All About Critical Minerals & High-Tech Metals Program

The NSW Government has taken considerable steps to encourage state-wide mineral searches. The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program funds up to $2.5 million for companies identified in the exploration of essential minerals that will be used for technological advancement in the future.

This program forms a key part of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2024-35, aiming to position NSW as a leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals exploration and production.

Program Overview

The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program encourages exploration across NSW by co-funding drilling, geophysics, and geochemistry projects. The program targets Groups 1, 6, and 10 minerals under the Mining Act 1992, focusing on NSW Priority Metals.

The main objectives of the program include:

• Supporting the long-term sustainability of the NSW resources sector
• Ensuring a sustainable economic resource pipeline for the state
• Testing new geological ideas and models
• Identifying new deposits, especially in the greenfield and near the mine area
• Consolidating partnerships between Industry and the State Government

With $2.5 million allocated over two years, this program represents a significant investment in the future of mineral exploration in NSW.

Funding Streams

The program offers funding across four distinct streams:

• Exploration Geochemistry: Up to $50,000 per project
• Total funding allocation: $350,000
• Minimum funding per applicant: $5,000
• Exploration Geophysics: Up to $70,000 per project
• Total funding allocation: $500,000
• Minimum funding per applicant: $20,000
• Exploration Drilling (less than 250 metres depth): Up to $150,000 per project
• Part of the total drilling allocation of $1,650,000
• Minimum funding per applicant: $50,000
• Exploration Drilling (greater than 250 metres depth): Up to $250,000 per project
• Part of the total drilling allocation of $1,650,000
• Minimum funding per applicant: $50,000

All funding streams require a 50% company co-contribution. This means the NSW Government will fund up to half of the total project cost, with the maximum contribution capped at the abovementioned amounts.

Key Dates

The program application will strictly follow the following timeline:

• Opening date: 9 am, Wednesday 16 April 2025
• Closing date: 5 pm, Monday 30 June 2025
• Announcement of successful recipients: Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Interested companies should keep these dates in their plan and be ready with their applications.

Maximum Grant Amounts by Stream

Project Type	Max Grant
Drilling (>250m)	$250,000
Drilling (<250m)	$150,000
Geophysics	$70,000
Geochemistry	$50,000

Eligible Projects

Each funding stream targets specific exploration activities:

Exploration Geochemistry

Eligible projects include sampling programs designed to identify geochemical anomalies that warrant further exploration. Examples include:

• Soil sampling
• Stream sediment sampling
• Vegetation sampling
• Groundwater sampling

These programs must show potential for discovering and developing economic mineral deposits.

Exploration Geophysics

This stream supports acquiring geophysical data to locate and map the Earth’s crust anomalies. Eligible activities include:

• Airborne geophysical surveys
• Ground geophysical surveys
• Magnetic surveys
• Gravity surveys
• Electrical methods

Exploration Drilling

The drilling stream focuses on programs that define targets with high potential for discovering economic mineral deposits. This includes:

• Rotary drilling
• RAB/open-hole drilling
• Air core drilling
• RC drilling
• Diamond drilling

The program emphasises deep drilling projects, which can receive higher funding amounts.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants

To qualify for funding, applicants must be:

• Companies incorporated in Australia
• Incorporated trustees
• Associations
• Co-operatives
• Partnerships
• Sole traders
• Incorporated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations

All applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and hold relevant mining titles in NSW.

Project Requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Align with the objectives of the program
• Support exploration for Group 1, 6, and 10 minerals under the Mining Act 1992
• Be completed by 30 September 2027
• Deliver, or have the potential to deliver, significant benefits to NSW
• Be conducted in NSW and relate to a resource located in the state

Applicants must also:

• Have suitable land access arrangements at the time of application
• Hold or commit to obtaining public liability insurance of not less than $20 million
• Hold relevant workers’ compensation insurance if applicable
• Provide a co-contribution of at least 50% of the total project cost

Ineligible Applicants and Projects

The following are not eligible for funding:

Ineligible organisations:

• Local councils or their Section 355 Committees
• Joint Organisations of Councils
• Australian or NSW Government agencies
• Unincorporated associations
• Insolvent or bankrupt businesses
• Businesses subject to ongoing legal proceedings

Ineligible projects:

• Resource definition drilling that is not exploration
• Rehabilitation of sites
• Research and academic studies
• Exploration for minerals not in Groups 1, 6, and 10
• Geotechnical surveys
• Works completed before notification of successful application

Application Process

The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program uses an open-competitive application process. This means all applications compete against the same criteria, promoting fairness and transparency.

Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants portal. Even if an applicant pursues multiple projects, each project and type requires a separate application.

Application Examples

Example 1 (multiple project types): Organisation A has a single project involving geophysics and drilling at the same site. Both activities are eligible for funding under the program. Organisation A must submit two separate applications: one for “Exploration Geophysics” and one for “Exploration Drilling.”

Example 2 (multiple projects): Organisation B is undertaking drilling operations across numerous projects. They must submit various applications under the “Exploration Drilling” category, one for each project.

Assessment Process

The Department assesses each application on its merits and competitively against other applications. The assessment involves:

1. Initial review by the Department
2. Assessment Review Panel Evaluation
3. A final decision by the Department based on panel recommendations

The Assessment Review Panel considers principles including:

• Alignment with the strategy, particularly targeting NSW priority metals (Rare Earth Elements, Scandium, Cobalt, Copper, and Silver)
• Total available funding
• Previous and current compliance with legislation and policy
• Previous funding received under NSW Government projects
• Outcome viability
• Geographical spread
• Industry impact
• Regional context and other relevant factors
• Personal, business, and probity risks
• Suitability for other government funding opportunities
• Alignment with NSW Government policies and strategies

An independent probity advisor attends Program Review Panel meetings to ensure fairness and transparency.

Funding Usage

Grant funds can only be used for direct costs of the approved project. Eligible costs vary by project type:

Exploration Geochemistry

• Survey costs, including data acquisition and supporting costs
• Sampling costs, including contractor costs
• Analysis and assay costs

Exploration Geophysics

• Study costs, including supporting costs
• Acquisition and data processing

Exploration Drilling

• Costs relating to drilling, including supporting costs such as mobilisation
• Drilling costs
• Sampling costs, including drill hole sampling and assays

Importantly, applicants cannot claim funding for works completed before receiving a Letter of Offer.

After Approval

Successful applicants will enter into a Funding Deed with the Department. This deed sets out:

• Project delivery requirements
• Reporting obligations
• Payment terms
• Other obligations of both parties

Recipients must submit quarterly reports through the SmartyGrants portal to update the Department on project progress. Satisfactory reporting is a condition of grant funding payment.

Why Geochemistry?

The program has expanded to include exploration geochemistry, recognising its fundamental role in mineral exploration. Most exploration programs rely on geochemistry as part of their suite of techniques.

Geochemistry provides valuable data that can identify promising areas for further investigation, making it an essential component of compelling mineral exploration.

The Importance of Critical Minerals

The two components of CMM and HTM are necessary for the manufacturing of modern equipment, and both components are naturally widely available in New South Wales and its territories.

The development of these resources will make NSW the leader in supplying the world with High-Tech and Critical metals. These minerals and metals are also used in renewable technologies, such as wind energy, electronics, and military applications. NSW is setting the stage for increasing worldwide demand by creating the conditions for exploring these resources.

The program explicitly prioritises exploration for NSW priority metals, which include Rare Earth Elements, Scandium, Cobalt, Copper, and Silver.

Expert Grant Support

Navigating government grant applications can be complex and time-consuming. Expert assistance can be invaluable in maximising your chances of success.

Pattens Group has been helping Australian businesses secure government funding for over 30 years. Our specialised team understands the nuances of grant applications, particularly in the resources and mining sector. We have helped numerous exploration companies access funding through programs like the Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program.

For expert application assistance that can significantly increase your chances of success, contact Pattens Group today.

Conclusion: Maximise Your Funding Opportunity

Businesses in the mining and exploration industries in New South Wales have a fantastic opportunity with the Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program. This program offers $2.5 million in funding, which might propel your exploration idea forward.

However, with the competitive nature of grant funding and the detailed requirements of this program, professional assistance can make all the difference between success and disappointment.

Pattens Group brings three decades of grant consulting experience to your application. Our proven track record includes helping clients secure millions in government funding across various sectors, including mining and resources.

With applications closing on 30 June 2025, now is the time to act. Don’t leave your application to chance – partner with Australia’s trusted grant specialists at Pattens Group to craft a compelling, competitive submission highlighting your project’s alignment with program objectives.

Contact Pattens Group today to discuss how we can help turn your exploration plans into a funded reality. Or reserve a Free Consultation, and we’ll provide valuable insights and answers to your questions—no pressure, just results.

FAQs: Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program