The state government has received 90 applications seeking more than $9 million in co-funding as part of its $80 million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) to encourage drilling and exploration in untapped areas.
The state government has received 90 applications seeking more than $9 million in co-funding as part of its $80 million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) to encourage drilling and exploration in untapped areas.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said 67 companies or prospectors had applied for funding in the second round of the government's co-funded exploration drilling program.
More than $9.3 million has been applied for for various drilling and exploration programs with a drilling program budget of $5 million in 2010-11.
"The co-funded drilling program is one of six EIS programs available under the Liberal-National Government's Royalties for Regions scheme and encourages drilling in under-explored or greenfield areas," Mr Moore said.
"It is designed to develop the long term sustainability of Western Australia's resource industry."
Most of the applicants were from the mineral exploration sector, although some were from geothermal and petroleum explorers.
Gold was the preferred commodity in 42 of the applications, followed by base metals in 33 applications.
Other commodities sought include nickel (15 applications), iron (13), uranium (nine), heavy mineral sands and coal.
The successful applicants will be announced in June.
Full announcement below:
Exploration incentive scheme attracts 90 applicants
Portfolio: Mines and Petroleum
The State Government has received 90 applications, seeking more than $9.3million in co-funding, as part of its $80million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS).
Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said 67 companies or prospectors had applied for funding in the second round of the Government's co-funded exploration drilling program.
The Government has budgeted $5million for the drilling program in 2010-11.
"The co-funded drilling program is one of six EIS programs available under the Liberal-National Government's Royalties for Regions scheme and encourages drilling in under-explored or greenfield areas," Mr Moore said.
"It is designed to develop the long term sustainability of Western Australia's resource industry."
"The locations of the proposed projects in this latest round reflect the requirement for targeted exploration in under-explored areas.
"Many of the projects are in remote greenfield areas and several of them, which were co-funded in the first round of drilling funding, have already returned good results.
"These include Beadell's gold results in the West Musgrave and Encounter Resources' high-grade zinc mineralisation in the Pilbara."
Most of the applicants were from the mineral exploration sector, although some were from geothermal and petroleum explorers.
Gold was the preferred commodity in 42 of the applications, followed by base metals in 33 applications. Other commodities sought include nickel (15 applications), iron (13), uranium (nine), heavy mineral sands and coal.
The successful applicants will be announced in June.