What are the different types of permit?

Prospecting is usually very low impact work. Often only literature search, geological mapping and rock chip sampling or aerial surveys over a relatively large geographical area are undertaken. A prospecting permit is initially granted for a period up to two years and is for the purpose of identifying land in general likely to contain exploitable minerals.

If no previous work has been successfully done to locate a possible deposit for the specified mineral within the application area and only geological mapping, a geochemical survey or aerial geophysical survey is proposed, then the applicant should apply for a prospecting permit. If there has been previous prospecting, exploration or mining, then the applicant should be intending to explore at a minimum, as prospecting will not materially add to the existing knowledge.

Exploration involves many different methods and will include all work undertaken until actual mining. An exploration permit is initially granted for a period up to five years and is for the purpose of identifying mineral deposits and evaluating the feasibility of mining.

This work may include a literature review, drilling, trenching, grid geological mapping and even geotechnical work. Depending on the work intended, it may be best to directly apply for an exploration permit rather than a prospecting permit.

Mining involves the economic recovery of an identified mineral resource. The nature and extent of the mineral deposit must have been clearly defined during exploration and the size of the resource (the reserves) accurately known. The applicant should be able to outline the grades and tonnage expected and the degree of confidence associated with the outline. A mining permit can be granted up to a period of forty years depending on the size of the resource. It is more common for mining permits to be granted for periods up to twenty years.

Gold fossicking and activities demonstrating historic mining methods are provided for separately.