the licence.
10. If granted, license 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 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.