- New Exploration Incentive Scheme funding delivers on 2025 election commitment
- Six-week extension granted to streamline project completion
- Co-funded drilling continues to reveal new resource opportunities
- Scheme ensures Western Australia's resources industry remains a world leader
The Cook Government is ensuring Western Australia's economy remains the strongest in the nation by delivering on its election commitment to boost funding for mineral exploration, with the latest round of the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) opening this week.
Thanks to the new funding, this round marks the first time the Co-funded Geophysics Program will be available to resource explorers across the entire State, having previously been limited to specific areas.
The program is now open to all explorers with granted tenements and greenfield projects.
In another first, Round 33 of the Co-funded Drilling Program will include funding for downhole surveys, providing companies with the opportunity to investigate drill holes in greater detail.
The Cook Government's 2025 election commitment involved doubling the annual EIS budget from its previous level of $9 million to $18 million per year.
To further streamline project timelines, successful applicants will also benefit from revised guidelines that allow up to six additional weeks for project completion.
Companies which trialled this change in 2025 welcomed the extended timeline, as it allowed for earlier project starts and smoother execution.
Series 9 of the Energy Analysis Program, which supports research and innovation in energy solutions, also opened this week.
Recent EIS success stories include Black Cat Syndicate, which has made notable progress at its Clement Antimony Project, funded in Round 31.
Drilling has already intersected visible antimony-bearing mineralisation, highlighting the growing importance of antimony as a critical mineral in Australia.
The project aligns with the Commonwealth's $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, further enhancing its strategic value.
Encounter Resources' Aileron Project also achieved success.
An airborne electromagnetic survey, funded through Venture 2 of the Geophysics Program, supported successful drilling efforts that led to the early discovery of the Green Carbonatite Complex.
This structure holds strong potential for niobium and rare earth elements (REE), highlighting the growing importance of these minerals in WA's resources sector.
Applications for Round 33 (Co-funded Drilling), Venture 3 (Geophysics) and Series 9 (Energy Analysis) close at 4pm on 27 February 2026.
For more information, visit: www.dmpe.wa.gov.au/EISgrant .
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"The Cook Government's increased investment in the Exploration Incentive Scheme will unlock opportunities that could drive WA's resources sector to new heights.
"We remain focused on advancing mineral exploration across regional WA, recognising the critical role it plays in shaping the economic prosperity of our State and the nation.
"I look forward to seeing more companies take advantage of this funding to accelerate the discovery of the critical minerals essential for our sustainable future."
