Growing our minerals sector

Sarah Courtney,Minister for Resources

The Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to unlock Tasmania’s mining potential with round 2 of its Mining Exploration Grants Program opening this week.

The 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.

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

The sector currently employs 6000 people state-wide and accounted for 55 per cent – 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 Liberal Government and we are committed to grow the industry.

The 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.

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