Have your say on new licence applications
Minerals exploration and mining with the appropriate approvals, is permitted across Victoria. The Crown owns all minerals.
Earth Resources Regulation is the regulator of exploration, mining, quarrying, petroleum, recreational prospecting and other earth resources activities in Victoria. The regulator assesses, approves and regulates licences, in line with the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990.
For exploration licences, more than 20 different pieces of legislation provide safeguards for the environment, land and water as a part of the licence application process. Exploration licences are awarded for up to five years with the option to extend. If exploration activities determine a commercially viable mineral deposit, the next step is an application for a mining licence.
It takes many years, even decades to process a mining application, which is subject to strict regulatory approval processes, involving environmental assessments and local stakeholder engagement.
Once an application is accepted for assessment an applicant has 14 days to advertise the application and call for public comment, in accordance with the Advertising Guideline. The advertisement must contain information about the proposed work, along with details on how members of the public can comment on the application. This information should also be available on the individual’s or entity’s website.
More information for community and landowners about exploration and mining is available in the Community and Land Use section of our website.
Public input is central to how Earth Resources Regulation administers licence applications under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990. The Regulator may apply special conditions to licences based on issues identified through the objection process.
We invite public comment on mining, exploration, retention and prospecting licence applications. Please refer to the list of applications below. These licences are open for public comment now.
GeoVic is also available to help build your own earth resource related maps, search for minerals licences and access data, using a huge range of sources.
Licence Applications open for feedback
Application number | Licence type | Company Name | Location | Submissions close |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL006714 | Exploration Licence | Alluvial Mining Pty Ltd | Extending from approximately 20 km northeast of Ararat northwards to 2.5 km south of Landsborough and also eastwards to Elmhurst in Western Victoria | 14 June 2023 |
| EL007751 | Exploration Licence | Loddon Gold Pty Ltd | 1km east of Hillcrest, 20km north of Chinaman Flat, 1km south of Carngham, including Snake Valley | 14 June 2023 |
| EL008058 | Exploration Licence | East Victoria Goldfields Pty Ltd | 17km south of Omeo, 3.5km south east Cassilis, 8.5km north west of Swifts Creek | 14 June 2023 |
| EL008074 | Exploration Licence | Southern Star Exploration Pty Ltd | 6km east of Castlemaine, 5km west of Redesdale, 2km north of Taradale, including Sutton Grange, Faraday and Metcalf | 14 June 2023 |
| EL008218 | Exploration Licence | East Victoria Goldfields Pty Ltd | 0.5km west of Colquhoun, 1km east of Bruthen, 4km east of Tambo Upper, including Callinans and Ramrod Creek | 14 June 2023 |
| EL008255 | Exploration Licence | Ballart Investment Project Management Pty Ltd | Approximately 2 km south southwest of Yandoit in Central Victoria | 14 June 2023 |
Provide feedback on a licence application
Any person may object or comment on a licence being granted. (Section 24 and 24A, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990).
A person who objects or comments must:
- put the objection or comments in writing; and
- include the grounds on which it is made.
All objections or comments must be lodged within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised. Objections or comments can be lodged online or posted to:
The Minister for Energy and Resources
c/- Manager Licensing
Earth Resources Regulation
PO Box 500
East Melbourne Victoria 8002
Enquiries can be made by writing to the Manager Licensing at the above address or by phoning the Earth Resources Information Centre on 136 186.
Extractive Industries applications
Public input into extractive industries (i.e. quarrying) applications is conducted via the planning permit process. Applications can normally be located via ‘Planning Application at Advertising’ webpages on Council websites.
Page last updated: 24 May 2023