Tasmania Minister for Resources Sarah Courtney

Growing Our Minerals Sector

Victor P Taffa

Hodgman Government will continue to unlock Tasmania’s mining potential with round 2 of its Mining Exploration Grants Program opening this week, Minister for Resources Sarah Courtney said.

Initiative underpins the next generation of mineral discovers in Tasmania, and this next round follows a successful round 1 in which 10 businesses received funding.

It provides grants of up to $50,000 for direct drilling costs and $20,000 for helicopter support, if required, for successful applicants who are exploring for greenfield mineral targets.

Mining and minerals processing sector have played a vital role in the North-West for more than 100 years and is a key part of its economic and social fabric.

Mining and minerals processing sector currently employ 6,000 people state-wide and accounted for 55 % or more than $1.5 Billion of Tasmania’s exports in 2016-17.

“There is no stronger or more consistent supporter of the mining sector than the Hodgman Government and we are committed to grow the industry.” Minister Courtney said.

Round 2 application period will close on 29 March 2019 with successful applicants announced by early May 2019.

Applicants under round 1 were from throughout Australia.