Open Call: Collaborative Exploration Initiative Program (Australia)

The CEI supports mineral exploration programs that are technically sound, innovative, address vital knowledge gaps, and contribute to the discovery of minerals in Queensland needed as the world decarbonizes, through both the exploration program itself and the public data generated as a resource for other explorers.

Funding Information

• The maximum award is capped at $250,000 (excluding GST) per program. There is still no requirement for co-funding, however, only eligible direct activity costs will be reimbursed. The maximum cumulative award for multiple successful applications per applicant is now capped at $400,000 (excluding GST).

Eligibility Criteria

• The following eligibility criteria must be met to be eligible to apply for a CEI:
  • The Applicant must be the Holder or Operator of a granted Exploration Permit for Minerals (EPM), Mineral Development Lease (MDL) or Mining Lease (ML) in the State of Queensland.
  • The Applicant must have sufficient funds and technical capacity to carry the program through to completion, prior to reimbursement of CEI payment.
  • Access agreements with landholders (relevant to the proposed activity) must be initiated prior to application and must be in accordance with the 2023 Land Access Code. In the case of advanced activities (drilling), site access must be finalised no later than 1 September 2025. Explorers without land access in place should consider applying for a CEI in the next round after land access has been secured. Applications for projects where land access has not been secured or finalised will be looked on less favourably due to the increased risk of forfeiting of the proposed work program.
  • The relevant Environmental Authority (EA) must be in place for all program EPMs at the time of application. Any additional environmental approvals or amendments for the proposed activity must also be completed at the time of application.
  • Where required, Native Title agreements must be in place to be eligible to apply to CEI.
  • Progress or completion of cultural heritage clearances must be demonstrated in the CEI application with a clear path to have heritage clearances completed early within the program timeframe (high impact activities).
  • Confirmation from contractors (e.g. drillers, geophysical surveys or geochemical laboratories) of their availability to undertake the proposed work must be provided. A minimum of two quotes for the main activity (i.e. drilling, airborne survey) are recommended as part of your budget planning but do not need to be provided – only the justification of the potentially selected contractor/service. Considerations around topography and rugged areas should be considered when requesting quotes.
  • All tenure held by the Applicant including all associated Entities must be in compliance with legislation including, but not limited to, the Mineral Resources Act 1989, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003, Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and Native Title Act 1993. All Applicants are vetted by the Tenure Compliance Team prior to their proposal being assessed.
  • All tenure held by the Applicant, including all associated Entities, must be in good standing with the Queensland Government, meaning rent paid, activity and expenditure commitments consistently met for the Conditioned Periods, and reporting requirements fulfilled. All Applicants are vetted by the Tenure Compliance Team prior to their proposal being assessed.
  • The Applicant must have an Australian Business or Company Number (ABN / ACN), an Australian bank account, and be registered for GST.
  • Public Liability Insurance must be held for a minimum of $20 million dollars for the duration of the program, with evidence (insurance certificate) of current status, period insured and, if the insurance expires during the program, evidence of renewal sent to GSQ before the expiry date and be held in the Applicant’s name. This level of insurance must be held by the Applicant, and all Entities undertaking the activity (such as tenement operator, geophysical contractors and drilling companies).
  • Applicants (Entities and their Directors) must pass a Financial Probity check.

For more information, visit Australian Government.