Minerals are the property of the Crown in South Australia, and access to land for exploration is gained through provisions of the Mining Act 1971 (Act) and Regulations under the Act. An Exploration Licence (EL) is the principal title issued for exploration in the state. An EL authorises the Licensee subject to the Act, Regulations and conditions of the Licence, to explore for all minerals other than extractive minerals (i.e. building construction materials). An EL excludes current mining tenements (mineral claims, mining leases and retention leases) and any other areas not available for exploration (i.e. National parks, some Commonwealth land, coastlines, etc.) (refer to SARIG).
Refer to the Departmental Guideline for more information on exploration licences in SA
1:2M Mineral Exploration Licence map showing licences and restricted land (updated daily)
Information sheets (updated weekly) ISM01 Current Mineral Exploration Licence Applications ISM02 Current Mineral Exploration Licences, including pending renewals ISM03 Current Mineral Exploration Licence holders (alphabetical)
DEM Minerals web links General information about minerals Information sheets Regulatory guidelines Access to land Legislation relevant to mineral exploration and mining in South Australia Inspection of the Mining Register (including searches for registered claims, lease and licences) Schedule of Fees relevant to Mineral Exploration Licences Exploration Release Area Information
An application fee applies (view the Mining Act Fees) and is made via the secure South Australian Government’s eBusiness environment on Visa or Mastercard.
