Commercial gold and mineral mining
Statutory pathway from exploration licence to mining lease.
Mining title progression
Stages of commercial mineral tenure
| Stage | Title | Purpose | Term |
|---|
| 1 | Exploration Licence (EL) | Search and assess mineralisation | 1–5 years (state-dependent) |
| 2 | Retention Licence | Hold ground during mine planning | State-specific |
| 3 | Mining Lease | Commercial extraction and sale | 21 years, typically renewable |
Western Australia — Mining Act 1978 titles
- Prospecting Licence — small-scale prospecting areas
- Special Prospecting Licence for Gold (SPL) — maximum 10 hectares
- Exploration Licence — graticular block system (min 1, max 70–200 blocks)
- Mining Lease — commercial production with rehabilitation obligations
WA Mining Act Guidelines — Basic Provisions (PDF)
Application checklist
- Lodge Exploration Licence with state mining registrar
- Complete Native Title future-act process where applicable
- Obtain environmental approvals
- Lodge rehabilitation plan and pay financial security bond
- Apply for Mining Lease upon proof of economic mineralisation
- Register for royalty obligations with state revenue authority
- Maintain work program reporting and expenditure commitments
Gold-bearing oreEconomic mineralisation must be demonstrated before a mining lease is granted.
