PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has opened applications for Round 20 of its Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) co-funded exploration drilling programme.
The programme provides A$5-million a year to encourage greenfield exploration in under-explored areas.
Explorers can receive a refund of up to 50% for innovative drilling projects, with caps of A$150 000, A$200 000 and A$30 000 for prospectors.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has welcomed the latest EIS round, with CEO Warren Pearce on Friday praising the government’s efforts to encourage greenfield exploration.
“There are significant hurdles that companies face in raising capital for greenfield mineral exploration, and it is fantastic to see the Western Australian government providing ongoing support through co-funded drilling.”
“Programs such as the EIS have proved essential to attracting matching private investment for greenfield exploration, and have a proven record of success in making new discoveries which lead to new mining projects.”
Applications for Round 20 will close on October 4.